Ottawa Sailing and Powerboating Schools

Responsible Use of Flares

Article Submitted to Boating News - Summer 1998

An incident involving flares that just happened a couple of weeks ago and others that I have witnessed in the past has motivated me to write this month’s article. Two weeks ago after seeing flares shoot up into the sky in the middle of Lac Deschenes on the Ottawa River, I quickly grabbed 2 other people and proceeded in a Boston Whaler at full speed towards where we saw the flare go up. While on our way to the scene we asked a couple of boaters on the river if they had seen anything. The second boater admitted that he had shot off his expired flares just for the fun of it. We then proceeded back to the harbour asking ourselves how ignorant and irresponsible can you get?

First, it is illegal to fire off flares just for the fun of it. They are to be used only in emergency situations when your vessel or crew are in grave and imminent danger and require assistance. Remember, as skipper of a vessel you are required by law to render assistance to all in danger or distress unless it jeopardizes the safety of your crew or vessel.

There are four types of approved distress flares: A, B, C, and D. A type A flare is a single parachute flare. A type B flare is a multi-star rocket consisting of at least two free- falling red stars. A type C flare is a hand held flare and a type D flare is a buoyant or hand held orange daytime smoke signal. Currently (look for changes in 1999) if your boat is between 8 - 12 meters in length, you must carry 12 flares of which no more then 6 may be of type D. Flares are not required on boats with no sleeping quarters engaged in racing competition, on boats propelled solely by oars or paddles, or on boats in waters where it can never be more than a nautical mile from shore. It is also important to remember that all flares must be DOT approved and are valid for four years from the date of manufacture marked on each flare. Keep your flares easily accessible and keep them in a dry, cool location in a watertight container.

Be prepared to fire your flares off during an emergency situation. The skipper and crew should read the instructions when the flares are put on board the vessel. Basically, you aim the flare skyward, downwind and away from the boat and crew, and turn your face away before firing.

Take advantage of any flare demonstration events put on by the Canadian Coast Guard, your boating club, or boating safety organizations like the Canadian Yachting Association or Power and Sail Squadron. You can then fire off your expired flares under the supervision of a knowledgeable user of flares. If you’re unavailable to attend a flare demonstration event to get rid of your expired flares then try your local police department or closest toxic waste dump.

Distress signals could save your life. Use them responsibly and help any fellow boater in distress - it could be you that needs help the next time.

	Responsible Use of Flares Article Submitted to Boating News - Summer 1998 An incident involving flares that just happened a couple of weeks ago and others that I have witnessed in the past has motivated me to write this month’s article. Two weeks ago after seeing flares shoot up into the sky in the middle of Lac Deschenes on the Ottawa River, I quickly grabbed 2 other people and proceeded in a Boston Whaler at full speed towards where we saw the flare go up. While on our way to the scene we asked a couple of boaters on the river if they had seen anything. The second boater admitted that he had shot off his expired flares just for the fun of it. We then proceeded back to the harbour asking ourselves how ignorant and irresponsible can you get? First, it is illegal to fire off flares just *for the fun of it*. They are to be used only in emergency situations when your vessel or crew are in grave and imminent danger and require assistance. Remember, as skipper of a vessel you are required by law to render assistance to all in danger or distress unless it jeopardizes the safety of your crew or vessel. There are four types of approved distress flares: A, B, C, and D. A type A flare is a single parachute flare. A type B flare is a multi-star rocket consisting of at least two free- falling red stars. A type C flare is a hand held flare and a type D flare is a buoyant or hand held orange daytime smoke signal. Currently (look for changes in 1999) if your boat is between 8 - 12 meters in length, you must carry 12 flares of which no more then 6 may be of type D. Flares are not required on boats with no sleeping quarters engaged in racing competition, on boats propelled solely by oars or paddles, or on boats in waters where it can never be more than a nautical mile from shore. It is also important to remember that all flares must be DOT approved and are valid for four years from the date of manufacture marked on each flare. Keep your flares easily accessible and keep them in a dry, cool location in a watertight container. Be prepared to fire your flares off during an emergency situation. The skipper and crew should read the instructions when the flares are put on board the vessel. Basically, you aim the flare skyward, downwind and away from the boat and crew, and turn your face away before firing. Take advantage of any flare demonstration events put on by the Canadian Coast Guard, your boating club, or boating safety organizations like the Canadian Yachting Association or Power and Sail Squadron. You can then fire off your expired flares under the supervision of a knowledgeable user of flares. If you’re unavailable to attend a flare demonstration event to get rid of your expired flares then try your local police department or closest toxic waste dump. Distress signals could save your life. Use them responsibly and help any fellow boater in distress - it could be you that needs help the next time.




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