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Old Flares

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Gene DeMambro
1st Mate

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33 Posts

Initially Posted - 04/25/2006 : 17:59:28

I just discovered squirreled away on my boat a kit containing a half-dozen old flares (exp: Aug 1992) from a previous owner. I called the Fire Dept. and the Police Dept. about disposal, and was told to call the harbormaster (he's never in his office) or the State Fire Marshal. Any recommendations on proper disposal?

Gene

Edited by - Gene DeMambro on 04/25/2006 21:06:35

Gloss
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1916 Posts

Response Posted - 04/25/2006 : 18:12:24

I have heard that it is legal to fire them off on 4'th of July night when the fireworks are going off. I figure it's a good way to practice with the flare gun too.

It's always legal to fire them at jet skis

isn't it?

Next time I'm out at the boat I'll check if the Orion flare gun instruction book addresses that.

Edited by - on

Champipple
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
6855 Posts

Response Posted - 04/25/2006 : 18:16:35

Couple of Ideas....

First, call the local water authority. I'd tell you who that might be, but your profile doesn't list a region of the world that you might hail from.

Coast Guard would be the primary for many of us, State park water police, watercraft divison of xyz etc. Many have days set aside where you can practice with old flares. Around here a larger commercial fishing boat picks us up at the club, we get a 20 minute boater safety presentation. A few calls on the radio are done and at top of the hour closest to sunset they have a little fireworks show. If you have never set one off before it really doesn't hurt to have some experience prior to an emergency.

2 - Keep them, If your stranded on a rock and the radio is out - you might need 12 or 15 to draw attention.

3 - I don't know what else

Edited by - on

Dave Bristle
Master Marine Consultant

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Djibouti
10005 Posts

Response Posted - 04/25/2006 : 18:28:19

The marine cops where I used to live recommended 2--keep 'em--both the shells and the flares. I dunno... after buying new ones every few years due to expiration dates (as required), I think my supply is getting to be excessive... Gotta go find some PWCs.

Edited by - on

Champipple
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
6855 Posts

Response Posted - 04/25/2006 : 18:57:12

Sailor Arrested For Stockpiling Explosives

MYSTIC, CT - In a combined effort by the Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco and Firearms and the local police, a sailor, David Bristle 50 something of Mystic, was arrested Tuesday for stockpiling projectile flares. It is still unknown what his intended use for the flares was, but rumors abound that he was plotting to maim personal watercraft operators up and down the entire coast.

After appearing in Court, Visiting Judge Frank Gloss set him free on a 100 dollar bond. "One Boat Unit should be enought," Gloss said. When asked for comment, Bristle stated " The Marine Cops Said I should keep them. It isn't my fault they expire every two years."

-33-

Edited by - on

Buzz Maring
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1768 Posts

Response Posted - 04/25/2006 : 18:59:58

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by Duane Wolff
 Sailor Arrested For Stockpiling Explosives

MYSTIC, CT - In a combined effort by the Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco and Firearms and the local police, a sailor, David Bristle 50 something of Mystic, was arrested Tuesday for stockpiling projectile flares. It is still unknown what his intended use for the flares was, but rumors abound that he was plotting to maim personal watercraft operators up and down the entire coast.

After appearing in Court, Visiting Judge Frank Gloss set him free on a 100 dollar bond. "One Boat Unit should be enought," Gloss said. When asked for comment, Bristle stated " The Marine Cops Said I should keep them. It isn't my fault they expire every two years."

-33-<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">

Edited by - on

Gloss
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1916 Posts

Response Posted - 04/25/2006 : 21:46:35

that would be 100 dollars, AND clean out my porta potti

but released on own recognisance and a promise to take out some PWS's

actually, I have wondered about disposing these things too. Does anybody see any problem with my 4'th of July plan to practice with the flare gun?

Edited by - on

Dave Bristle
Master Marine Consultant

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Djibouti
10005 Posts

Response Posted - 04/25/2006 : 21:55:34

Edited by - on

Leon Sisson
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1893 Posts

Response Posted - 04/25/2006 : 23:56:20

I hang onto as many out of date pyrotechnics as I can safely and conveniently store. When I feel overstocked, I set off a few on New Years Eve or the 4th of July while everyone else is lighting up the sky in flagrant violation of local ordinances. I've seen lots of impressive flares over a local AFB on those evenings, so it's appearantly standard procedure.

-- Leon Sisson

Edited by - on

aeckhart
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1709 Posts

Response Posted - 04/26/2006 : 13:24:47

Check with the local Coast Guard Auxiliary flotilla. They often use them to certify crew and fo training.

Edited by - on

dlucier
Master Marine Consultant

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Virgin Islands (United Kingdom)
7583 Posts

Response Posted - 04/26/2006 : 13:31:43

From an article in the BoatUS magazine...

[url="http://www.findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m0BQK/is_5_5/ai_65513073"]Fired Up Over Old Flares[/url]

From the Orion Signals website...

Disposal
To dispose of expired marine pyrotechnic distress signals, Orion recommends the following method:
Donate expired flares to local Coast Guard Auxiliary or Power Squadron for use in their training classes.
Ignite hand-held signals flares on land in a safe area, much the same as highway flares would be ignited.
Contact a local law enforcement or the fire protection agency for their advice on proper visual distress signal disposal.
Retain flares for back-up use to expand signaling time in the event of an emergency.
NEVER jettison visual distress signals overboard.
NEVER activate marine flares in a non-emergncy situation on or near regulated water.
NEVER dispose of flares in household trash.

Edited by - on

SailormanCGA72
1st Mate

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77 Posts

Response Posted - 04/26/2006 : 13:32:37

I would not recommend stockpiling old flares. During several years as a Coast Guard inspector, I saw some of these things deteriorate and become unstable. They can become a fire hazard. I suggest having a training day on July 4th.

Edited by - on

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