Flares are NOT Fireworks

[Maximus]

Originally Posted by Clamchowder

2hrs each way for me (assuming Liverpool will take them).

I won't be buying pyro flares. I have two which I inherited with Clamchowder which will need disposing of next year and after that I will be using all other methods at my disposal. I already have a VHF, handheld, and a plb. I know there are instances where flares could be a good thing to have, but they're just too much hassle and too dangerous.

Sorry can't agree with you!..and although this thread has lost its way somewhat...And given they can be a PITA with exspence...storage...use by dates...and disposal hassell...for me ,I still think they should be a part of,and indeed in everyone's saftey kit...Especially if you venture offshore....Together that is,with the OTHER kit you list
It's a BIG Ol Sea out there! And lots of things can,and Do go wrong!
Like "someone"?? said!
...."I know there are instances where flares could be a thing to have" !!..ME TOO!
IMO it's worth the the Hassel...if you do need them,you'll be very Glad you've got them!!

[Dan Gurney]

Don't be sorry. I'm just stating my position on the issue for what it's worth (i.e. not much). You're welcome to disagree.

It's like anything else; there are lots of bits of safety kit which might be good to have, and there is a personal calculation to be made re each one where you factor in cost, convenience, availability, effectiveness etc etc etc. In this particular case flares strike me as too much hassle and too dangerous (letting off a controlled explosion in a bathtub next to 130litres of petrol?... yes please!), but that's just me personally.

I think that something to guide potential rescuers in once within visual distance is a job that a laser rescue flare could do without the added risk of fire/explosions. I know a smoke would be better for daylight but again it's a personal calculation. We haven't really gone that far offshore yet so that's a factor too.

[HughN]

When I dropped my flares of with Solent Coastguard they had recently received one that expired in 1965.

[willk]

Originally Posted by PeterM

Ignoring the pedantry of Willk

Small "w" in willk, please

[PeterM]

Originally Posted by willk

Small "w" in willk, please

Large 'P' in pedant ?

[markmullen]

I was in Scarborough last night and someone was firing red rocket flares over the South Bay. I was a mile or so to the South and they were still very noticeable even amongst the fireworks

[willk]

Originally Posted by PeterM

Large 'P' in pedant ?

Pedant certainly seems to be the term that's finding favour in our times:

pedant
ˈpɛd(ə)nt
noun
a person who is excessively concerned with minor details and rules or with displaying academic learning.

I can see how it would appeal - previously when someone wouldn't let one do what one wanted - one could call them a Bully, but that's very last week. Pedant is MUCH better - how dare s/he take the shine off my glory by knowing stuff that I don't - or invoking Rules I don't agree with - Outrageous behaviour!

You won't need the chair smiley BTW, on the contrary, we're going to "love you and squeeze you and call you George" and keep you for training purposes - just like Mollers!

[mick]

Originally Posted by Poly

But the world does not revolve around the solent.

Does for those that don't have a trailer

[Pikey Dave]

Originally Posted by mick

Does for those that don't have a trailer

Shhhh! Let them think that's all there is........


.....sh1t happens.......

[C-NUMB]

New years eve used to be pretty bad in eastern part of Baltic sea, sky totally full of red flares, happened to see it a couple of times, unreal sight. Don't think its that bad these days.

Over here boating clubs arranges training and "live" disposal of old flares, you can bring Your old own ones(max 7 years from manufacturing date due to safety reasons).

Otherwise a red flare will automatically trigger a SAR operation, and if You get caught for fooling a round, You pay the serch (only a heli is about 10000 eur/h), will be fined, maximum sentence is 2 years jail(dont know if that ever used, guess not). Think that due to the firm regulation flare related issues pretty rare but still not unheard of.

[ShinyShoe]

Originally Posted by markmullen

I was in Scarborough last night and someone was firing red rocket flares over the South Bay. I was a mile or so to the South and they were still very noticeable even amongst the fireworks

Did you call it in. Some poor sod could be in distress?

[thomas]

Bag them up and send them across the pond so they can give us more videos like this…

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hmPS8fIjZXI

[Pikey Dave]

Originally Posted by ShinyShoe

Did you call it in. Some poor sod could be in distress?

Yup, he could have dropped his jacket spud & knocked his mulled wine over into his pie & peas- Disaster But then again, you don't get many bonfire parties out at sea, in which case I'd call it in.
ergo: Flare out at sea-call it in, flare over land.....'nuff said simples.

[markmullen]

Originally Posted by ShinyShoe

Did you call it in. Some poor sod could be in distress?

They were being fired from inland, I was watching them come up. If not I'd have spoken to the coastguard.

[gtb]

"As Randy says" Is it legal? hell no!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7u4l0DRnPFQ

[Pikey Dave]

Originally Posted by gtb

"As Randy says" Is it legal? hell no!

err, Dude, that's in the States, the accents give it away

[andyxs]

So how many people here have actually fired a parachute flare? and how many of those were with a registered course?......
We carry them on our rib and to be honest given the power of them I am very happy to have had the experience in a safe inland venue. Unfortunately this is the typical problem where common sense isn't always that common.... and a few can really spoil the experience for the many who are sensible.
And usually it is people who can make money out of a situation who go blue in the face force fitting regulations and/or brow beating others into submission to hand over a load of money, or go without the (very useful) experience.

[John Kennett]

Originally Posted by andyxs

So how many people here have actually fired a parachute flare? and how many of those were with a registered course?......
We carry them on our rib and to be honest given the power of them I am very happy to have had the experience in a safe inland venue.

Where was that? Given that parachute flares tend to burn all the way to the ground there aren't many safe inland places to use them.

A while illuminating parachute flare could be a better option as it's less likely to be confused with a distress flare, and burns for 30 seconds rather than 40. Quite expensive to just bang off for a practise though! Pains Wessex MK8 White Parachute Rocket Flare

[willk]

Originally Posted by andyxs

So how many people here have actually fired a parachute flare? and how many of those were with a registered course?......

I've popped a couple - inland and very far from navigable waterways. The authorities were aware of my intentions. I have to say that it was very interesting but I won't be repeating the exercise. Yes, they're powerful and yes, things can go wrong. They should be fired directly upwards without any compensation for wind speed or direction. This helps achieve maximum height. Without that, they may still be burning when they land. OKish at sea, not so good over land. I didn't have any issues but I'll not be pushing my luck again...

[willk]

Originally Posted by John Kennett

Given that parachute flares tend to burn all the way to the ground there aren't many safe inland places to use them.

Yer!