Flares

Flares signal that you are in trouble and provide an exact location for searching aircraft or vessels. Only ignite them when rescuers are in view and can spot your flare. A minimum of two red hand flares (for night or day use) and two orange smoke flares (for day use) are required to be carried on all vessels operating offshore, although some exemptions may apply. You should be able to locate and ignite the correct flare in total darkness. Most flares have a use-by date of three years and they must be replaced before the expiry date. Once they start to look damaged, dispose of them properly (see under). Don’t put them in the garbage or take them to the tip.

Note: It is an offence to set off flares except in an emergency.

More information on required vessel safety equipment.

Flare Disposal

Distress signalling flares can help save lives in an emergency but are only as good as their use-by date.

Flares expire after three years. After this time, there is no guarantee they will fire when needed. Flares must be replaced before they expire and old flares, which are classed as explosives, must be disposed of properly.

Flares can now be placed into special containers at Maritime coastal service centres where they are stored for collection and transported to the Sterihealth facility at Silverwater, Sydney. The expired flares will then be destroyed at ultra-high temperature under strict environmental conditions. NOTE: The Kent St service centre is unable to collect and dispose of flares .

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