What type of flares should you carry on your boat? What are the rules and regulations for carrying flares? What are the different types of flares??
Let’s talk about the different types of flares and which ones are required for different boating situations.
Inland boaters
If you seldom leave sight of land, you should carry handheld red flares, aerial flares (12-gauge HP), or Sky Blazer XLT signals. These flares are recommended for inland boaters who don’t travel far from shore.
Coastal Boaters
If you travel offshore occasionally, and do not travel overnight, you should carry handheld red flares, aerial flares, 12-gauge HP, or Skyblazer XLT signals, smoke flares, and orange handheld flares.
Offshore Boaters
If you’re going to be traveling offshore, out of sight of land, for an extended period, you’ll need to have the right flares. You’ll need to carry handheld flares, Solas-approved aerial flares (25mm), or Solas-approved smoke flares.
When I fish in my boat for salmon, sturgeon, or Walleye on the Columbia River and Tillamook Bay, I carry the Orion hand-held marine red signal flare.
It is also a very good idea to carry a VHF radio so you can call the coastguard in case of an emergency. You can always reach the United state Coast Guard on your vhf channel 16.
I carry both handheld and parachute flares on my boat. In addition to the flares, I have a VHF radio, GPS, radar, and an updated first-aid kit. The VHF radio allows me to communicate with other boaters and emergency services in the event of an emergency. The GPS and radar help me navigate in low-visibility conditions. The updated first-aid kit contains essential medical supplies in the event of an injury or illness.
Flares are a required safety device for boats, but they do expire. It is important to check the expiration date on the flares that you are required to carry on your boat, and replace them before they expire. If you have a flare that has expired, do not use it. Instead, dispose of it safely and get a new one.
Last Updated on by Marvin
