Signal flares are something boaters depend upon during an emergency and likely not given much further thought at any other time. Coast Guard approved pyrotechnical visual distress signals are required to bear an expiration date and most boats are mandated to carry a compliment of these safety devices on board. Even if the law wasn’t an issue, it would still make sense to carry signaling devices.
Unexplained Failures of Handheld Pyrotechnic Flares
Recently the Boat Owners Association of the United States (BoatUS) issued a reminder to boaters that it might be prudent to check pyrotechnic signals a few times during the boating season. One BoatUS employee opened up a storage container holding some handheld flares and noticed that they had literally fallen apart. There was no sign of moisture in the sealed canister and the flares had not yet passed their expiration dates.
BoatUS notes that it first experienced this concern in 2007 when an association member in Washington state reported a similar situation. The boater found that three unexpired flares had crumbed while stored inside a watertight container.
In a press release, BoatUS Seaworthy Editor Bob Adriance says, “Most boaters know that emergency signal flares have expiration dates. However, these two puzzling stories tell us that it’s also best to check your flares a few times a season. I would also add flare guns to the list, too.”
Suggestions for Emergency Signal Selection and Maintenance
Pyrotechnical distress signals are generally very dependable, especially if they are stored in a cool, dry location. The Coast Guard imposes a three year lifespan on approved signals to help ensure they work when they are needed. There are signal carriage requirements for daytime and nighttime operations. Boaters can take a number of actions to insure an emergency signal is at hand and functional at the moment it is needed.
- Store distress signals in a colorful, brightly marked, watertight container
- Check the condition of distress signals on a regular basis, once every month or two
- Save expired pyrotechnic signals and store them in a separate location. Use these first during an emergency
- Add some alternative distress signals to the mix. There are non-pyrotechnic devices available that meet Coast Guard requirements. These include several different lights and flags
The BoatUS Foundation for Boating Safety and Clean Water conducted a review of tests the organization had conducted on distress signals and has made their findings available to boater. Foundation Finding 45 is available from the foundation’s website and the discussions are valuable to safe boating.
Alan Sorum - Alan Sorum is the Maritime Operations Project Manager for the Prince William Sound Regional Citizens' Advisory Council (PWSRCAC). Alan is ...
