Cleaning up around the boat the other day I found the container holding the old flares. They were dated around 1984 so I guess they might be slightly out of date.

So, the question is 'Where do old flares go to DIE ?"

Always popular at a Western Sydney soccer match!

I believe the roads department will now take them (ie your local motor registry). Good luck finding someone in there who knows what you are talking about.

SirJman said..

set them off next new years

I'd hate to actually be in distress on New Years eve. Would anyone respond to your signal?

BlueMoon said..

Charriot, I cant find anywhere that its illegal to keep expired flares onboard as a back-up to your in-date flares....have you got a reference, cheers

Flares are defined as explosives. In NSW the handling of explosives is managed by Workcover Authority of NSW. Flares are designated as approved explosives in the NSW Register of Authorised explosives.

The holding and use of flares is governed by the Explosives Regulations 2005. Within that regulation there is no requirement for a person to hold an explosives licence for distress signals (Clause 50) However, clause 73 of the regulations imposes the requirement that a person cannot use a distress signal other than as a distress signal without a pyrotechnicians licence. Clause 90 to 92 cover the disposal of explosives which in essence say that they can only be disposed of by authorised persons.

It is of note that in the document Operational Conditions – Fireworks for pyrotechnicians and single use licence holders paragraph 5.1 explicitly states that expired distress signals are not authorised explosives.

In summary flares are authorised explosives while within date, no licence is required to hold in date flares, they can only be used in the event of an emergency. Out of date flares are not authorised explosives.

"3 years ago in SA boat next me was visited by police, many flares out of date found. He was actually fined. I had about 20, I disposed them quickly. Not a new rule, just a bit ignored."

Just really curious now as why the chap on the next boat attracted the attention of the police.
I didn't think that searching boats without due cause was very common.

Amen sir vigilant!!!!!!!!

Be safe, be careful, look after your kids and family, stay away from anyone with a badge that wants to " write you up a fine"

Fair enough they are all over the roads. Now they want the water.

Where I live...they started to infiltrate the boating. Like...in a big way. Like five cops on a huge super fast barge with a friggin hilux paddy wagon on it. Makes me so angry.
Farkin bool sheet mate.

Whats the chances of talking the local Marine Rescue & trying to get them to hold a practical demonstration about letting off flares? (could try out all the out-of-date flares), I would rather practice with one first to know what happens....rather than fumbling around if I ever have to use one in anger, cheers

If you're thinking about letting some off just for fun, read this - you'll think again:
forums.ybw.com/index.php?threads/flare-demonstration-accident-not-for-the-faint-hearted.119955/

[edit] The blog entry referred to in the above link now seems to be dead, but if you google Duncan McDougall you'll find out plenty more about the incident.