Safety Services: Safety Flares
1. What are Flares?
Boat flares are essential safety devices used by mariners to signal for help or communicate distress in emergencies.
2 Types of Flares
Type A: Rocket parachute flare (red)
Type B: Multi-star flare (red)
Type C: Hand-held flare (red)
Type D: Smoke signal—buoyant or hand-held (orange)
3 Red parachute rocket flares
The red parachute rocket flare provides a long range signal by projecting a very bright flare to a height of about 300m; this burns for about 40 seconds while the flare drifts down on a parachute. It is suitable for use during the day or at night.
4 Orange smoke signal
A buoyant orange smoke signal is for daylight use only.
5 Location and Storage
As flares contain explosives, suitable caution should be exercised when handling them and when choosing where to stow them.
Know where your flares are. Keep them dry and secure, ready for use.
Keeping everyone safe at sea
Your boats, your crew, your lives.