EBunting
Group Editor
Have you ever fired a flare in a real emergency situation? If you have, and you wouldn't mind me asking a few questions about what happened, please let me know by posting here or sending a PM. Thanks. Elaine, YW
Anyone fired a flare in anger?
- Thread starter EBunting
- Start date
DaveS
Well-Known Member
I have, once. An orange smoke. About 20 years ago.
ColinHuggins
N/A
Often, back in the Sixties when regularly going foreign and convinced that steam would give way to sail - so would let off a white flare to make sure they knew where we were.
Eventually the penny dropped that it was cheaper (and less hazardous) to buy a powerful 'steamer scarer' and shine it on the sails!!
Eventually the penny dropped that it was cheaper (and less hazardous) to buy a powerful 'steamer scarer' and shine it on the sails!!
Mirelle
N/A
One red one, September 1973.
White ones, a couple of times, more recently.
White ones, a couple of times, more recently.
Kilter
Well-Known Member
Once, a white one off the Azores. It didn't work and I did the altering course necessary to avoid a collision!
Koeketiene
Well-Known Member
Once - red - April this year
KellysEye
Well-Known Member
Not in anger as such but we used to use the big orange smokes for skydiving demos. There's not much to say about them really: take off cap and pull ring; they get very hot when strapped to your ankle, so chuck it overboard quickly; I can confirm the smoke is choking (some say deadly) so chuck it downwind.
The only issue I had was an in-date Pains Wessex one that simply didn't fire. Didn't matter much at the time of course but is slightly worrying now.
The only issue I had was an in-date Pains Wessex one that simply didn't fire. Didn't matter much at the time of course but is slightly worrying now.
G
Guest
Guest
Yes ...
First time you do ... HH red or parachute job .... you very quickly learn that a) wear a THICK glove .... b) make sure YOU are upwind of the flare .... c) Make sure it points at a slight angle to vertical (just a few degrees is enough .... stops the hot magnesium debris falling on deck / hand etc. .... d) don't breathe too hard as it chokes !! e) don't drop the thing when it fires ... it will burn through your deck literally ... and still burns UNDERWATER ...
But most numerous fired in anger have been white flares when I was on Seismic boats ..... after 2 or 3 the wrist starts to ache a bit .... they were proper large calibre Very jobs ...
Have also fired Bolt action Rifle lines - based on similar to 303 .... lightering ships to get light line across to other ship for messenger line then mooring ... Boy they kick like a Mule !! Also Standard PW Rocket Line with the drop in muzzle rocket and asbestos covered tail etc. - then the later self-contained Rocket Line app.
You learn with those ... a) Point slightly DOWNWIND when firing as the line when in flight makes a curve and wind causes flight to arc back into wind ... plus fire at angle so that line passes OVER target .... b) the orange line is a dyed line and salt-water makes it bleed everywhere ... having had a rocket line fired to me from Bembridge LB many years ago - I can confirm that the orange stain on my yacht deck took a lot of effort to get of !!!!
If you really want info about my experiences with above ... pm me ...
First time you do ... HH red or parachute job .... you very quickly learn that a) wear a THICK glove .... b) make sure YOU are upwind of the flare .... c) Make sure it points at a slight angle to vertical (just a few degrees is enough .... stops the hot magnesium debris falling on deck / hand etc. .... d) don't breathe too hard as it chokes !! e) don't drop the thing when it fires ... it will burn through your deck literally ... and still burns UNDERWATER ...
But most numerous fired in anger have been white flares when I was on Seismic boats ..... after 2 or 3 the wrist starts to ache a bit .... they were proper large calibre Very jobs ...
Have also fired Bolt action Rifle lines - based on similar to 303 .... lightering ships to get light line across to other ship for messenger line then mooring ... Boy they kick like a Mule !! Also Standard PW Rocket Line with the drop in muzzle rocket and asbestos covered tail etc. - then the later self-contained Rocket Line app.
You learn with those ... a) Point slightly DOWNWIND when firing as the line when in flight makes a curve and wind causes flight to arc back into wind ... plus fire at angle so that line passes OVER target .... b) the orange line is a dyed line and salt-water makes it bleed everywhere ... having had a rocket line fired to me from Bembridge LB many years ago - I can confirm that the orange stain on my yacht deck took a lot of effort to get of !!!!
If you really want info about my experiences with above ... pm me ...
D
Deleted member 478
Guest
I've not fired one off in anger, more in the spirit of New Year celebrations (feck off you ColRegs twats - we got permission first). It was a lot more difficult that expected, especially in the dark, trying to work out which way was up.
The lesson learned: IMHO every skipper should be made to fire a flare at least once a year and at organised event, just so that they know how it's done.
The lesson learned: IMHO every skipper should be made to fire a flare at least once a year and at organised event, just so that they know how it's done.
rich
Well-Known Member
Red smoke in the 70's broke down between Jersey & Guernsey.Found out later, that the pilot in a Dakota cant see down.
Orla
Well-Known Member
Fired a fare few rocket flares with the mountain rescue team, we use them to light up the ground and surrounding area when serching at night, boosts casualty moral as well to see them, lets them no were there.
Also used a lot of orange smoke flares for guiding helicopters down, helps crew with ground level wind conditions/direction.
Also i shouldnt really tell you all this but it was a long time ago, i fired a mini flare the kind that you get in a rubber waterproof case, normally in packs of 6 or 8 cant remember, anyway wasnt sure they would still work, by the way i live in a very remote area, i opened my living room window put on a pair of heavy duty welding type gloves and fired it into the bushes at the end of my garden at the time there was about 2 feet of snow on the ground, my imediate reaction was what the ¤#*k have i done, i thought all the windows in the cottage were going to brake with noise, at the foot of the garden was this enormous orange ball that burned for quite a long time.
I must admit I got onre hell of a fright /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif
Also used a lot of orange smoke flares for guiding helicopters down, helps crew with ground level wind conditions/direction.
Also i shouldnt really tell you all this but it was a long time ago, i fired a mini flare the kind that you get in a rubber waterproof case, normally in packs of 6 or 8 cant remember, anyway wasnt sure they would still work, by the way i live in a very remote area, i opened my living room window put on a pair of heavy duty welding type gloves and fired it into the bushes at the end of my garden at the time there was about 2 feet of snow on the ground, my imediate reaction was what the ¤#*k have i done, i thought all the windows in the cottage were going to brake with noise, at the foot of the garden was this enormous orange ball that burned for quite a long time.
I must admit I got onre hell of a fright /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif
srm
Well-Known Member
Three in 1973.
1st para red (4 weeks from new purchase) failed to fire.
2nd para red did fire, but showed us just how low the cloud base was - we saw a nice orange glow in the clouds but flare had gone out by the time it fell below the clouds.
Later with ship in sight red hand held - had to drop it overboard whilest still burning as got too hot to hold.
More recent firing of hand helds (not in anger) show that the case is red hot after flare burns out.
1st para red (4 weeks from new purchase) failed to fire.
2nd para red did fire, but showed us just how low the cloud base was - we saw a nice orange glow in the clouds but flare had gone out by the time it fell below the clouds.
Later with ship in sight red hand held - had to drop it overboard whilest still burning as got too hot to hold.
More recent firing of hand helds (not in anger) show that the case is red hot after flare burns out.
Goodge
Well-Known Member
yes, during a supposed mileage builder course with Sunsail.
We were meant to be taking 4 Sunsail Sunfast 36's from Plymouth to Scotland over the Easter period.
Cutting a long story short we had previously had engine problems, the VHF was intermittent and a few other problems.
As we approached Land's End we decided to turn on the engine and either it or the gearbox promptly expired.
We had nothing to charge the batteries with or any other accessories. Next morning with most of crew feeling sea sick except myself and the skipper we decided to head for Milford Haven.
As we approached at night we gwere getting very close to a lot of shipping and soon as we were in radio range for my handheld I contacted the coastguard. They immediately launched the lifeboat which I thought was a bit drastic.
There concern was that we were a possible threat to shipping so they wanted to get us out of there asap.
We were told to launch two whites to so they could locate us better.
We were meant to be taking 4 Sunsail Sunfast 36's from Plymouth to Scotland over the Easter period.
Cutting a long story short we had previously had engine problems, the VHF was intermittent and a few other problems.
As we approached Land's End we decided to turn on the engine and either it or the gearbox promptly expired.
We had nothing to charge the batteries with or any other accessories. Next morning with most of crew feeling sea sick except myself and the skipper we decided to head for Milford Haven.
As we approached at night we gwere getting very close to a lot of shipping and soon as we were in radio range for my handheld I contacted the coastguard. They immediately launched the lifeboat which I thought was a bit drastic.
There concern was that we were a possible threat to shipping so they wanted to get us out of there asap.
We were told to launch two whites to so they could locate us better.
Keen_Ed
Well-Known Member
Yes - Cowes week a few years ago - orange smoke. Didn't have time to read the instructions until swimming in the Solent. Happy to answer any questions - PM me.
Billjratt
Well-Known Member
Yes, a couple of reds in the early 80's. no problem, out came the lifeboat... Why do you ask? The coastguard will come along to your club/group and let you fire off some out of daters to get a feel for it it you ask.
dratsea
Well-Known Member
Re: Why?
Define in anger - but I agree with Billgrat, get a box of handed in flares through CG/RNLI and have a go. I organised this for my YC. In the mixed box were many flares out of date, many were not from UK. Many (We are talking about nearly 20% and UK did worse that eastern european) did not fire first hit.
But it was an interesting evening. Nearly sank the commodore's dragon with a white parachute that went horizontal. I think most of the members who attended would be more confident should the need arise but at same time more cautious in firing a flare.
However in view of Duncan's experience I would now recommend on a training evening not just a gardening glove but some sort of "holder" and firing with the back of flare well out of line of yourself.
John
Define in anger - but I agree with Billgrat, get a box of handed in flares through CG/RNLI and have a go. I organised this for my YC. In the mixed box were many flares out of date, many were not from UK. Many (We are talking about nearly 20% and UK did worse that eastern european) did not fire first hit.
But it was an interesting evening. Nearly sank the commodore's dragon with a white parachute that went horizontal. I think most of the members who attended would be more confident should the need arise but at same time more cautious in firing a flare.
However in view of Duncan's experience I would now recommend on a training evening not just a gardening glove but some sort of "holder" and firing with the back of flare well out of line of yourself.
John
cliff
Well-Known Member
[ QUOTE ]
The coastguard will come along to your club/group and let you fire off some out of daters to get a feel for it it you ask.
[/ QUOTE ]Since when?
I tried a couple of years ago - even offered to supply all the flares but was told in no uncertain terms that due to H&S only in date flares could be used.
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"Artificial intelligence is no match for natural stupidity"
sailroom <span style="color:red">The place to auction your previously loved boatie bits</span>
The coastguard will come along to your club/group and let you fire off some out of daters to get a feel for it it you ask.
[/ QUOTE ]Since when?
I tried a couple of years ago - even offered to supply all the flares but was told in no uncertain terms that due to H&S only in date flares could be used.
--------------------
sailroom <span style="color:red">The place to auction your previously loved boatie bits</span>
beneteau_305_553
Well-Known Member
It seems they are like liferafts. Dont ever use them except as the last resort.
graham
Well-Known Member
orange smoke about 10 years ago.We were standing by a sinking yacht and the coastguard asked us to let off smoke for the lifeboat to home in on.
Only painfull bit is buying a replacement.
The yacht was an old wooden Cutter and despite it having two feet of water in the bilge we had trouble keeping up with it as it tore along on a broad reach heading for a sandy beach a few miles away. The single handed skipper was pumping and steering at the same time as she flew along at about 7 knots.
As I also do singlehanded sailing ,since then I have fitted my own boat with a large bilge pump near the tiller out in the cockpit.
Only painfull bit is buying a replacement.
The yacht was an old wooden Cutter and despite it having two feet of water in the bilge we had trouble keeping up with it as it tore along on a broad reach heading for a sandy beach a few miles away. The single handed skipper was pumping and steering at the same time as she flew along at about 7 knots.
As I also do singlehanded sailing ,since then I have fitted my own boat with a large bilge pump near the tiller out in the cockpit.
jwilson
Well-Known Member
Six red parachutes followed by six red hand flares, one after another, at a minute or so's interval, in clear sight of two medium sized trawlers. No response. Got badly injured crew member ashore ourselves about 24 hours later. Couldn't use radio as it and all other electronics dead.