disposal of flares - time for honesty

what have you done with your out of date flares?

  • they're in the shed.

    Votes: 46 26.6%

  • they're on the boat

    Votes: 38 22.0%

  • lost at sea

    Votes: 5 2.9%

  • taken to MRCC

    Votes: 29 16.8%

  • left on last boat when sold

    Votes: 8 4.6%

  • bonfire night

    Votes: 15 8.7%

  • other

    Votes: 32 18.5%
  • Total voters
    173
matt1 said:
I have loads to get rid of and am seriously struggling to find anywhere (missed the local amnesty). In desperation I'm thinking of taping them together, with an old alarm clock, leaving them at the local park and calling the bomb squad :-)
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That would get you time in jail for terrorism.

But may not if you just left them and the old alarm clock just inside your garden gat but visible to passers by????
 
As a relative newbie to this yachting lark and therefore not yet had time to build up a proper arsenal of expired flares what are the actual risks around keeping the older ones on board along with their replacements? I appreciate I've heard you're not supposed to have old flares on board but providing you do actually have current ones what are the risks of actually getting into trouble over it? Has anyone ever actually been prosecuted or penalised for it. Surely in a worst case scenario it would be better to have twice as many flares potentially available.
 
Local friend avoided the disposal problem when he had to use his three reds to get rescued. Job Done.
In our sailing area there is a marker for an old armaments disposal area; There is a temptation to chuck old flares over the side as one passes. With a little thought that it might ignite the pile left by the forces. Unlikely but would be entertaining.

Back to real life; The local sellers take in in old flares.
 
Triassic said:
As a relative newbie to this yachting lark and therefore not yet had time to build up a proper arsenal of expired flares what are the actual risks around keeping the older ones on board along with their replacements? I appreciate I've heard you're not supposed to have old flares on board but providing you do actually have current ones what are the risks of actually getting into trouble over it? Has anyone ever actually been prosecuted or penalised for it. Surely in a worst case scenario it would be better to have twice as many flares potentially available.
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I think its only France where you can be prosecuted?? Annoying really, as I'd sooner keep the out of date ones knowing I at least a great number of flares whilst accepting that they may not be as bright as the in date ones.
 
It has been well covered in other threads on the Forum that to have out of date flares on board when visiting Portugal is not a good idea.
The local maritime police are very accomodating and will receive the out of date flares, no questions asked, no charge and even give you a detailed receipt.
You can find them in just about any port, however small, usually close to the harbour. Therefore when you go to pay your light dues :rolleyes:you can also dispose of your old flares!
I once asked what they do with them and was told they are collected from all over the country and two or three times a year taken to a remote area, placed in a pit, covered with wire mesh and burned.
That is the kind of service I don't mind paying taxes for.

M.
 
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