Disposing of flares to Davy Jones' locker

This is another of those perennial thread topics that pops up every few months; I would ask the OP to not throw them in the sea, in a net bag or otherwise, there are better ways. Anyone in the Clyde area with date-expired pyrotechnics is welcome to give them to me for disposal; I have no legal or official status as a disposer of pyro, but I am comfortable doing so.
 
Last edited:
nigelmercier said:
That's my plan as well, do you have any info on the latter?
Click to expand...

This has been discussed a lot before; unless things have changed recently 'laser flares' are not a recognised ( in every way ! ) distress call, and due to idiots shining different types of lasers at aircraft which may blind the aircrew, there are safety worries whenever 'laser' is mentioned.

I'm certain 'laser flares' will become standard kit, but we seem to be at an awkward crossover point right now; if undertaking say an ocean voyage, for now I'd take an EPIRB - or two, with traditional flares & handheld VHF, maybe using laser flares if the aircrew were happy.
 
nigelmercier said:
That's my plan as well, do you have any info on the latter?
Click to expand...

http://www.rescue-flares.co.uk/

A candidate on the YMI course I did last October had one, and I have to say I was very impressed with it. This guy had done trials with his local lifeboat, and they were also very impressed.

I don't give a stuff personally if it is 'officially recognised' or not - it will do what needs to be done. I intend to keep one on each lifejacket.

- W
 
I don't give a stuff personally if it is 'officially recognised' or not

I can only commend you on your world class battle against that old but apparently still undefineable enemy, 'common sense'.
 
Seajet said:
I don't give a stuff personally if it is 'officially recognised' or not

I can only commend you on your world class battle against that old but apparently still undefineable enemy, 'common sense'.
Click to expand...

Erm . . . instead of being rude perhaps you could explain what exactly you see as the disadvantages of the laser rescue flare?

And perhaps you can explain why you beleive dangerous explosives that are impossible to dispose of when out of date are preferable?

The lifeboat crew it was trialled with in Orkney were apparently very impressed. You know better?

- W
 
Last edited:
Scotty_Tradewind said:
I'm considering not having flares on my boat any more due to the potential hazards. Duncan Wells a fine example. http://www.westviewsailing.co.uk/2009/02/hello.html

What are the implications of filling up a string bag with old flares and a brick, and setting them over the side of the boat mid English Channel to dispose of them?

Environmentally are official disposal methods any better?
Click to expand...

Asked at my local authority dump last week. They are quite happy to take flares apparently along with all sorts of other hazardous waste. Have you asked at yours? Just a thought.
 
webcraft said:
Erm . . . instead of being rude...
Click to expand...
Where was he rude? seemed to me that he was being complimentary towards you but you have chosen to take offense.


webcraft said:
explain what exactly you see as the disadvantages of the laser rescue flare?
Click to expand...
he already did ... the risk of idiots mis using them, just like old fashioned pyrotechnic flares.
 
MoodyNick said:
Where was he rude? seemed to me that he was being complimentary towards you but you have chosen to take offense.



he already did ... the risk of idiots mis using them, just like old fashioned pyrotechnic flares.
Click to expand...

THE laser rescue flare produces a beam that is many, mnay times more diffuse than that produced by a laser pointer as used by occasional idiots on runway approaches. There is no danger to aircrew or aircraft. They are in fact much less able to be m isused than standard pyrothechnics, and are much safer in every respect.

THey do not directly replace a parachute flare however, but with an EPIRB or DSC distress call rescuers will get close enought to be able to home in on a laser rescue flare.

- W
 
Last edited:
Cantata said:
I dare say you right, old chap, but I was just pointing out some facts, and unfortunately I am but one of the 3500 humble volunteers in the CG's Coast Rescue Teams, so I have zero influence. So I suggest you do some wittering at someone else.
Click to expand...

Bad luck Cantata, it must be rather dis-spiriting when your provide a service to help and save others in your own time, and make simple factual statements about why the situation has arisen due to a change in the law, to be accused of bringing party politics into it.

Reminds me of the old saying - never get into an argument with an idiot. They bring you down to their level and then win on experience.
 
webcraft said:
THE laser rescue flare produces a beam that is many, mnay times more diffuse than that produced by a laser pointer as used by occasional idiots on runway approaches. There is no danger to aircrew or aircraft. They are in fact much less able to be m isused than standard pyrothechnics, and are much safer in every respect.

THey do not directly replace a parachute flare however, but with an EPIRB or DSC distress call rescuers will get close enought to be able to home in on a laser rescue flare.

- W
Click to expand...

When you put it like that, it is perfectly understandable and seems a good way forward.
 
Back to the original question. Take them to the property office at Fratton police station (Kingston Crescent) next time you are in Portsmouth. Disposed of a dozen or so 15 year out of date flares a couple of weeks back. No appointment, no formalities, no forms, didn't even ask my name.
 
Proper Disposal of Pyrotechnics

With the ODEO Flare and Rescue Laser Flare having both won the HISWA awards it is obvious that they are popular alternatives to THE USE of pyrotechnics. it is only a matter of time before they catch the bugger that is paying off the congress to keep pyrotechnics on the table.

The only proper way to dispose of pyrotechnics is to have a proven technology take it place. These products need no approval other than yours to save your life. I have decided that it is better to support another Laser Signal manufacturer in the effort dispose of pyrotechnics, than squabble over product features as the regulators and lobbyist watch in amusement doing nothing.

We need your help in disposing pyrotechnics properly. Choose a laser product that works for you and lend us your voice. The benefits will be clearly visible to your rescuer.

Fair Winds
 
cast them all in concrete---heave them over the side very close to a bouy to stop them being trawled or dredged up---the bouys in the solent are surrounded by trawled up rubbish some of which had the potential to make a very big bang in ww2----regards lenten
 
Scotty_Tradewind said:
I'm considering not having flares on my boat any more due to the potential hazards. Duncan Wells a fine example. http://www.westviewsailing.co.uk/2009/02/hello.html

What are the implications of filling up a string bag with old flares and a brick, and setting them over the side of the boat mid English Channel to dispose of them?

Environmentally are official disposal methods any better?
Click to expand...

As long as you add a cat or two to the same weighted bag I don't see a problem. Gets rid of two problems at the same time. :D:D
 
lenten said:
cast them all in concrete---heave them over the side very close to a bouy to stop them being trawled or dredged up---the bouys in the solent are surrounded by trawled up rubbish some of which had the potential to make a very big bang in ww2----regards lenten
Click to expand...

That's an interesting thought, what temperature does setting concrete need to reach to form a flare pack grenade? :D
 
MoodyNick said:
My guess is that the average local dump attendant doesn't actually understand what he is taking in when it comes to flares.
Click to expand...

I was quite specific about what they were and they have an outside secure cage for storing such hazardous items. I think the man or woman from the 'ministry' then comes along to assess the items in the cage from time to time. That aside it would clearly be irresponsible to sling them in the tip but if you have been assured that they accept them I can't really see the problem?
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Share this page

Top