Distress Signalling

[discovery2]

Does anyone keep a verey pistol and cartridges on board their boat for use in an emergency? I have kept one in the flare container for several years, but having recently made enquiries to replace the (outdated?) cartridges, I am having difficulty obtaining these locally.

Would I be correct in assuming their use as distress signalling equipment is being superseded by the use of more modern and effective signalling and communication systems (EPIRBS, DSC VHF, portable VHF, flares, etc)?

I am therefore considering removing the pistol from the boat and disposing of it (naturally in the correct manner!), unless of course, readers can advise otherwise and also where cartridges may be obtained.

David

 

[snowleopard]

i had a 1.5inch verey pistol in the 70's & had great problems getting ammo even then. recently saw 12-bore pistols & cartridges available over the counter in the caribbean (american makes). of course you wouldn't be able to get them by mail order but at least it indicates they are still made.

 

[Jacket]

You can't get new cartriges as very pistols are now classed as firearms, and so you need a firearms licence to own one. They're also more expensive (at least initially), have a lower visible range and less idiot proof than diposable one-off flares. As a result, I think production stopped a few years ago, but I may be wrong. Have a look on the american mail order sites- they're allowed to sell flares that are classified as firearms in the UK, and so are likely to sell very pistol cartriges if they're still available (which will at least tell you that they're still around).

I don't know if you should have a licence. Possibly if you've owned it from before the new legislation you're exempt?

 

[aztec]

go to your local police station, ask to be put in touch with the firearms inspector, he will be able to advise on the classification.

even if you owned the pistol before the latest "pistol" firearms legislation, it is applied retrospectively, so get it checked.

as to wether you can get flare charges for it. a decent firearms inspector could point you in the right direction. they are generally keen and very helpfull.

hope this helps, steve.

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[BrendanS]

as they were talking on the news today about imposing a minimum 5 year jail sentence for posessing an illegal firearm, if I owned a very pistol, I'd be talking to the firearms inspector pretty sharpish about classification!

 

[aztec]

yep, "that's caught in possesion", as opposed to possessing with intent to hand it in. or sell it to a dealer, and get a receipt!

you coming out to play LIBS tommorrow?


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[BrendanS]

went today. kept my wallet firmly nailed inside my pocket for the first time ever.

Met Forbsie and Stingo for a wee drinkie in the black champagne tent, but only the one as I was driving, and also extremely debilitated from the previous evenings encounter with a bottle of Islay single malt.

 

[aztec]

good man, going tommorrow, forbsie will be there again. here's to hangovers!!

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[discovery2]

I do have a current licence for the verey pistol!

However, I also understand that if the pistol is kept on board, a licence is not needed, but when it is brought ashore and for purchasing cartridges a licence is required. These I believe, are our local regulations (Jersey) and may well not be the same as the UK.

David