Flares

[gjgm]

So, has anyone actually used one out of necessity? And if so, was that for the rescue services to locate you, or a desperate attempt for some nearby boat to spot you?
Or are we all going about with tubes of explosives for very little reason (Solas requirements acknowledged for some vessels) ?

 

[hlb]

I've been thinking of throwing mine away for the last five years. Just dont know where to throw them.

 

[colingr]

Only once. Had a diver surface unconscious. Coastguard asked us to fire up a smoke flare to identify ourselves. Did so and were promptly mobbed by other boats coming to help. Had to shoo them away so chopper could get to us.

They, like all other means of attracting attention have a place.

Worked very well for us although the eventual outcome was not good.

 

[sarabande]

yes, 1975, off Harwich, when we fell off a big wave and sprang two garboard planks. Whilst the foredeck crew was fothering a sail round the affected area, as the idle naviguesser it was up to me to (ahem !) read the instructions and let off a red parachute.

Up rolled a small coaster and provided a lee whilst we sorted out the mess, and got th epumps working porperly.

It worked. No complaints.

 

[AdeOlly]

Never had to use one, but as a non-electronic means of attracting immediate attention I reckon they deserve their place on board and in the grab bag, if only as a fall back.

 

[michael_w]

Yes. Dark night off The Nab, lumpy seaway and a good F6. Asked the crew of a boat with a rudder through her hull and now in a liferaft to fire a flare so I could see them against the loom of Portsmouth.