getting rid of old flares

[duncan99210]

Something I must address too. Dismantling under water seems safe. I can't imagine they are booby trapped like a real bomb.

Don't try dismantling pyrotechnics. There's a very real risk that you'll set the thing off by accident as you try to take it apart. Doing it underwater will not make any difference, as they are all designed to work when wet: drop a burning flare into the sea and it will continue to burn underwater. The burning composition has its own oxidants, both to produce the heat required to produce either the smoke or light and to ensure operation in very wet conditions. Similarly, a parachute flare will burn without the presence of air and there's the hazard of the rocket motor as well.
There a list here http://www.safety-marine.co.uk/spages/expired-distress-flares-what-should-you-do.htm of HMCG site which will accept time expired pyrotechnics. I disposed of a job lot last year at Falmouth and they couldn't have been more helpful, younjust have to ring and book an appointment, as there's only one or two people who can accept them. You'll also need to let the, know how many flares you'd like to drop off so that they don't exceed the maximum number they're allowed to hold at any one time.

 

[dgadee]

I have had no problem in getting rid of old ones. I just asked an old boy with a small cabin boat he used for fishing if he wanted them. He was delighted. Presuming that one out of a bunch work and are seen then he will be rescued.

But I used flares in anger in the 1980s. Waste of time - no one saw them. Wouldn't have them on board now. There are better ways of indicating distress.

 

[A1Sailor]

I have had no problem in getting rid of old ones. I just asked an old boy with a small cabin boat he used for fishing if he wanted them. He was delighted. Presuming that one out of a bunch work and are seen then he will be rescued.

But I used flares in anger in the 1980s. Waste of time - no one saw them. Wouldn't have them on board now. There are better ways of indicating distress.

Let's hope you generosity doesn't blow up in his face.

 

[dgadee]

Let's hope you generosity doesn't blow up in his face.

Evidence on ybw is that old flares either work or they don't. Have you information on them exploding in people's faces?

 

[A1Sailor]

Evidence on ybw is that old flares either work or they don't. Have you information on them exploding in people's faces?

Indeed. I was talking (posting) metaphorically. Apologies for the misunderstanding.
My point was that you clearly think the flares are no longer suitable for use, but have dumped them in another's lap. Why didn't you provide him with a better way of indicating distress?

 

[Carmel2]

Local football fans in Greece seem to have quite an appetite for them.

 

[dgadee]

Indeed. I was talking (posting) metaphorically. Apologies for the misunderstanding.
My point was that you clearly think the flares are no longer suitable for use, but have dumped them in another's lap. Why didn't you provide him with a better way of indicating distress?

You were scaremongering, I think.

He was old enough and had been around boats long enough to make his own mind up. The flares he got were not so long out of date. I was removing objects I didn't want. He wanted them. Both of us were happy.

 

[bitbaltic]

But I used flares in anger in the 1980s. Waste of time - no one saw them. Wouldn't have them on board now. There are better ways of indicating distress.

I say this every time it comes up, that there is a difference between calling for help and trying to indicate your position to someone who is looking (visually) for you.

Flares were always a long shot/useless for the first and things have moved on. But I reckon they are far and away the best for the second.

 

[NormanS]

I say this every time it comes up, that there is a difference between calling for help and trying to indicate your position to someone who is looking (visually) for you.

Flares were always a long shot/useless for the first and things have moved on. But I reckon they are far and away the best for the second.

Yes, there is sense in that. So the best thing might be to forget the parachute flares, which when out of date are a pain to get rid of, but still have hand held ones, which will show your position to potential helpers, and which are much easier to get rid of. Think fireworks.

 

[ashtead]

Last time I disposed of flares was at a show at Hamble point marina boat show . I don't know if this is an annual event but maybe more learned forumites know if there is a way of looking for such offers ? Do they have this at the second hand show at SBS ?

 

[RIBW]

It's worth asking the local police headquarters. Ours (Cambridgeshire) accepts flares. However, others do not.

+1 My local police station took mine (Avon & Somerset police). I had to give them my name and address.
Bob

 

[KellysEye]

I took mine to the biggest police station London who have a lead box for explosives, county police stations should have one too. Call to check first.

 

[cowpat]

LIVERPOOL year 1972. ...A sailing friend of mine rang the police to ask how to get rid of old flares. The reply had us laughing for weeks. "Your old clothes are nothing to do with the police".... True story ... Chris.

 

[Carmel2]

LIVERPOOL year 1972. ...A sailing friend of mine rang the police to ask how to get rid of old flares. The reply had us laughing for weeks. "Your old clothes are nothing to do with the police".... True story ... Chris.

PMSL!

 

[cowpat]

PMSL!

I had to look up PMSL.... Ho Ho... Jolly laughter ending in a wet bum? (I think?)
I just guessed It meant... "private message sent later" I am not very good on modern jargon !!
Anyway, Thanks for the reply. I am glad someone was old enough to appreciate the what happened so long ago.

 

[Carmel2]

I had to look up PMSL.... Ho Ho... Jolly laughter ending in a wet bum? (I think?)
I just guessed It meant... "private message sent later" I am not very good on modern jargon !!
Anyway, Thanks for the reply. I am glad someone was old enough to appreciate the what happened so long ago.

Sorry to disappoint, I only remember the flairs because my dad used to sport a pair....

 

[wotayottie]

Some info here:

I guess your problem is burying your head in the sand and keeping time expired flares for 30 years!

I guess you have never tried to drive across Wales or you would never have suggested Holyhead. Dover would be almost as quick a journey.

 

[wotayottie]

Or take them as a big bundle to a few flare amnesty events...

geography is the issue here. Wouldnt be a problem if I lived in the Solent but I dont

 

[Tranona]

geography is the issue here. Wouldnt be a problem if I lived in the Solent but I dont

If you were a subscriber to PBO you would now be fully up to date with the latest proposals to significantly increase the number of disposal points, including two in South Wales. Leading News item in this month's edition.

 

[A1Sailor]

I guess you have never tried to drive across Wales or you would never have suggested Holyhead. Dover would be almost as quick a journey.

I see. An ackowledgement of my post and thanking me for my input would have been nice, but no - you decided to field at Silly Point instead.