SO, FLares, what REALLY is the law?

It worries me that "most people havn't" set flares off because they are in for a hell of a shock when they do.

I think that the law is really a bit of an ass on this one. Certainly rockets are dangerous when used inland, but I have made sure all my family have set off a hand flare to know what is going to happen. I have also set off the odd rocket and last time I did so, the flare was still alight when it reached the ground. This was in open farmland on a wet November night, so no harm would be done.

The first time I say a rocket set off it was by a respected figure in the yachting community and from a location in the west end of Glasgow. The damn thing went off near horizontally and bounced off the house wall before diving into the ground. It was at that point I made up my mind that I would try one out before I had to fire one for real, which I never have.

<hr width=100% size=1>Ken Johnson
 
So far nobody has answered your question what REALLY is the law?

I quote SOLAS Regulation V/35 Misuse of Distress Signals:-
Regulation V/35 prohibits misuse of any distress signals.

IRPCS reinforces this. Annex IV para 2. "The use or exhibition of any of the foregoing signals except for the purpose of indicating distress and need of assistance and the use of other signals which may be confused with any of the above signals is prohibited."

Clear enough?

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See my post of the 8th

"Improperly making a distress signal contrary to Regulation 3 of the Merchant Shipping (Distress Signals and Prevention of Collision) Regulations, 1996"

That's the one MCGA prosecute people under

<hr width=100% size=1>Me transmitte sursum, caledoni
 
John
At best a flare, especially a rocket can best be described as a bl***y dangerous piece of saftey equipment.

If you've never let one off then for G's sake ask the RNLI and get just a little training or warning of what to expect.

Even a handheld can be a bit frightening it's very bright, very hot, gets loads of dross flying out of the end and once lit can not be put out. As for rockets, the bang is very loud and the kick, if not expected, will take you be surprise and undoubtably alter the firing angle that's why the demostrator will always fire the first one so that you can see what happens.

I would in this case advocate getting some free training from the RNLI

Having said all of the above it still remains illegal to let off ANY flare unless you are in distress and calling for assistance irrespective of your location.

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Hi,

I don't know the answer to your question, however, you are unlikely to get the answer here unless the local Chief Police Officer for the area happens to be on here.

I would suggest contacting MCA directly (try Peter Dymond at HQ Southampton not a local centre) so that they can supply you (IF they are agreeable) with a letter stating that the demonstration is Ok. Then I would transmit this information to the local Constabulary where you want to do it so that local Emergency Services are aware of what you are planning..

Mike

<hr width=100% size=1>Bloke interested in boats who just also happens to work for Ofcom
 
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