You should prioritize your safety if you want to go on a boating adventure because even the most experienced sailors know that the seas can be unpredictable. Prepare adequately for emergencies along the way and have some items with you, including a boat flare. Various jurisdictions require them legally, and they can save lives in many situations. See info about how they work when you click here.
These signaling devices are designed to attract attention during emergencies where it’s helpful for people who find themselves lost at sea. It can help rescuers locate them quickly, especially in conditions where the fog is heavy. When communications fail, people also use these flares to get more visibility.
Unlike radio transmissions with limited audiences, many people can often see a distressed signal from a bright light. At night, they can be seen by a passing aircraft or another boat where they can alert land-based rescue teams about the location of the flares. They are also reliable, and they don’t require any technical set-ups which makes them useful when there’s a boating accident.
What are the Different Types Available?
Flare Guns
They should be a part of your basic kit, and they are great for coastal boating. These guns can shoot a signal of up to 500 ft, where they can burn over 16,000 candelas in around seven to ten seconds. Find them to be easily deployed and excellent for straightforward usage. You can expect it to come with a convenient bandolier that can hold up to six aerial signals.
Handheld Flares
Flashing these lights is one of the more cost-effective ways to meet the requirements of the Coast Guard. However, they are not going to be visible over long distances compared to the gun flares, but they are going to last longer. You can hold them for up to three minutes, they’re self-ignite, and they are waterproof. Rescuers can often see the people within a three-mile radius.
Electronic Types with Whistles and Flags
With its operation of around two to six hours, you’ll have a better chance of getting rescued in no time. It’s run by rechargeable lithium batteries and the colors of yellow and orange can be alternated. It can be reusable, but you must carry an SOS flag for daytime usage.
Parachute Flares
They are useful in open waters, and they can reach higher altitudes. While burning brightly, they can also descend slowly, and they are visible over long distances, which is around 40 miles away. They are great for long-range signals as well. You can use them when the vessel is sinking or if there’s an engine failure where the boat is drifting into dangerous waters.
Factors to Consider when Buying
Types of Boating Activities You’re Getting Into
When you’re sailing close to the shores, the handheld types can be more than enough so you can be spotted by nearby rescuers. However, if you’re in a remote area, the boat flare launchers might be a good idea. They are going to send unmistakable signals that are understandable across the globe, and they’re often US Coast Guard-approved. You need to determine the nature of your trip and choose the signals that will match your environment.
Flare Burn Time and Brightness
You need the ones that burn longer and shine brighter so you can attract the attention of fishermen or rescue teams. Those that have fast burns are going to typically last for a few minutes, and you need more of them to get enough attention, so they are not often recommended.
Ease of Use
In the event of someone falling overboard, the stress levels are often higher. Most of the time, people don’t have enough time to figure out how to push the buttons of a complex launcher, so you need the simple ones. These models are simple to use where you just fire and they are going to work even if it’s raining. The modern ones are going to require minimal steps to activate them so it’s best if you can familiarize yourself with these devices before going on a trip.
Durability and Weather Resistance
Since your flare launcher will likely be exposed to saltwater and extreme weather conditions in the sea, they should be able to withstand them so look for the ones that are made up of corrosion-resistant materials. Waterproof designs are essential to ensure the device functions even after being exposed to water and see info about them in this link: https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/waterproof.
Compliance with Regulations
Make sure the flare launcher and flares you choose are compliant with your region’s maritime safety requirements. Most countries have specific instructions and quantities of flares that must be carried on different sizes of boats and in various waters. Ensure that the flares are within their expiration date, as the expired ones are not only ineffective but may also be illegal to carry.
