USCG requirements for flares

[81_chapparel194]

what is the requirements for flares and or signaling devices? particularly in florida. would be staying within 10 miles of shore

 

[NYBo]

Re: USCG requirements for flares

You need 3. Here is a chart of what qualifies: http://www.uscg.mil/hq/cg5/cg5214/docs/vds_table.pdf

 

[Outsider]

Re: USCG requirements for flares

Essentially, you need (for pyrotechnics) 3 day signals (orange smoke) for daytime use, 3 night signals (red) for night use, or 3 that qualify as both (Day/Night). You can use a CG approved signal flag for day use, and an electronic SOS light for night use (good luck finding one of those) ...

 

[JoLin]

Re: USCG requirements for flares

And be aware that those signals EXPIRE 39 months from the date of manufacture. If kept dry they last for many, many years... but CG or enforcement will always check that the dates are current. I carry the expired ones in a labeled plastic toolbox on board the boat.

My .02

 

[Thalasso]

Re: USCG requirements for flares

Essentially, you need (for pyrotechnics) 3 day signals (orange smoke) for daytime use, 3 night signals (red) for night use, or 3 that qualify as both (Day/Night). You can use a CG approved signal flag for day use, and an electronic SOS light for night use (good luck finding one of those) ...

None approved by the CG.

 

[UncleWillie]

Re: USCG requirements for flares

I would beg to differ.

46 C.F.R. Subpart 161.013—Electric Distress Light for Boats

There was only one manufacturer of these that I know of.
It is no longer available.

I saw one last year on a closeout table at a local Marine retail store.
The quality was not very impressive. I passed on the light.

But you are technically correct. The CG does not approve them.
The Manufacturer certifies that they meet the standard.
They meet the approval of the CG by virtue of the MFG Certification.

ELECTRIC S-O-S DISTRESS LIGHT

APPROVAL CATEGORY: 161.013
APPROVAL GUIDANCE & INFORMATION: This is an alternative to flares for recreational boats. It is required to automatically flash S-O-S. Light intensity and duration requirements apply. Electric S-O-S distress lights are self-certified by the manufacturer. The Coast Guard does not issue approvals or keep an authenticated list of manufacturers. Approval standards for these lights are found in Title 46 of the Code of Federal Regulations, Subpart 161.013.

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[V153]

Re: USCG requirements for flares

FL far as I know ...

 

[BrianCinAz]

Re: USCG requirements for flares

And be aware that those signals EXPIRE 39 months from the date of manufacture. If kept dry they last for many, many years... but CG or enforcement will always check that the dates are current. I carry the expired ones in a labeled plastic toolbox on board the boat.

My .02

Keep the old ones and use them first if needed. Most experienced boaters have 2 or 3 sets on board, one current set and the rest are expired, but usually like new in the package.

 

[UncleWillie]

Re: USCG requirements for flares

Keep the old ones and use them first if needed. Most experienced boaters have 2 or 3 sets on board, one current set and the rest are expired, but usually like new in the package.

You can go a lifetime and never use one. And hopefully so!
After you have more than a dozen of them you can donate them to the CG auxiliary for their training classes.
Better yet, hold a training class on the 4th of July with the family.
Any one who has never lite a flare gets to light one.
Then they will know what to expect if the need arises.

Only do this On Land, NOT on the water, where there will be no mistaking the flare for a real distress call.

 

[Bondo]

Re: USCG requirements for flares

You can go a lifetime and never use one. And hopefully so!
After you have more than a dozen of them you can donate them to the CG auxiliary for their training classes.
Better yet, hold a training class on the 4th of July with the family.
Any one who has never lite a flare gets to light one.
Then they will know what to expect if the need arises.

Only do this On Land, NOT on the water, where there will be no mistaking the flare for a real distress call.

Ayuh,.... Believe me, fired from shore on the 4th of July at dusk, it'll Never be noticed 'round here,....

Private Citizen Fireworks is Illegal here in NYS, yet the shoreline is Ablaze, on the 4th of July at dusk,....

I buy 1 of those round plastic can "Kits" every 3 years to stay CG compliant...
Everything needed is in it, but the fire extinguisher...

 

[V153]

Re: USCG requirements for flares

Only do this On Land, NOT on the water

Tell me about it. Some knucklehead, not me btw, who shall remain unnamed set one off'a Snake Island one night that brought the Cavalry comin'. 'Course we all played dumb, some dumber than others ...

Yes. If'n yer gonna burn up an outa date marine flare? Do it as far inland as possible ...

 

[V153]

Re: USCG requirements for flares

A lil ot I spose but they used to light these big flares off on the east coast. Somewhere's 'round Cape Canaveral I heard ...?

 

[81_chapparel194]

Re: USCG requirements for flares

so the segment about the vent/blower on a boat i have a 19.5 ft bow rider with an outboard.. do i need a blower? my fuel tank is below deck but natural ventilation fore and aft ot the tank with removeable teak wood grate panels. it never had a blower installed from the dealer/factory.

 

[NYBo]

Re: USCG requirements for flares

so the segment about the vent/blower on a boat i have a 19.5 ft bow rider with an outboard.. do i need a blower? my fuel tank is below deck but natural ventilation fore and aft ot the tank with removeable teak wood grate panels. it never had a blower installed from the dealer/factory.

The answer is "no," but I think you posted to the wrong thread.

 

[sasto]

Re: USCG requirements for flares

Blowers and flares don't mix.

 

[81_chapparel194]

Re: USCG requirements for flares

are these acceptable? Orion Locate-4 Handheld Flares - Walmart.com
or these? Orion Flare Gun - Walmart.com
if both which do yall reccomend?

 

[V153]

Re: USCG requirements for flares

i have a 19.5 ft bow rider with an outboard.. do i need a blower

No, not with an outboard. Less'n the cop is a moron that thinks you need one. If'n that's the case it pays to stay on top of the latest 'requirements'. Fwiw lotsa cops don't really know the statutes. Not saying you should rush out'n re-educate them, just sayin' ...

 

[JoLin]

Re: USCG requirements for flares

are these acceptable? Orion Locate-4 Handheld Flares - Walmart.com
or these? Orion Flare Gun - Walmart.com
if both which do yall reccomend?

Yes to both. Be aware that the inexpensive aerial flares only burn for a few seconds. I carry an Orion 'high-performance' alert kit that cost about $100. on sale and has some of everything in it. I replace the handhelds in the kit when they expire. From a safety perspective you're best off thinking in terms of the 'spirit' of the law. To me that means having a variety of signaling and safety devices aboard. I have a comprehensive signalling kit, more and bigger fire extinguishers than required, fixed and handheld VHF's, and PFD's fitted with whistles and strobe lights. I assembled all this stuff over the course of a few years.

Call it overkill (I wouldn't disagree with you), but you can't predict how, when and what type of emergency might arise.

My .02

 

[UncleWillie]

Re: USCG requirements for flares

If you are only going to get one, get the hand flares first.
They burn longer and and are safer for the family to operate.
A Better Option includes the Orange flag, It saves the flares for last.
Always check the dates before buying, they are good for only 3 years. Old flares have no value.

3 years from now get the Aerial flares but keep the hand flares on board.
If stored in their sealed plastic bag, they might last for decades.
Now you will have both options.
The aerial flares can double as protection in the unlikely event you need to defend from pirates. (Drug Running type.)
Don't Shoot your foot Off!
Note: Some jurisdictions consider the aerial flares a firearm. Go Figure.

The hand flares can be burned on land without issues.
They are just a waterproof version of a highway road flare with a handle attached.
If lighting one on-board, for real, hold it down wind and over the water.
They will produce a nasty smoke and drip hot slag that you do not want on the boat.

 

[81_chapparel194]

Re: USCG requirements for flares

The answer is "no," but I think you posted to the wrong thread.

maybe so but since i was the op and the link showed all requirements and blower was one of them. i asked..would rather side track my own thread than have a citable offense on the water.