Are flares OK in an inflatable?
- rogerblack
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Are flares OK in an inflatable?
I assume these are not forum members?
https://www.thecourier.co.uk/fp/news/lo ... um=twitter
RNLI Video here: http://rnli.org/Pages/Video-Details.asp ... D=2qlvRsYT
Note they had no lifejackets, radio, GPS . . . the lifeboat helmsman* is quoted as saying: “We would always recommend that people are properly prepared before setting out on trips like this, especially on open water, such as the Forth. Necessary equipment should also include lifejackets, a VHF radio, flares, suitable all-weather clothing, a well maintained engine and a craft suitable for the conditions."
Can't argue with most of that; I always wear a suitable coastal lifejacket (with wave splash guard, light, whistle etc) and carry a VHF radio with DSC.
However I haven't carried flares, as I'm a bit wary of their suitability with inflatable boats - am I being overcautious?
Do others here carry them, if so what's the recommended type?
And how do you dispose of them when they run out of date?
Any feedback & advice would be welcome.
*(or should we say 'helmsperson' in these PC days? I note the article uses the term 'helm' . . .)
cheers
Roger
“Teach a man to fish and he’ll turn around and try to teach you to fish like he invented it and you’re an idiot”
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- Martin
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Re: Are flares OK in an inflatable?
I think if I was going down that route Roger, I'd be more inclined to buy the laser flare...
Modern technology is great, EPIRBs, PLB, DSC VHF and EVDS are the way forward imo
Have a little read here buddy ..
http://www.rya.org.uk/cruising/Pages/Fl ... nduse.aspx
Modern technology is great, EPIRBs, PLB, DSC VHF and EVDS are the way forward imo
Have a little read here buddy ..
http://www.rya.org.uk/cruising/Pages/Fl ... nduse.aspx
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- rogerblack
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Re: Are flares OK in an inflatable?
Thanks Martin, they certainly look more suitable for potentially meltable boats!
I'm not likely to be out after dark, in fact as a fair weather boater I try to stick mostly to bright sunny days.
It would be good to see how visible they are in such bright ambient conditions; next time I'm in a chandlery I'll check if they have a demo unit.
I guess the main use is for the last bit of SAR beyond the accuracy of GPS.
My VHF radio does have a strobe light function, although of course that is white not red and only single direction.
cheers
Roger
“Teach a man to fish and he’ll turn around and try to teach you to fish like he invented it and you’re an idiot”
Roger
“Teach a man to fish and he’ll turn around and try to teach you to fish like he invented it and you’re an idiot”
- Paul
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Re: Are flares OK in an inflatable?
I'd be inclined to agree with Martins comments Roger because you and I tend to boat in busy waters.
Personally I've taken the route of having a hand held VHF with DSC which also displays my GPS position.....so that would be my first means of assistance.
As a back-up I've got a PLB to deploy if I can't raise any help via the radio.
To assist in my recovery I've a high powered LED torch like this http://www.feit.com/conserv_energy/flas ... ghts/72336 which apart from being very handy for many things has a very bright concentrated beam and will attract attention even in daylight and will flash a SOS or a strobe to assist recovery team of my location.
As we're on small boats I think it's important our equipment is attached to ourselves and not the boat
Personally I've taken the route of having a hand held VHF with DSC which also displays my GPS position.....so that would be my first means of assistance.
As a back-up I've got a PLB to deploy if I can't raise any help via the radio.
To assist in my recovery I've a high powered LED torch like this http://www.feit.com/conserv_energy/flas ... ghts/72336 which apart from being very handy for many things has a very bright concentrated beam and will attract attention even in daylight and will flash a SOS or a strobe to assist recovery team of my location.
As we're on small boats I think it's important our equipment is attached to ourselves and not the boat
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Re: Are flares OK in an inflatable?
Ace question . I used to carry pyro flares on the big rib but moved away from them as I personally feel the DSC VHF & PLB actually serve me better and carry no risk to operate. Anyone who has set off a pyro flare - even in a controlled situation like sea survival training I think would all agree are ****ing hot and slightly if not very intimidating.
Commercial coding still requires them but personally I'd rather spend £180 on a PLB that anyone can use with little or no training . VHF DSC is the same for me .
There was an case of a RIB having accidentally set off flares by dropping them on the deck (which then caught for and tube melted )
I often mentally went through the what if cases prior to setting out in to poor weather or night trips - which included 'if I set a flare off I hold it as far out over the side of the boat as possible' - they can & do drip very hot bits which wont do your tubes any favours
I now carry VHF DSC / PLB & laser flare on my life jacket - my thinking is I want to be rescued - the boat can wait & is insured & I don't go more than a 5-10 miles off land.
If anyone is wanting to dispose of flares please have a google and see where you can take them - make an appointment and dispose of them properly . If anyone is down in Poole or Bournemouth its the RNLI HQ (Monday - Friday 9-5) - I have taken old ones in for mates as they were down at odd times. Same offer for anyone on here - I'm happy to run them in for you.
As an incentive its a good way to get hold of the plastic flare boxes - as the flares go in a metal locked container - the boxes get stacked up next to it and some nice asking can get them gifted
Pete
Commercial coding still requires them but personally I'd rather spend £180 on a PLB that anyone can use with little or no training . VHF DSC is the same for me .
There was an case of a RIB having accidentally set off flares by dropping them on the deck (which then caught for and tube melted )
I often mentally went through the what if cases prior to setting out in to poor weather or night trips - which included 'if I set a flare off I hold it as far out over the side of the boat as possible' - they can & do drip very hot bits which wont do your tubes any favours
I now carry VHF DSC / PLB & laser flare on my life jacket - my thinking is I want to be rescued - the boat can wait & is insured & I don't go more than a 5-10 miles off land.
If anyone is wanting to dispose of flares please have a google and see where you can take them - make an appointment and dispose of them properly . If anyone is down in Poole or Bournemouth its the RNLI HQ (Monday - Friday 9-5) - I have taken old ones in for mates as they were down at odd times. Same offer for anyone on here - I'm happy to run them in for you.
As an incentive its a good way to get hold of the plastic flare boxes - as the flares go in a metal locked container - the boxes get stacked up next to it and some nice asking can get them gifted
Pete
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Re: Are flares OK in an inflatable?
Does anyone know where I can buy one of these EVDS laser flares? They sound a good alternative to me.
- Martin
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Re: Are flares OK in an inflatable?
Force4 have them on sale I think at the mo.
Try local chandlers to you maybe?
Where about a are you located ?
Try local chandlers to you maybe?
Where about a are you located ?
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Re: Are flares OK in an inflatable?
I knew I'd read this in the past ...
https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/s ... 09_WEB.pdf
page 74 - the flares went off by accident making short work of the deck & tubes
https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/s ... 09_WEB.pdf
page 74 - the flares went off by accident making short work of the deck & tubes
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Re: Are flares OK in an inflatable?
I think I will maybe get a couple of smoke flairs and a parachute. Will have a look for one of those laser flairs too.
- Martin
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Re: Are flares OK in an inflatable?
Lots of problems with flares these days, nobody wants to take out of date ones. they're not something I'd ever consider carrying/owning. The laser ones must be the way to go if you feel a need for them. But I stand by my earlier postGybemaster wrote:I think I will maybe get a couple of smoke flairs and a parachute. Will have a look for one of those laser flairs too.
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- Gybemaster (10 May 2016, 21:38)
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