BOATsmart! Base de connaissances du Canada 

Certain distress equipment is required to be carried onboard pleasure craft at all times. This is so that you have it in the event of an emergency situation like a collision, a medical emergency or a mechanical breakdown. Situations like these, where you may require the use of a flare, are often unexpected, but if they happen to you, you'll be happy to have the distress equipment when you need it most.