BOATsmart! Base de connaissances du Canada
Module 07 - Emergency Preparedness
Flares
There are 4 types of flares approved for use in Canada: Types A, B,C and D.
Type A: Parachute Flare
To discharge this aerial flare, read the manufacturer’s instructions, hold away from your body, and pull the release mechanism. When launched, this red light flare reaches a height of approximately 300 m and burns for at least 40 seconds. This type of flare can be seen from water, land and air.
Type B: Multi-star Flare
Also an aerial flare, this device fires two red stars to a height of approximately 100 m.
To discharge: Read the manufacturer’s instructions and trigger the flare from a hand-held position. This type of flare will burn for four to five seconds and be visible from water, land and air.
Type C : Hand-held Flare
This type of flare is designed for hand-held use and is not highly from a distance. Because of its limited visibility, this flare is most effective when used to help rescuers pin-point your location once they are nearby.
To discharge: Read the manufacturer’s instructions, hold downwind and away from your body and trigger the flare. This flare will burn intensely for at least one minute.
Type D : Buoyant or Hand-held Smoke Flare
This type of flare is most effective for daytime use. Handheld or floating type smoke flares will discharge intense orange smoke for at least three minutes.
To discharge: Read the manufacturer’s instructions, pull the release mechanism and hold the flare upright or toss it into the water.
Remember:
- A parachute flare works best during nighttime (reaches a height of 300 m and burns for 40 seconds!)
- Read the manufacturer’s directions before using a flare or pyrotechnic device
- Flares must be approved for use by Transport Canada
- It is illegal to test or discharge a flare if not used for an emergency situation
- Only dispose of outdated flares in an approved manner–contact your local law enforcement agency, fire department, marine retailer or the Canadian Coast Guard for disposal procedures
- Check the date of manufacture and/or expiry date before using a flare
- Flares are valid for only four years from their date of manufacture
