BOATsmart! Canada
Knowledge Base

Module 07 - Emergency Preparedness

Flares

There are 4 types of flares approved for use in Canada:

Type A - Parachute Flare: This is an ‘aerial’ type flare, which means it works by being fired into the air. Type A flares are most visible at night. Once it’s fired, the red flare will reach a height of about 300 m, and will burn for 40 seconds. To fire, hold the flare away from your body, and pull the release mechanism.

Type B - Multi-star Flare: This flare type fires two or more red stars into the air, at a height of approximately 100 m. Once fired, it will burn for up to 5 seconds. Type B flares are most visible at night.

Type C - Hand-held Flare: This type of flare is designed for hand-held use, and will burn intensely for one minute. It is most effective when used to help rescuers pin-point your location once they are nearby but is not helpful to catch the attention of a potential rescuer, as they likely won’t be able to see your flare from a distance. Be sure to hold this flare downwind and away from your body when it’s fired.

Type D - Buoyant or Hand-held Smoke Flare: This type of flare is most effective for daytime use and is available in both handheld or floating types. These flares will emit intense orange smoke for at least 3 minutes. When discharging this flare, you must either hold it away from your body and downwind (for handheld flares), or toss it into the water (for floating flares).

Remember the following when using flares:

Type A and B flares work best during night-time
Always read the manufacturer’s instructions before using a flare
Flares must be approved for use by Transport Canada
Contact your local law enforcement agency, fire department, marine retailer or the Canadian Coast Guard to ensure you are disposing of expired flares in an approved manner
Flares are valid for only four years from their date of manufacture- Always check the date of manufacture and/or expiry date before using a flare