Canadian Yachting — June 2017

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June 2017

A “Flare”for Safety

For decades, larger vessels have been required to carry distress flares in case of emergency, but have you ever had to set one off? First, it is illegal to set off a flare unless you are in a genuine emergency situation, so very few people anywhere in Canada, have ever actually set one off (thankfully). Pyrotechnic flares are very powerful and we assume, dangerous and tricky to use, particularly if you have had no previous experience. The instructions are clearly marked on the flare, but if you were in a real emergency, I would bet you would not be thinking very clearly. The pyrotechnic flares need to be stored safely and kept dry plus, they have a clearly marked expiry date, after which they may not function correctly. For the vast majority of Canadian boaters, the required flares are bought, stored onboard and then need to be disposed of and replaced with fresh flares. The Canadian Power and Sail Squadrons (CPS-ECP) in cooperation with CIL/Orion who make the flares, have developed a very important and valuable flare disposal program where boaters can return expired flares. CIL/Orion safely disposes of them. Also, in cooperation with CIL/Orion and the Canadian Coast Guard, CPS-ECP has developed a DVD and manual on the safe operation of all types of flares which is available to purchase from CPS-ECP through their web site. Go to the website at cps-ecp.ca or the http://www.cps-ecp.ca/?WCE=C=47|K= Recently, a company called Weems & Plath introduced their “SOS Distress Light” to the market in the USA and this product has received US Coast Guard Approval for use in place of pyrotechnic flares. So far, the “SOS Distress Light” is not approved for use in Canada, but boaters cruising up from the USA will undoubtedly be carrying these on their boats and we think that for the surprisingly low price of under $150, we would buy one for our own boat, even though we will still carry the required flares. It seems like an advance in boating safety but there is an environmental aspect and it is significant. At the Canadian Safe Boating Awards (CASBAs) this past January Weems & Plath received the “Safeguarding the Environment” Award. This prestigious award recognizes a company who has introduced to Canada a boating product or campaign that reduces marine pollution and makes the sport of boating more environmentally friendly. The SOS Distress Light was chosen because it is a safe, non-toxic, fully recycla- ble, user-friendly LED light signal. It can be a supplement to pyrotechnic flares on recreational boats in Canada. It also reduces the contamination of landfills, ground water and oceans that happens through the improper disposal of expired flares. “We are honored that the Canadian Safe Boating Council has recognized the SOS Distress Light for both its’ safety and environmental benefits,” said Weems & Plath President, Peter Trogdon. The SOS Distress Light is the first and only LED Visual Distress Signal Device that meets U.S. Coast Guard requirements to completely replace traditional pyrotechnic flares. Unlike traditional flares, this electronic flare never expires which solves the challenge of flare disposal. Expired pyrotechnic distress signals are hazardous waste and an environmental contaminant requiring special disposal but regrettably, a large proportion of expired flares are illegally dumped in landfills or the environment. It is estimated that each flare illegally dumped, can contaminate 900,000 litres of water. That’s a staggering number! So, please always make sure you and all your boating friends dispose of flares properly through the CPS-ECP Disposal program. Also, support CPS-ECP and your boating associations in their push to see Transport Canada and the Canadian Coast Guard approve the new LED electronic flares for use in Canada. This is a big improvement in technology and safety too!

Andy Adams–Editor subscription.canadianyachting.ca

Canadian Yachting — June 2017

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