Distress flares

When you are out on the water, distress flares are a good way of communicating you need help.

Types of distress flares 

Flares are only useful when they are seen by someone who can help or raise the alarm.

There are two types of flares - pyrotechnic and electric.  

  • Electric flares are battery-powered with LED lights that flash a distress pattern. They are visible over 6 miles and can operate for up to 20 + hours. Unlike pyrotechnic flares, they do not produce heat or smoke. They are easy to use, but you need to check that the battery is not expired.   

  • Pyrotechnic flares are devices that create an intense, bright red flame or an orange plume of smoke. Highly visible from the air and at sea, they help rescuers find you. However, they only burn for a short time. There are three main types of pyrotechnic flares, which are suitable for different situations. 

    • Orange smoke flares, which are only effective in daylight. 

    • Red handheld flares, which work both day and night. These flares are very bright and burn for up to 60 seconds. They are visible to aircraft 

    • Red parachute or rocket flares, which can attract attention in daylight (up to about 10 miles) and at night (up to about 40 miles). They are launched up to around 300 metres and burn for 40–60 seconds as they descend slowly under a parachute. 

Flare

Person holding a lit pyrotechnic distress flare in their hand.

Using your distress flares effectively

Be prepared 

  • Read and understand the firing instructions for your distress flares before you need to use them. In an emergency, you will not be able to read the instructions easily. 

  • Store your flares in a waterproof container or a dry area below deck. Make sure your passengers and crew know where they are and how to use them. 

  • Check the expiry date of your distress flares regularly and replace them before they expire. For electric flares, check the flare for damage and battery expiry date. You should also test your electric flares every month. 

  • For pyrotechnic flares, have a glove to protect your hand against the heat of the flare. 

How to fire a pyrotechnic flare

Do not set off flares unless you are in distress or at an approved organised training session. Misuse of distress signals is a criminal offence. Get in contact to organise a training session.

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Hold the flare on the leeward side of your boat before firing. Flares burn extremely hot and can damage your boat or life raft. 

Fire only one flare at a time and keep the others for later. If you see a searching aircraft or boat, use your remaining flares to attract attention. 

If you have parachute flares (a form of pyrotechnic flare), fire them downwind at a 15–20-degree angle off vertical, not into the wind. 

Disposal of old distress flares 

Pyrotechnic flares 

Expired pyrotechnic flares must be disposed of safely. 

 

If you find or have old pyrotechnic flares, leave the flares where they are if it is safe to do so, then call: 

  •  your local marine equipment supplier, or 

  • Police on 105 to discuss the best way to dispose of the flares. 

 

Do not take flares into your local police station. 

Do not incinerate old flares or put them in household rubbish. If they ignite, they can cause fires, injuries, or burns. 

 

Electric flares 

Contact the flare provider either the manufacturer or the retailer you bought them from to get advice.