Flare Shelf Life

[rebars1]

I was looking at some of the dates on the flares that came with an older boat I bought last year. Some of them have "expiration" dates in 1996 or older. Are the flares still OK, or should I get new ones? Also, how does one dispose of the out-dates ones?

 

[Gary H NC]

Re: Flare Shelf Life

I had some that were older than that. Had fun with them on new years eve! They all fired,i guess i'm lucky they didn't blow up.....
Not sure of the best way to dispose of them..

 

[all thumbs]

Re: Flare Shelf Life

If your required to have flares you need ones that are up to date. I keep my old ones as back ups but you can give them to your local coast guard, they'll use em for training.

 

[Boatist]

Re: Flare Shelf Life

To meet the legal requirement they must not be passed the experation date but Coast Guard says keep old ones for spares.

White flares can be fired for parctice but red flares can not be fired. Red flares are considered a MayDay or call for help.