Flares?

[Mike Cork]

Are Flares required on inland waters? I can't seem to find anything in our states regulations. I haven't dug extremely hard and thougt Spetro would know right off the bat

[spetro]

Are Flares required on inland waters? I can't seem to find anything in our states regulations. I haven't dug extremely hard and thougt Spetro would know right off the bat

All depends...If the water is navigable........(most of the TVA lakes are considered navigable) I say the answer would be yes.  Each state has different rules.  On smaller waters a night time distress signal could be just a flash light for your average bass boat, on small water.

I for one like having a 12 gauge flare gun on board.  You just never know when you'll need it.

[scwildbill]

Small price to pay for peace of mind... I carry them but have never been asked to produce them for DNR inspecdtions...

[Mike Cork]

What are the safetying devices on a flare gun and the flares to prevent accidentally setting off the flare, boat compartments in Louisiana (surely no different than many other southern states) get extremely hot. Just curious.

Are there approved devices available that can take the place of a flare gun

[spetro]

What are the safetying devices on a flare gun and the flares to prevent accidentally setting off the flare, boat compartments in Louisiana (surely no different than many other southern states) get extremely hot. Just curious.

Are there approved devices available that can take the place of a flare gun

Nope an aerial flare is an aerial flare....no substitute.  Follow the manufactures guide lines and you'll be fine.  Ya know some states do not allow guns on the water without paper work......but they all allow flare guns.

Keep it unloaded and dry.  I keep mine in its own case with a silica pack to absorb moisture.

[Mike Cork]

Thanks Spetro 

[spetro]

Thanks Spetro 

Sure thing Mike.  Hope it helps....I like packing legal heat when I'm out in the middle of  nowhere

[Mike Cork]

  that is a very good selling point

[OHbassaholic]

Will a 12 ga. sawed-off shotgun go as a flare gun if you have flares on board?   

[mossboss]

I have a flare gun in my boat, Here is a reminder - check the experation date on the flares, I found that mine expired last year and was told they don't count as a signaling devise if they are expired.

[Mike Cork]

Good point How long do they last

[OHbassaholic]

Hmm.  How does one safely dispose of a live flare...without shooting it off?

[Mike Cork]

Yet another good point. I guess you shoot it off for the enjoyment but then you create a boy who cried wolf scenerio

[spetro]

I'm glad you guy's asked this question.   Keep in mind each state is different.  I asked my Flotilla Commander this very question. (1) You can dispose of expired flares at your local CGA flotilla.  They in turn will incinerate them or point you in the right direction. (2) You can drop them off at your local hazard waste dump....all counties should have one. (3)  You can keep them on board your boat.  As long as you have current ones.......shoot the expired ones first in case your in a rescue situation.  This is OK in Florida.......but if you DON"T have current ones......you fail.

NEVER SHOOT THEM OFF....EVEN DURING FIREWORKS DISPLAYS.  NEVER-NEVER-NEVER, UNLESS YOU ARE IN A RESCUE SITUATION.

[spetro]

Oh....most flares are good for three years.  Keep them dry.  They say three years to be on the safe side......but they should be good for longer.  Look at the expiration date on the flares before you buy them.  If they have been sitting on a shelf for two years.....you'll be chumping yourself

[Mike Cork]

Thanks Spetro, good call about keeping them along with the good ones to use first