Commercial fishing vessels are required to carry distress flares and it is a good idea for all boaters to have a couple of distress flares in the boat’s safety kit. Flares should be stored in a watertight container in a cool, dry location. However, flares are only good for four years after the date of manufacture. They should be disposed of after that time.
Flares are explosive and cannot be thrown in the trash. They must be treated as hazardous waste. If you have expired flares or flares that will expire soon, please note that from August 1-8, 2009 the OPP will be collecting expired and unwanted marine flares. Please see the OPP website for drop-off locations.
For more information about safe boating, visit Transport Canada’s Office of Boating at www.boatingsafety.gc.ca.
I’m not a boater but this type of information is really valuable. It’s so easy to lose track of how long things have been around, especially seasonal items.