FIRST AID FLARES
It is advisable that at least one crew member Flares are an essential part of your safety • If your boat is suitable, mount some of
on the vessel has a good understanding of equipment. There are several types of flares your flares in spring clips on a bulkhead
first aid. on the market designed for different water immediately inside the companionway for
users. For coastal journeys and beyond you rapid use. Keep any others (with a torch
A comprehensive first aid kit and good first aid
should carry a full flare kit including rockets, and a pair of gloves) in a readily accessible,
knowledge could prove invaluable while you
hand-held flares and smoke flares. watertight, screw-top container.
wait for professional assistance to arrive. The
• It is illegal to fire a distress flare when not
Royal Yachting Association (RYA) and the Irish Firing flares is a simple method of indicating
in distress.
Sailing Association (ISA) run first aid courses that a boat and/or person are in distress, and
• White flares are to be used when the risk of
that are specifically marine orientated (see the of drawing attention to your position when the
collision is imminent. They can also be used
Useful contacts section for details, page 38). rescue services are coming to your aid.
for searching for an MOB at night. It is wise
If you are in doubt or in need of medical advice • Make sure you know how to operate to keep white flares separate from others to
do not hesitate to contact the Coastguard. your flares before you need them. Firing avoid confusion.
mechanisms vary so read the
instructions printed on
the sides.
• Leisure flares expire
after 4 years. After
this date they will
deteriorate and
become less reliable.
Replace expired flares
with new ones.
Make sure all your crew know how to fire the
22
flares you have onboard
Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24  |  Page 25  |  Page 26  |  Page 27  |  Page 28  |  Page 29  |  Page 30  |  Page 31  |  Page 32  |  Page 33  |  Page 34  |  Page 35  |  Page 36  |  Page 37  |  Page 38  |  Page 39  |  Page 40  |  Page 41  |  Page 42