07/03/2013
Yes Tomorrow is the Fourth of July. And the perfect way to celebrate our freedom is to spend time on the water! Fireworks may seem like a good idea, however the consequences can be costly. Below are some tips for every mariner to follow.
NEVER do the following:
•NEVER jettison distress signals overboard.
•NEVER activate marine flares in a non-emergency situation. You could be charged with the cost of an unnecessary rescue.
•NEVER dispose of flares in household trash.
Also remember that expired flares can be saved as back-up flares for about 10 years to expand signaling time in the event of an emergency. Then, they become unstable and should be disposed of.
OLD Flare Disposal:
-Turn them over to the Police or Coast Guard
-Donate expired flares to local Coast Guard Auxiliary or Power Squadron for use in their training classes.
-Contact your local law enforcement or the fire protection agency for their advice on proper visual distress signal disposal.
In the U.S., there is a penalty of up to $1,100 for failure to comply with equipment requirements.
Don't spoil your summer. Do the check and replace when necessary. It is not only the law, it is your family's potential rescue time you are risking. Do the right thing.
