Offshore - Lake Ontario 300

Page 38 Lake Ontario Offshore Racing Guide Lake Ontario Offshore Racing Guide Page 39
Flares are for emergencies – nothing else. When you need them – you need
them – so carry only Transport Canada approved flares within the 4-year
lifespan from their manufacture date stamp. And forget about setting off outdated
flares like Canada Day fireworks. It’s illegal and you can be slapped with
a heavy fine.
Types of Approved Pyrotechnics
• Type A: Parachute – a single red star that reaches a height of 300 m (984’)
and with the aid of a parachute, comes down slowly. Burns for at least 40
seconds and is easily observed from the surface or air
• Type B: Multi-star – two or more red stars that reach a height of 100 m
(328’) and burn for four or five seconds each. Easily observed from the
surface or air. Some Type B flares project only one star at a time. When using
this single star type, two flares must be fired within 15 seconds of each
other. You will need double the number of cartridges to meet the requirements
of the regulations
• Type C: Hand-held – a red flame torch you hold in your hand that burns for
at least one minute. It offers limited surface visibility and is best for pinpointing
location during an air search. Avoid looking directly at the flare while it is
burning. Ignite the flare while holding it clear of the boat and down wind
• Type D: Smoke (buoyant or hand-held) – produces a dense orange smoke
for three minutes and is used only as a day signal. Some types only last one
minute and come in packages of three, that package of 3 equals 1 flare. A
canister type burns for 3 minutes and can be tossed over the side freeing
up you hands for the emergency. Position your smoke flare down wind and
follow the directions carefully
Frequently Asked Questions.
• There is no shoot off date! Flares can only be used in an emergency situation
– any other time is prohibited by Annex IV #2 of the Collision Regulations.
You can be fined if caught!
• Flares must be Canadian Approved (DOT) for Canadian Registered vessels
even if you go into the USA. Your safety gear must comply with which ever
country your boat is registered
• Canadian flares are legal for 4 years and it is suggested by both “The Store”
and the Marine Police that you keep them another 4 to 6 years as back
up – if you are in need, you don’t care how old they are. The flares do not
become illegal when they are expired, however you can not count them
as part of your flare package for inspection. We recommend that you write
the expiry date in big letters with markers so it is easy to identify. After
10 years, it is strongly recommended that you dispose of them safely, as
they can become unstable. At “The Store” we have 2 collection dates: our
Safety Day and Environmental Day
in May. Unfortunately, there is no
other easy way to dispose of flares.
Lori is starting to work with Transport
Canada, who is in charge of
the Canadian Coast Guard, to help
find a solution to this problem
• As of 2007, there is now a Type B
12 gauge double star burst shell,
which means 1 shell now equals 1
flare. There are two manufacturers
that each have unique styles: the
Orion flares are elongated orange
shells, whereas the Comet flares
are the same as the older style
of shells (small and red) but have
white print on them
• The visibility range varies between
each flare: Type B flares can be seen
a maximum of 5 miles away; Type
A (parachute flares) can be seen a
maximum of 25 miles away! Type
Ds (smoke flares) have the best visibility
during the daytime – which is
when most of us do our boating
• The Marine Police have been very
active in giving fines for inadequate
safety equipment and the fines can
be administered per each flare that
you are short
Don’t forget that Lori will have a mini
“Store” set up on the PCYC ground
during the lead up to the start of the
LO300. There you can pick up last
minute items, or order tiems that will
be delivered from the main store in
Port Credit.
At any time, you are welcome to talk
to the experts at “The Store”, watch a
DVD on Safety Procedures, bring in
your flare kit, and have them help you
put together a great safety package.
Sail now on.
The Coast Sport Jacket excels
on many levels. It is suitable
for an array of boating activities
and will rarely be forced
out of its comfort zone. The
Coast Sport is made from
our 3 Dot TM fully waterproof,
highly breathable laminated
fabric providing high levels
of performance at a price
point that defies its capabilities.
Available in men’s and
women’s sizes.
Offered by ‘The Store”
Mason’s Chandlery
Official supplier of Gill
Lake Ontario 300
branded apparel.
www.thestoremasons.com