What the RYA and the MCA say about carrying flares

The RYA always recommends that recreational craft carry a means of distress alert and indication of their location should search and rescue services be required. However, we believe that modern technology provides reliable, accurate and timely distress alerting methods without the need for pyrotechnic signals.

Modern electronic distress alerting devices (EPIRB, PLB, VHF DSC, etc) are readily available at an affordable price and their use avoids the dangers associated with the operation of pyrotechnic flares and difficulties encountered in disposing of time-expired pyrotechnics. Above all, modern methods alert the search and rescue services directly to tell them that you need help and where you are without relying on a third party to take action on your behalf.

For those who are not required to carry pyrotechnic flares, the RYA has published guidance on the alternatives to indicate that you require assistance depending on the type of boat you have and where you use it. This has been endorsed by the MCA and the RNLI. That said, we continue to respect those who wish to carry pyrotechnic flares and we are not suggesting that their carriage should be prohibited.

Nevertheless, we are convinced that modern devices enhance distress alerting and ease the burden of disposal which is a significant factor for many boaters.

A Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) spokesman said: “Flares are one method of attracting attention in a distress situation, but to ensure a distress signal is received by a Maritime Rescue Co-ordination Centre, it is recommended that a vessel user should also carry a correctly registered EPIRB and have a DSC-equipped radio.”