What type of flare should you carry on your boat?
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Inland boaters
If seldom leave sight of land you should carry handheld red flares aerial flares 12-gauge HP or sky blazer xlt signals.
Coastal Boaters
If you travel offshore occasionally, and do not travel overnight you should carry handheld red flares aerial flares 12-gauge HP or skyblazer xlt signals smoke flares orange handheld.
Offshore Boaters
if you travel offshore out of sight of land for extended periods you should carry handheld flares Solas approved aerial flares 25mm or Solas approved smoke flares.
When I fish in my boat for Salmon, Sturgeon or Walleye on the Columbia River, and Tillamook Bay I carry the Orion hand-held Marine red signal flare.
It is also a very good idea to carry a VHF radio so you may call the coastguard in case of an emergency. You can always reach the United state Coast Guard on your vhf channel 16.
On my boat I personally carry both handhelds and parachute flares. I also have Vhf radio, GPS and radar. I also carry an updated first Ade kit.
Always remember to check the expiration date on your flares as the do expire.
Last Updated on by Marvin
