What Type of Flares Should You Carry on Your Boat?

What type of flares should you carry on your boat? What are the rules and regulations for carrying marine flares?

Let’s go over a few common types of flares and the situations where they are often used.

Marine flare requirements can vary depending on where you boat and the type of water you fish, so always check current Coast Guard and state boating regulations.

Inland Boaters

If you seldom leave sight of land, many boaters carry handheld red flares, aerial flares, 12-gauge HP signals, or Skyblazer XLT signals.

These types of signals are commonly used by inland boaters who stay relatively close to shore.

Coastal Boaters

If you occasionally travel offshore or fish coastal areas during daylight hours, many boaters carry handheld red flares, aerial flares, smoke flares, and orange handheld distress signals.

Coastal conditions can change quickly, so having multiple signaling options is a smart idea.

Offshore Boaters

If you plan to travel offshore, out of sight of land, or spend extended time on the ocean, you should make sure you carry the proper approved safety equipment.

Many offshore boaters carry handheld flares, SOLAS-approved aerial flares, and SOLAS-approved smoke flares designed for offshore emergencies.

What I Carry on My Boat

When I fish for salmon, sturgeon, or walleye on the Columbia River and Tillamook Bay, I carry Orion handheld marine red signal flares on my boat.

I also carry both handheld and parachute flares for additional safety.

In addition to flares, I keep:

A VHF radio
GPS equipment
Radar
An updated first-aid kit

The VHF radio allows communication with other boaters and emergency services if needed. GPS and radar are especially important during low-visibility conditions on big water.

You can always reach the United States Coast Guard on VHF Channel 16 during emergencies.