Disposal of Marine Flares – Used or Expired!

Distress flares are a valuable safety item that can aid rescuers in locating you in the event of an emergency but…they can be extremely dangerous! Therefore, ensuring the disposal is just as important as the usage.

Old or out of date flares should not be kept as spares, because the propellant degrades over time. You must dispose of out-of-date flares as soon as possible as their ability to function as designed is no longer assured. Expiry dates are stamped on the side of each flare.

Every flare should have a date of manufacture and an expiry date.

IF THEY HAVE EXPIRED, YOU NEED TO REPLACE IMMEDIATELY!

How and where can I dispose of expired flares?

In Queensland, you must dispose of expired or unwanted flares at designated collection points, such as Marine Rescue Queensland and not in regular bins or recycling centres, as they are dangerous explosives.

Key Disposal Points:

• Marine Rescue Queensland: These stations often have special bins for flare disposal.
• Maritime Safety Queensland (MSQ): Their regional offices and websites list approved drop-off locations.

Where to Find Locations:

• Check the Maritime Safety Queensland (MSQ) website for specific locations, often featuring marked disposal bins for free drop-off to keep waterways safe, Redland City Council, Resources Safety & Health Queensland, and the Queensland Government.

Here are other states links for disposal:

Proper disposal of expired flares is crucial for safety and compliance. The following links will guide you on where to go or who to call for disposal:

• New South Wales: Dispose of Expired Marine Flares
• Victoria: Safely Dispose of Flares
• South Australia: Marine Distress Flares
• Tasmania: Flares
• Western Australia: Flares
• Northern Territory: Flares

Never put them in the rubbish or leave them outside for someone to collect as expired flares should be treated as explosives. In fact, expired flares come under the Explosives Act not any maritime act!

By using these designated facilities, you ensure safe and legal disposal, protecting yourself and the community from potential hazards.

Penalties

Did you know in Queensland, penalties can be 30 penalty units or $4300. Additionally, expired flares are illegal to possess.

Shorlink’s Recommendation

Ensure you follow the proper channels to dispose of expired flares. Igniting them for non-emergency purposes is dangerous and illegal. Stay informed and compliant to avoid penalties and ensure safety.

Keeping your flares up to date is essential for your safety and that of others. Replace and dispose of expired flares responsibly.

By following the guidelines, you can manage your expired marine distress flares safely and efficiently. Stay vigilant and proactive in maintaining your vessel’s safety equipment.

Tip

Important Safety Rules:

• Do NOT bin them: Never put flares in your regular rubbish or recycling bins.
• Illegal to keep expired: It’s illegal to possess flares past their use-by date.
• Dangerous explosives: Expired flares are considered unauthorized explosives and must be surrendered.

As part of your regular maintenance checklist for every vessel in the water, whether commercial or recreational, checking expiry dates is crucial.  Check your flares today, and replace them before they expire.