JimH wrote:
"RB" wrote in message
.. .
Pep Boys, Auto Zone, etc sell safety flares. Will these work OK for my
boat safety package? Has anyone done this? Just curious.



I think they have to be USCG approved for use on a boat. I may be wrong but
that is my understanding.

Nothing prevents the use of auto or camping store flares on a boat- but
they will not be counted as part of the required inventory during a
USCG boarding unless they are USCG approved. Also, some of those
freeway flares are designed to be lit and then dropped onto the
pavement. For obvious reasons this isn't an option on a boat- you'll
either extinguish the flare by dropping it into the water or risk
setting the boat afire if it lands on the deck.

BTW, the USCG standards for flares are a joke. You are almost as well
off "flicking a BIC" as relying on some of the pathetic little glimmers
emitted by some flares that are USCG certified.

For adequate flares, insist on the SOLAS standard rather than settling
for merely "USCG approved".