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All boats 16 feet or more in length are required to carry flares and daytime visual distress signals when operating in US Coast Guard (USCG) regulated waters including the Great Lakes. We carry coast guard approved flares to meet regulations and give you a way to signal rescue services in an emergency. We also carry SOLAS (Safety of Life at Sea) flares that meet stricter standards and are required to be carried by sailboats participating in races organized under the International Sailing Federation and commercial boats that venture more than 50 miles offshore.
Handheld Boat Flares
Handheld marine flares are available in pyrotechnic or smoke types. Smoke flares are for day use only but many pyrotechnic signals are approved for day- or night-time use. USCG regulations mandate that boats more than16 feet in length carry three night-time signals and three day-time signals, but we recommend that you carry double the required amount. You’ll be thankful you have them if you ever need to draw attention in an emergency.
Boat Flare Guns
Flare guns launch aerial meteor flares. These flares are also approved for day or night-time use and can reach a height of 500’ to alert rescue services or other boats.
SOLAS Flares
SOLAS flares are a step up from USCG approved flares and meet stricter standards set by the international safety organization Safety of Life at Sea. SOLAS parachute flares ascend to more than 1,000' and burn at 30,000 candela for 40 seconds which is twice and high and almost twice as bright compared to USCG flares.
Flare Kits
Flare kits bundle multiple flare and signal types into an easy to stow kit. Popular kits from Orion include a launcher, handheld pyrotechnics flares and a handheld smoke flare.
Flares & Flare Guns FAQ
There are three primary types of flares used in boating: handheld flares, aerial flares, and smoke flares. Handheld flares are used for short-range signaling and are ideal in low-visibility situations like fog or at night. Aerial flares are launched from a flare gun and can reach altitudes of up to 500 feet, making them visible from greater distances. Smoke flares are used during the day and produce dense, colored smoke to signal your location over a wider area.
The burn time of flares varies depending on the type. Handheld and aerial flares generally burn for 5 to 8 seconds, while SOLAS-approved parachute flares can last up to 40 seconds, providing more visibility in an emergency. Smoke flares often produce smoke for up to a minute, making them suitable for signaling during daylight hours.
SOLAS (Safety of Life at Sea) flares are designed to meet international safety standards and are typically used in commercial vessels or for offshore sailing. They burn brighter and longer than standard flares and can reach higher altitudes, making them ideal for long-distance signaling in extreme conditions.
For coastal and inland boating, a combination kit that includes aerial, handheld, and smoke flares is recommended. This ensures visibility during both day and night and covers different signaling scenarios. An example is the Orion Deluxe HP Alert Locate Flare Kit, which includes a variety of flares suitable for different conditions.
Flares should be stored in a waterproof, secure container that’s easily accessible in an emergency. It’s important to check the expiration dates regularly, as expired flares may not function correctly and could be dangerous to use. Storing them in a cool, dry location away from direct sunlight will also help maintain their effectiveness.
Expired flares should never be used or disposed of in regular trash. Check with local boating authorities or fire departments for safe disposal locations and procedures. Some manufacturers and marine supply stores may also offer take-back programs for expired flares.
