Do I Need Flares on My Boat?
When you’re heading out on the water, preparation isn’t just smart - it could save lives.
One key bit of kit that often sparks confusion (and debate) is flares. Do you really need them? Are LED alternatives enough? And which type should you buy?
Here’s what every UK boater should know about marine flares, from legal expectations to product recommendations.
Are Flares a Legal Requirement in the UK?
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer here.
If the vessel is commercial, distress alerting equipment must be carried, as stated by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA).
For recreational boaters in the UK, marine flares are not necessarily required in all situations, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t carry them. If your vessel is Class XII (13.7m in length or over), flares are a requirement. For pleasure vessels of less than 13.7m, there are no specific carriage requirements, but the COLREGS list of recognised distress signals is still relevant and should be followed.
The Royal Yachting Association (RYA) advises boaters to carry flares suitable for their type of boating, particularly for offshore trips. Flares can dramatically speed up a rescue and give visual confirmation of your location in an emergency.
What Types of Marine Flares Are There?
Here’s a quick overview of the most common flare types used by UK boaters:
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Red Hand Flares
For short-range use in the day, night or at low visibility. A bright, intense signal used when in sight of another vessel, a rescue helicopter, or land. It is less bright than a parachute flare and will burn for about one minute with a visibility range of a few miles. Should be held downwind due to burning dross. Be aware, this dross can ignite fuel. -
Orange Smoke Flares
Used during daylight to mark position. Creates thick, visible smoke for just a few minutes, and most effective in good weather conditions. Very useful for flagging down aircraft. Buoyant orange flares are opened and thrown into the water downwind of the vessel and produce smoke for about 3 minutes. -
Parachute Red Rockets
For long-range distress signalling, projecting a bright flare at a height of around 300m. Burns for about 40 seconds while the flare drops. Suitable for day or night. Ideal for offshore use, and can be seen as far as 25+ miles. Should not be used if a helicopter is nearby.
We stock all three in our Ocean Safety flare packs, so you can be ready for coastal, offshore or inshore cruising.
Choosing the Right Flare Pack for Your Boating
At Morgan Marine Chandlery, we stock a range of Ocean Safety flare kits designed for different levels of boating:
✔ Ocean Safety Inshore Flare Pack
Includes: 2 Red Hand Flares, 2 Orange Hand Smoke
Ideal for: Day boating or sailing in local waters where help is nearby.
✔ Ocean Safety Coastal Flare Pack
Includes: 2 Red Hand Flares, 2 Orange Hand Smoke, 2 Red Parachute Rockets
Ideal for: Coastal cruising or cross-channel trips where you may need longer-range signals.
✔ Ocean Safety Offshore Flare Pack
Includes: 4 Red Hand Flares, 2 Orange Buoyant Smoke Flares, 4 Red Parachute Rockets
Ideal for: Offshore sailing or racing, where full-range visibility and redundancy are essential.
Are LED Flares a Good Alternative?
LED distress beacons, like the Ocean Signal rescueME EDF1 LED Flare, are becoming increasingly popular - and for good reason:
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Long battery life
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User-replaceable battery
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Waterproof up to 10m
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Range up to 7 miles
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No risk of fire
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Safe to store and easy to use
However, they are not yet considered a direct legal replacement for pyrotechnic flares by the MCA. The best practice? Carry both.
How Long Do Flares Last?
Always check the expiry date of your flares, and replace them as needed. Expired flares can misfire - or fail when you need them most.
Ocean Safety usually releases new batches in September or October, with a shelf life of 3–4 years from manufacture. Be aware - older stock may have a reduced shelf life, but is often offered at a discount.
How Do You Dispose of Expired Flares?
Disposing of expired flares can be tricky. You can’t bin them or leave them at a recycling centre. The good news is - we can dispose of expired flares for you. We can even provide a discount on new flare purchases when recycling old ones.
The MCA also has a flare disposal service with designated drop-off points. Find your nearest disposal location on the HM Coastguard flare disposal page or contact your local harbour authority for advice.
FAQs
Do I need flares on my boat in the UK?
Not always legally, but they’re highly recommended - especially if boating offshore.
How many flares should I carry?
Enough to meet the range and duration of your intended voyage. Most flare packs are designed to cover standard requirements.
Can I use out-of-date flares?
No. Expired flares may fail or be dangerous. Always replace them before expiry.
Are electronic flares legal in the UK?
Yes, but they’re not recognised as a complete substitute for pyrotechnics. They’re best used in addition to traditional flares.
Final Thoughts
Flares are one of the most affordable pieces of lifesaving equipment you can carry. For peace of mind, and to meet best safety practice, it’s worth keeping a complete, in-date flare pack onboard.
Explore our full range of flares, with fast UK delivery and expert advice always available from the Morgan Marine team.
