Re: [Paddlewise] Flares Gone Bad

Not to get too far off topic here....I have an Olin flare package with 3
12-guage flares, launcher,  3 hand helds, signal mirror, sea surface
high-visibility sheet, and a $0.10 plastic whistle (yeah, that's going
to be a really good extreme distress option for someone).  It also came
with a white 12-guage practice flare and I've wondered about the
appropriateness of trying this.  The only place I'd try it out would be
on the ocean, but if it were me and I saw a white aerial flare from
another boat, I'd still investigate wondering if this was a last ditch
attempt at someone in distress trying to get attention.  I don't know
what the protocol is for practice flares and can find no reference to
them in Chapman's "Piloting".  I wouldn't want a fine from the CG for
fireing off a flare, nor having other boats deviate for a possible
rescue and find I was just fooling around.  I pass a CG station about
every time I go out, but never remember to stop in and get the official
scoop.  I would like to try a practice shot to judge how well they work,
their altitude, and their visibility, but want to keep my butt out of a
jam (I get enough of that the way it is).  Anyone know about this?

-Nick



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