In Canada, most types of boats are required to carry Canadian-approved pyrotechnic flares or electronic visual distress signal devices (eVDSD) as mandatory equipment in The Canada Shipping Act.
Pyrotechnic Distress Signals (flares)
Flares must be less than 4 years from date of manufacture. The requirement of flares depends on type and size of craft. The number is reduced by half if the craft has any of these:- two-way radio (VHF radio)
- satellite phone
- cellular phone)
- personal locator beacon (PLB)
- electronic position-indicating radio beacon (EPIRB)
Storage and Disposal of Expired Flares
Five-year old pyrotechnic flares may be kept for backup if they are stored properly. Store this type of signal in a labelled waterproof container or ziploc bag in a cool, dry location. The chemicals in the flares break down over time causing them to misfire and injure anyone nearby. Remember that it's illegal to fire a flare if there is no emergency. Keep away from children - they can kill!
Flares are considered to be hazardous material and must be disposed of the same as explosives and fireworks (check municipal services). It is illegal to burn off expired flares, and they are not accepted at landfill sites, or by police or fire departments. Contact marinas, the manufacturer, or the store where you bought them to enquire about collection programs.
- Don't throw overboard.
- Don't ignite flares over regulated waters.
- Don't put in household garbage!
- Don't launch aerial signals on land.
- Don't take them to a police station.
Electronic Distress Signals (Nov. 2021)
A new standard for electronic visual distress signals called eVDSD is accepted by Transport Canada for pleasure craft. The new industry standard for equipment is RTCM13200, developed by the United States Coast Guard (USCG). In November 2021, Transport Canada agreed that an eVDSD meeting RTCM13200 standard, when accompanied with a smoke signal, would meet the requirements for distress signalling for Canadian Pleasure craft. RTCM13200 technical details:
- Displays a two-color, flashing signal, plus a near-infrared component.
- Emits a 2-colour SOS signal, with a repeating pattern: “S” (3 red-orange flashes), “O” (3 cyan flashes), another “S” (3 red-orange flashes).
- Emits a near infrared signal that flashes the same SOS signal in sync with the visible light for detection by night vision equipment.
- Operating temperature range: -1°C to +30°C; storage temperature range: -20°C to +55°C
- Average effective intensity of at least 50 candela for at least 2 hours.
