Flares undergo extensive testing

Contrary to many people’s beliefs, flares don’t spit hot metal and, under SOLAS regulations, have to comply with extremely strict criteria ensuring consistent and reliable performance, so says Chris Feibusch, head of global marketing at Drew Marine Signal and Safety.

“Unfortunately there is a lot of misinformation out there. Flares have to pass an annual SOLAS test to ensure conformance to the required standards. Testing includes ensuring the flares work without igniting heptane oil covered water, in temperatures from -30 degrees C to plus 65 degrees C and also when stored under 1m of water for 24-hours and drop testing 2m onto a steel plate. Flares are extensively tested and designed to be user friendly. Accidents are extremely rare” he explained.

The flares have to perform to these strict criteria on day one and after the certified lifespan of three years in the harsh marine environment.

“Flares are way more sophisticated than the average firework,” said Mr Feibusch. “We do undergo a programme of continuous technical development and in the manufacturing process of the pyrotechnic mix.

Flares are now smaller and lighter with less explosive content but with no loss of performance.”

Drew Marine’s new MoB light and smoke signal uses LED and lithium technology and now contains 30% less explosive content - 2.57 kilos compared to 3.444 kilos - while giving the same performance.

And Mr Feibusch pointed out that this is a benefit not just when shipping the flares with lower freight costs, but also for storage on a boat. Smaller signals such as the company’s telescopic handflare are particularly appreciated by liferaft manufacturers as they take up less space.

“We’re investing heavily in automated production lines for consistency and increased capacity,” explained Mr Feibusch. “It’s not always obvious when looking at the product but there’s a lot of reinvestment to improve quality.”

LEGISLATION

And he added that legislation around transportation is becoming increasingly stricter with different regulations from country to country and with countries interpreting the requirements in a different way.

“Legislation is getting harder and harder even in the EU. The big issue we have is that we’re exporting class one explosives all of which are dated on a monthly basis.

“Even within the in the EU there are different interpretations; for example even though Croatia is part of the EU, it still insists on pre-European practices and paperwork. The process hasn’t been simplified at all.

“There are so many different permits which are required for the transportation and handling of pyrotechnics.”

Mr Feibusch advises that users are careful to ensure their flares are in date and also warned that there are some underhand practices taking place in countries such as India.

“Sometimes there are quite sophisticated re-dating practices going on. We’ve come across a practice in India where the fake stickers have been produced and applied to the products to appear is if they are freshly dated. When it’s pealed off the original is exposed.

“Its important vessel owners are vigilant and aware of the expiry dates and to always specify quality pyrotechnics from approved manufacturers and reliable distributors and dealers.”