Volunteer Marine Rescue – Southport / Surfers Paradise
STANDARD OPERATIONAL PROCEDURES
ISSUE: 6
DATE: 15/06/13
PAGE: 1 of 2
SECTION: - WORKPLACE HEALTH & SAFETY
SOP - 516: - SAFE USE OF FLARES
Approved by Operations Controller: (Signature)
1.
Introduction
This document provides guidelines for the safe use of distress flares by VMR
Southport personnel whilst engaged in active duty.
2.
References
Recruit training
WH&S
3.
By-Law
By-Law
5.2
1.9
Detailed Information
The use of distress flares when not in distress is an offence.
Flares are explosive devices and as such have the potential to cause injury if used
and handled incorrectly.
3.1
3.2
Considerations prior to the firing of flares: 3.1.1
Prior to using a flare, carefully read the manufactures instructions
located on the side of the flare.
3.1.2
Flares shall only be fired on the authority of the person responsible
for the safety of the vessel and crew. If the senior person on board
the vessel was injured and was unable to direct the use of flares then
the responsibility would fall on the next highest-ranking person on
board.
3.1.3
Prior to firing a flare consideration must be given to the following: a. The chances of the flare being seen by persons on the land or
another vessel.
b. The number of flares carried on board.
3.1.4
Ensure the flare has not exceeded its expiry date. Flares can
become unreliable past their expiry date as stated by the
manufacturer.
The Firing of flares: 3.2.1
3.2.2
Do not remove the caps and or safety pin until ready to fire. Once
removed, the caps and or safety pin shall be kept in a safe place
until the flare has been fired. If the flare is not fired then the
caps and or pin can be replaced and the flare stowed.
Once the caps and or safety pin have been removed the flare shall
be pointed skywards and away from the vessel.
Volunteer Marine Rescue – Southport / Surfers Paradise
STANDARD OPERATIONAL PROCEDURES
ISSUE: 6
DATE: 15/06/13
PAGE: 2 of 2
SECTION: - WORKPLACE HEALTH & SAFETY
SOP - 516: - SAFE USE OF FLARES
Approved by Operations Controller: (Signature)
3.2.3
3.2.4
3.2.5
3.3
Warn the crew that a flare is to be fired and assess the direction of
the wind so the crew are not affected by the fumes/smoke from the
flare.
No one should be in front of the person firing the flare in case of
sparks or a fragment of the flare breaking off.
Ensure the flare is held securely and correctly as per the
manufacturer’s instructions.
Action to be taken when a flare misfires: 3.3.1
3.3.2
3.3.3
3.3.4
3.3.5
In the event of a misfire COUNT TO TEN before lowering the
flare.
The word “misfire” shall be clearly spoken to warn the crew.
Never point a misfired flare back into the vessel. If it were to fire it
may seriously injury one of the crew and, or, damage the vessel.
Never look down the cylinder of a misfired flare. Should the flare
fire, serious injury or death may result.
Unless a container is available into which the misfired flare can be
placed to protect the crew and vessel in the event it does fire, the
flare will need to be placed in the water with the firing end pointing
away from the vessel. Never throw a misfired flare into the water.
If it were to fire as it spins through air it may hit the crew or vessel.