Have you read how your flares work?

  • Within Tasmania, flares are not required for vessels operating in smooth waters. MAST however recommends that flares be carried;
  • Flares should be stored where they are accessible and remain dry. The storage area should be clearly marked;
  • Read the instructions on distress flares carefully to ensure familiarity with the method of operation. Different brands of signals have different methods of ignition;
  •  Ensure passengers also know how to ignite them;
  • Check the expiry date and to replace any out-of-date product;
  • Out of date flares must not be placed into general municipality rubbish collections. This can cause fires at collection points and cause injury to workers;
  • Flares must be approved to Australian Standard AS2092.

Red Handflare

These can be seen from a range of up to 10km at sea level on a clear, dark night and up to 20km from the air. It burns for over 60 seconds with an intense 15,000-candela red light. They can be seen in daylight over a shorter range.

Boat owners should note that some companies have changed the design of the red hand flare.  If you have purchased new flares recently, it would be worthwhile taking them out of the package and reading the instructions or checking the company’s website for up to date firing instructions.

Orange Handsmoke Signal

The smoke flare is for day use only. It provides a vivid and expanding cloud of dense orange smoke visible for more than 60 seconds and can be seen from 4km away at sea level and even further from and aircraft. Always hold the flare to leeward when using it.

The attached information sheet has been supplied by Pains Wessex

Parachute Rocket Flare

This is a handheld, self-contained distress rocket, ejecting a parachute with a suspended red flare at 300 metres altitude. It burns for 40 seconds at a brilliant 30,000 candela. It can be seen for 15km by day and 40km or more by night.

WatersFlare Requirement
Smooth WatersRecommended
Partially Smooth Waters
(Sheltered Waters)
2 x Red Hand Flares
2 x Orange Smoke Flares
Open and Coastal Waters2 x Red Hand Flares
2 x Orange Smoke Flares
2 x Red Parachute Rockets

Laser Flares

These do not currently meet Australian Standards and consequently cannot be used to replace pyrotechnic flares. 

Disposal of Flares

Collection points for out-of-date flares are now provided by the following municipal waste stations:

North West

North / North East

South / East

Hand flares and Parachute flares only. No EPIRBs or PLBs will be collected.

If additional Councils elect to provide collection points, these will be displayed on the MAST website and Facebook Page.