Paul I. wrote:
Hi to all
Some one stated "Shelf life (in Canada at least) is 4 years from date of manufacture which should be stamped on the flare itself. Not sure about US laws."
Expiration and shelf life are two different things. The flairs are good for year after that date stamped on the side. How many, I don't know. Thats way some have stated, to alway keep a few old ones just in case something happens.
On disposal, I would alway break them in half and pour a little water on them. The water will break them down quickly!!!
Good luck
Paul
Sorry, my mistake. I don't normally consider the "shelf life" of a flare at all, rather only the "expiry date" which determines whether I have legal flares on board or not.
I'm surprised that in the US, they're only legal for a year from the date stamped. That must get expensive as up here they're around $10 each.
For the record as I know there are several types available, I use the shotgun style shells that are launched with a flare pistol.
It was my understanding that french829 was inquiring as to when he would need to replace his flares when he asked about "shelf life". Perhaps I was wrong.
I'm not sure what flares he uses however the style I use only has one date and that is what they use to calculate the expiry date which is when it can no long be included in the count of legal flares onboard. In Canada that cutoff date is 4 years from the "expiry date" stamped/printed on the side of the flare.
The new flare shells I just purchased from West Marine have a date of JAN 2011 stamped on them so this means they can be counted as legal until January 2015.
As far as how long you can keep an out dated flare and expect it to work is anyones guess.
Cheers.
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