The Royal Yachting Association (RYA) in the UK has responded to a consultation, launched by the Department of Transport (DfT), on the disposal of pyrotechnic flares.
The consultation sought views on the safe disposal of marine pyrotechnics, looking for a practical alternative to the Maritime and Coastguard Agency’s temporary ‘last-resort’ service.
The RYA says that the compulsory carriage of flares by recreational boaters is an outdated and ineffective approach to maritime safety.
Having to carry flares, the RYA says, directly creates the problem of their disposal.
The RYA’s main case for the removal of the compulsory carriage is both the technological advances in alternative equipment, and the inherent lack of reliability and effectiveness that the flares provide.
“Modern technology such as radios, phones and other satellite-connected technologies provide safer, affordable and significantly more reliable alternatives to pyrotechnic flares,” says Phil Horton, RYA environment and sustainability manager. “It is disappointing that this consultation does not consider removing mandatory carriage requirements as part of the solution as, in our opinion, that is the only viable way ahead.
“However, should the MCA continue to require the carriage of flares, then the RYA’s view is that extended producer responsibility is the only reasonable solution for their safe disposal. A levy on the purchase of new flares, and a requirement for vendors to recover out-of-date product, would ensure that industry addresses the issue.”