RYA Northern Ireland has been working closely with the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) and Stephen Dunne, MLA for North Down to arrange a marine flare disposal day for Northern Ireland boaters.
As previously reported on Afloat.ie, marine flares have become increasingly difficult to dispose of in Northern Ireland in recent years, which RYANI recognises “has been a source of immense frustration for boaters”.
But soon NI boaters will have an opportunity to dispose of out-of-date flares at three locations on Saturday 15 June.
Portrush Yacht Club, Bangor Marina and Lough Erne Yacht Club will each host a drop-off point from 10am to 3pm on the day.
“We would encourage all with these marine flares which are past their best to use this opportunity to safely dispose of them and replace with more reliable flares,” said Inspector Stephen Burke of the PSNI’s Explosives Blasting Unit.
“You should never use flares that are expired or damaged. Nor should you dispose, discard or dump flares anywhere, whether at sea or on land.
“Flares are explosive devices. Anyone possessing a flare is responsible for it until it has been used or properly disposed of in the appropriate way such as at one of these disposal days.”
The PSNI also reminds NI boat owners that ‘Written Police Consent’ must be given prior to the purchase of marine distress pyrotechnics. To apply for this consent, download the application form from the RYA and send the completed application to [email protected] which is also the contact for any related queries.
