#flares – US marine writer Joan Wenner saw Afloat.ie's story on the RYA's position on distress flares. Flares have outlived their usefulness in an age of modern water safety technology, says theRoyal Yachting Association - which is urging British authorities to drop the requirement for flares on yachts larger than 13.7 metres.
Wenner ran the story by the owner and president of Landfall Navigation, Inc., Stamford, Connecticut, USA, a noted expert on the subject, for a possible story for a US publication.
Captain Henry Marx, (a former U.S. Navy submariner and mariner with over 50 years of marine experience including blue water racing off Southern Norwegian Coast and Caribbean), gave the following comment:
"First, I do not agree with the RYA on this, especially for vessels under 65 ft. For the well crewed offshore race boat maybe --but how many Bayliner owners have their DSC hooked up - assuming they know what it is? Flares are simple and they work.
Many rescues are effected by "the boat over there" who is probably not monitoring his any radio, and remember, none of us have electronics that enbale us to hear and locate EPIRBs/PLBs -- you have to call the U.S. Coast Guard SAR Center and ask for the location of your PLB Man Overboard! Second, the U.S.oast guard is particularly resistant to other opinion about safety gear. Now there are some "Electronic Flares" appearing on the market - and they could be interesting - but until USCG Approved - do not count for U.S. flagged vessels"
Joan Wenner, J.D. is a longtime USA marine writer. She contacted Captain Henry Marx for his comments.
