Distress Flares

Distress Flares

Just like life rafts and life jackets, distress flares are an essential piece of safety equipment that we hope you never have to use. Distress flares should only be used in an emergency and are not suitable for any other use.

Where should I store distress flares?

Distress flares should be stored in an easy-to-access location that is cool, dry and clearly marked. The last thing you want is to be frantically searching for your flares in an emergency.

What flares do I need on my boat?

The flares you require is dependant on how far offshore you will be sailing. If you are sailing offshore, you will not need an inshore flare pack - the offshore set will be suffice.

We sell pre made distress flare packs for coastal, inshore and offshore sailing for added convenience.

Here's a quick breakdown of the three:
Inshore: Suitable for use up to 3 miles away from shore.
Coastal: Suitable for use up to 7 miles away from shore.
Offshore: Suitable for use over 7 miles away from shore.

LED/Laser Flares

LED flares offer users a safer, long-lasting solution in comparison with pyrotechnic flares, although they are not officially SOLAS approved. Furthermore, LED distress flares are also significantly safer and easier to store, with any worries associated with disposal eliminated. As the flares are battery powered, they can be safely posted or even carried in baggage on flights.

Why Shop With Pirates Cave Chandlery?

We're dedicated marine experts with over 30 years of experience. If you would like to see what our customers think of us, why not read some of our service reviews? We're rated 4.8/5 on reviews.io!

Determining which distress flare to purchase can be tricky, especially if you are new to the boating world. This can make it difficult to choose the appropriate product, especially with the number of choices that available, such as LED/Laser flares and pyrotechnic flares. That’s why we aim to offer the best range of flares the UK has to provide, only sourced from brands you can trust - with our specialist recommendations to help you make a solid investment in your boat maintenance products. If you have any questions, we're here to help. Call us on 01634 295 233, drop us an email or visit our Rochester store.