June 11, 2024

We have just learned that The Safety Education and Flare Disposal Program from CanBoat (Canadian Power and Sail Squadrons) will no longer be offered. Transport Canada through its Boating Safety Contribution Program, will no longer be funding the Flare Disposal Program and as a result CanBoat will not be setting up or supporting any events that involve the collection of outdated flares.

The funding was used to cover the cost of flare shipping and disposal, insurance and other related expenses. This is a significant problem for boaters and the marine industry.

We contacted John Gullick, Manager of Special Programs at CanBoat. Unfortunately, with the loss of the funding, CanBoat has no suggestions for the disposal of outdated flares as there are no alternatives. In the past, when the Office of Boating Safety, enforcement agencies or municipalities have been asked about this, they forwarded all requests to CanBoat who can no longer respond.

John Gullick did confirm that their Recreational Vessel Courtesy Check program will continue to be offered, but not the Flare Disposal Program. He emphasized that CanBoat wanted to thank CIL Orion Explosives of Lachute, Quebec for their long-time support of this program and their contribution to the disposal costs.  They also want to thank their volunteers and host retailers who collected 250,000 flares and educated boaters during the duration of this program.

Flares that have a manufacture date of 2020 or earlier, already have expired, or will expire this year. You can’t light them, throw them in the water, or in your household garbage to dispose of them. These flares are very dangerous and must only be disposed of properly.

The loss of the funding for this program is very significant. We will follow this situation and will report any future developments.

VIDEO: Waste Worker’s Close Call with improperly discarded flare: https://www.cps-ecp.ca/events/safety-equipment-flare-disposal-days-2/

Andy Adams – Editor