Boat owners with marine flares past their use-by-date are encouraged to use a mobile flare collection service coming to the Bega Valley and Eurobodalla this month.
Boaters will have the opportunity to dispose of their expired flares from this month via a free mobile collection program.
Transport for NSW Executive Director NSW Maritime Mark Hutchings said mobile collection sites will be set up along the NSW coastline.
“This collection program provides boaters with a safe and convenient way to dispose of old flares responsibly and promotes a culture of safer boating,” Mr Hutchings said.
Marine flares can signal someone is in trouble and help provide a location for aircraft or vessels engaged in a search and rescue. Generally, a minimum of two red hand flares and two orange smoke flares are required on all vessels operating in open waters.
“Most flares have a use-by date of three years and must be replaced before expiry,” Mr Hutchings said.
“It’s important to remember that penalties apply for not carrying current flares on a vessel in open waters. We’re encouraging boaters to use the expired flare collection program as a timely reminder to check their safety equipment regularly.
“Expired flare collection is no longer available at any service centres, registries or maritime sites – which is why it’s so important for boaters across NSW to take advantage of the collection program, if and where possible.”
Transport for NSW will be setting up collection points at the following places in November, January and April.
Bermagui harbour boat ramp, Lamont Street
Friday, 18 November 2022 3:30pm to 5:30pm
Friday, 6 January 2023 3:30pm to 5:30pm
Thursday, 6 April 2023 3:30pm to 5:30pm
Kianinny Bay boat ramp, Kianinny St, Tathra
Friday, 18 November 2022 12:30pm to 2:00pm
Friday, 6 January 2023 12:30pm to 2:00pm
Thursday, 6 April 2023 12:30pm to 2:00pm Merimbula boat ramp, Arthur Kaine Drive
Friday, 18 November 2022 10:00am to 11:30am
Friday, 6 January 2023 10:00am to 11:30am
Thursday, 6 April 2023 10:00am to 11:30am
Quarantine Bay boat ramp, Quarantine Bay Road, Eden
Friday, 18 November 2022 7:30am to 9:00am
Friday, 6 January 2023 7:30am to 9:00am
Thursday, 6 April 2023 7:30am to 9:00am Preddys Wharf Boat Ramp, Preddys Wharf Road, Moruya
Saturday, 19 November 2022 10:00 to 11:30
Saturday, 7 January 2023 10:00 to 11:30
Saturday, 8 April 2023 10:00 to 11:30
Apex Park Boat Ramp, Centenary Drive, Narooma
Saturday, 19 November 2022 7:30 to 8:30
Saturday, 7 January 2023 7:30 to 8:30
Saturday, 8 April 2023 7:30 to 8:30
It is an offence to set off flares, except in an emergency. For more information, visit the Service NSW website.
Above: Safely drop off your expired marine flares at one of the mobile collection points
