Local Member of Parliament Gord Brown has introduced a motion to the House of Commons.
The motion is asking the transport committee to review whether flares are still needed aboard pleasure crafts. Flares, also known as Pyrotechnic Devices, are currently mandatory on pleasure crafts in case of emergency. MP Brown points out that modern technology has moved beyond flares, using a flashing electronic signal the United States approved last year as an example.
There are a number of drawbacks to flares including; inherent danger, their use requires special handling and storage even during emergencies and they can be difficult to dispose of once finished. The MP’s office also stated that they are considered hazardous waste and require special disposal because each one dumped can contaminate up to 900 thousand liters of water.
The Electronic Flare, which was approved last year by the United States Coast Guard, is battery operated and lasts for at least 6 hours with batteries being easy to replace or charge. In the United States they are legal to use on their own at night and during the day, in combination with the standard orange distress flag.
MP Brown explained that allowing for the use of electronic flares would be a safer alternative for boaters.