Flare amnesty: Dispose of your out-of-date flares

Hampshire Constabulary Marine Unit in conjunction with Ramora UK, one of the UK's leading bomb disposal companies and the below marinas are offering "a distress flare amnesty" for private boat owners on select dates.

The disposal of out-of-date flares is a growing problem for boat owners who face severe penalties if they fail to follow the correct procedures.

 Out-of-date flares can be delivered to the following sites in Hampshire & the Isle of Wight in conjunction with open days/boat shows already taking place at the marina.

David Welch FCMI, MIExpE, MIABTI, Ramora UK's Managing Director, commented: "We are delighted to partner Hampshire Constabulary Marine Unit in running this service. The collection and disposal of these potentially dangerous items is vitally important to public safety and should be dealt with by experts; we are proud to provide this to members of the public."

Up to ten flares accepted

Up to ten flares per private individual will be accepted free of charge however, the organisers will be asking for a charitable donation. Previous other events have charged £2 per flare.

Disposal of more than ten flares will only be possible by prior agreement.

Over the year the organisers hope to raise enough money through the donations to buy a sailing dinghy(ies) which they will then donate to a sailing club(s) for the use of young people who would not normally get the opportunity to experience the sport of sailing.

Sgt Tony Birr OIC Hampshire Constabulary Marine Unit added: "This is another great example of how we can work with our partners to provide an effective service to the marine community whilst promoting public safety and giving something back to society in the form of youth activities."

Sarah Thorpe BSc (Hons), DipDEC, Hampshire Constabulary's Energy and Environmental Compliance Advisor stated: "These amnesties provide a safe and compliant way to dispose of flares; reducing the potential detrimental risks to both people and the environment through inappropriate and irresponsible disposal methods."

For further information please contact Hampshire Police Marine Unit via email: marine@hampshire.pnn.police.uk

Ramora UK have helped to develop and implement official explosive related procedures which are now accepted as best practice throughout the industry.

Ramora UK's National Explosive Safety Scheme (NESS) improves awareness, offers advice, training and practical disposal services and equipment, which in turn improves safety, reduces risk and equips pyrotechnic users with the knowledge and capability to deal with Miscellaneous Pyrotechnics (MPs) with minimum risk and allowing then to protect people and assets.