Menu
19/06/2024
Over 4,000 Time-Expired Distress Flares Retired At PSNI Event
A 67-year-old marine distress flare was among more than 4,000 time-expired flares retired at an event facilitated by the PSNI on behalf of the Royal Yachting Association Northern Ireland.
The flare disposal day has been described as a "well-supported initiative" with a total of 4011 flares handed in by members of the public and boating community.
The risk of keeping old marine distress flares is that these may not work effectively when you need them most in an emergency or could misfire causing injury.
Inspector Stephen Burke of the Police Service's Explosives Blasting Unit said: "Our thanks to all who came along on the day, the RYA and other organisers behind these disposal events over three locations in Bangor Marina, Portrush Yacht Club and Lough Erne Yacht Club on Saturday.
"These flares can now be properly and safely disposed of, allowing people to replace them with more reliable versions."
The Maritime and Coastguard Agency's (MCA) voluntary flare disposal service stopped in December 2022 and as there is no commercial disposal service currently available in Northern Ireland for marine distress flare disposal and, until a long-term solution is found, this Marine Distress Flare Disposal event was organised during Police Marine Safety Week.
Inspector Burke added: "You should never use flares that are expired or damaged. Nor should you dispose, discard or dump flares anywhere, whether at sea or on land. Flares are explosive devices. Anyone possessing a flare is responsible for it until it has been used or properly disposed of in the appropriate way such as at one of these disposal days."
If anyone could not avail of the flare disposal event on Saturday, you can email ExplosivesDistricts@psni.police.uk to arrange a disposal.
The Police Service wishes to remind boat owners that written police consent must be given prior to the purchase of Marine Distress Pyrotechnics.
The flare disposal day has been described as a "well-supported initiative" with a total of 4011 flares handed in by members of the public and boating community.
The risk of keeping old marine distress flares is that these may not work effectively when you need them most in an emergency or could misfire causing injury.
Inspector Stephen Burke of the Police Service's Explosives Blasting Unit said: "Our thanks to all who came along on the day, the RYA and other organisers behind these disposal events over three locations in Bangor Marina, Portrush Yacht Club and Lough Erne Yacht Club on Saturday.
"These flares can now be properly and safely disposed of, allowing people to replace them with more reliable versions."
The Maritime and Coastguard Agency's (MCA) voluntary flare disposal service stopped in December 2022 and as there is no commercial disposal service currently available in Northern Ireland for marine distress flare disposal and, until a long-term solution is found, this Marine Distress Flare Disposal event was organised during Police Marine Safety Week.
Inspector Burke added: "You should never use flares that are expired or damaged. Nor should you dispose, discard or dump flares anywhere, whether at sea or on land. Flares are explosive devices. Anyone possessing a flare is responsible for it until it has been used or properly disposed of in the appropriate way such as at one of these disposal days."
If anyone could not avail of the flare disposal event on Saturday, you can email ExplosivesDistricts@psni.police.uk to arrange a disposal.
The Police Service wishes to remind boat owners that written police consent must be given prior to the purchase of Marine Distress Pyrotechnics.
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
01 March 2006
Call for NI Marine Act receives backing
The call for an NI Marine Act from the Joint Marine Partnership (JMP) has received the backing of the Ulster Unionist Party.
Call for NI Marine Act receives backing
The call for an NI Marine Act from the Joint Marine Partnership (JMP) has received the backing of the Ulster Unionist Party.
23 August 2005
Coastguard hit out at flare hoax
Belfast coastguard have hit out at hoaxers who set off a number of flares on the Antrim coast on Monday. Lifeboats from Bangor and Larne were launched after reports of a number of red distress flares being seen off the Islandmagee area. A spokesperson for the coastguard said important resources were wasted as a result of the hoax.
Coastguard hit out at flare hoax
Belfast coastguard have hit out at hoaxers who set off a number of flares on the Antrim coast on Monday. Lifeboats from Bangor and Larne were launched after reports of a number of red distress flares being seen off the Islandmagee area. A spokesperson for the coastguard said important resources were wasted as a result of the hoax.
19 November 2024
World AMR Awareness Week: Call To Preserve Antibiotics
In light of World AMR Awareness Week (18-24 November), local residents are being reminded of the critical importance of preserving the effectiveness of antibiotics. Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a growing concern, as bacteria are becoming increasingly resistant to the antibiotics designed to combat them.
World AMR Awareness Week: Call To Preserve Antibiotics
In light of World AMR Awareness Week (18-24 November), local residents are being reminded of the critical importance of preserving the effectiveness of antibiotics. Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a growing concern, as bacteria are becoming increasingly resistant to the antibiotics designed to combat them.
28 January 2020
Plans Submitted For Bangor Seafront
Plans for the £50 million redevelopment of Queen's Parade in Bangor have been submitted. The significant milestone sees Bangor Marine Ltd, a consortium made up of a number of leading companies including the Karl Group and Farrans, submit a detailed planning application for the Co Down development.
Plans Submitted For Bangor Seafront
Plans for the £50 million redevelopment of Queen's Parade in Bangor have been submitted. The significant milestone sees Bangor Marine Ltd, a consortium made up of a number of leading companies including the Karl Group and Farrans, submit a detailed planning application for the Co Down development.
30 March 2006
Local conservation groups welcome Marine Bill plans
An alliance of conservation groups, the Marine Task Force Northern Ireland (MTF NI), has welcomed the publication of the UK government’s consultation on its Marine Bill. However, the group said that Northern Ireland’s marine wildlife would be "left behind" unless local government is committed to being part of the UK framework.
Local conservation groups welcome Marine Bill plans
An alliance of conservation groups, the Marine Task Force Northern Ireland (MTF NI), has welcomed the publication of the UK government’s consultation on its Marine Bill. However, the group said that Northern Ireland’s marine wildlife would be "left behind" unless local government is committed to being part of the UK framework.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
