Marine flares are an essential lifesaving tool and must be carried by vessels operating outside of protected waters in Western Australia.
These seemingly simple signalling devices produce a bright light and smoke through the combustion of pyrotechnic material. The flares burn hot, discharge embers and can be dangerous. This means when they are outside their expiry date or damaged, they need to be disposed of appropriately by qualified people.
Some commercial pyrotechnic or fireworks contractors are qualified to dispose of marine distress flares. Flares may also be handed in at a collection point nominated by the Western Australian Department of Transport's Martime Division.
Do not dispose of marine flares by:
- placing them in the rubbish
- dumping them at the rubbish tip, in the sea or the bush
- discharging a flare.
Collection points for unwanted marine distress flares
Department of Transport, Maritime
Phone: 1300 863 308
Email: marine.safety@transport.wa.gov.au
Find out about collection points and marine flares at the Department of Transport, Maritime website.
Western Australia Police, Water Police
Phone: (08) 9442 8600
Email: police@police.wa.gov.au
It is illegal to discharge a flare when not involved in an emergency, unless authorised by the Department of Transport's Maritime Division.