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Conference unifix::sailing

Title:	SAILING
Notice:	Please read Note 2.* before participating in this conference
Moderator:	UNIFIX::BERENS

Created:	Wed Jul 01 1992
Last Modified:	Mon Jun 02 1997
Last Successful Update:	Fri Jun 06 1997
Number of topics:	2299
Total number of notes:	20724

425.0. "Source for SOLAS flares?" by NECVAX::RODENHISER () Fri Oct 24 1986 16:40

    ORC requirements specify SOLAS (International Convention for the
    Safety of Life at Sea) conformation for parachute and handheld
    flares.
    
    Apparently, they are not the same as the CG approved flares
    which are normally found in catalogs and most stores.

    I'm told that nothing Olin makes is SOLAS approved.
    
    I don't know if Kilgore is.
    
    There is a place in Providence, can't think of the name right now,
    which does carry SOLAS flares for sale and rental. They also do
    the same with liferafts, etc. Flare kit rentals seem reasonable
    compared to purchase prices which are out of sight; $30+ per
    parachute flare, and you need 12 for ORC Category 1.
    
    Anybody know another source? West Marine and Boat/US didn't know
    what I was talking about.
    
    John

T.R	Title	User	Personal Name	Date	Lines
425.1	Try the Coast Guard	BIGMAC::TELSEY	Steve, DTN 223-9360	`Fri Oct 24 1986 17:19`	10
	You could try contacting the Coast Guard Boating Safety Division (Boston, 223-3607), Marine Safety Division (Boston, 223-6915), or the Marine Safety Office (Boston, 223-1470). For many products required to be on inspected vessels, the CG maintains lists of approved manufacturers/distributors. Good luck. Steve
425.2	Numbers have changed.	NECVAX::RODENHISER		`Fri Oct 24 1986 18:01`	7
	Re .-1 You must have old data. None of those numbers are working anymore. A recording says to call 565-6590 and there is no answer there. It's kind of a long shot that the CG at the local level would have this info anyway? Maybe a standards group would know. SOLAS is independent of the CG, I think.
425.3	FYI	BPOV09::TMOORE		`Mon Oct 27 1986 12:47`	13
	FYI The Coast Guard has established a toll-free hotline telephone service (800-368-5647). Part of it's charter is answer technical questions on boating safety. I don't know if the number works or if they will answer your question, but it might be worth your time. Cheers, Tom
425.4	Found them!	NECVAX::RODENHISER		`Wed Oct 29 1986 09:53`	32
	The hotline number in .3 worked. The person there didn't have an answer but he promised to 'call Washington' and get an answer. I was contacted by a Sterns Whitney of the CG Survival Systems Group who was very knowlegeable and also quite friendly and patient. He described flare characteristics and indicates that CG requirements will match the more stringent SOLAS requirements in the near future; next year or two. He helps write the specs for congress. He said to feel free to call him anytime I had a survival equipment question. Nice guy! At the moment there are only two manufacturers of SOLAS flares but soon everyone will have to get with the program. I'm not sure of the spelling of some of these names, but, Paine Wessex (England?) makes them, however they are represented in this country by Kilgore and since Kilgore is working on their own brand then these could be hard to find. The other brand is Hansens (Sweeden) and they are distributed by Datrex, Miami FL (1-800-327-6451). I called Datrex and they gave me the local dealer: Joe Landrigan Jr Logan Airport 2-12 Jeffries St PO Box 444 Boston, MA 02128 617-567-2182 Now ... If the price can only be reasonable..... John_R
425.5	Hub Marine?	BIGMAC::TELSEY	Steve, DTN 223-9360	`Wed Oct 29 1986 10:14`	6
	Another place to try is Hub Nautical Chart and Ship Supply Co., 200 High St, Boston, 426-9471. If a remember correctly, they service commercial ships and may stock SOLAS-approved gear. Steve