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Post by On y va on Feb 4, 2015 12:11:18 GMT
When I moved from Holland to Spain, I took my Heckler & Koch Kal 4 flaregun. I had the proper gun license etc for it, which expired in 2005.....  As my standard handheld flares have expired and also the rockets for the flare gun, I thought to just get some rockets for my flare gun......in Spain impossible. These big flareguns are totally illegal here anyway. So I started asking in Holland how to get my old gun license renewed......also not possible, as it is a kaliber 4 flaregun. Dangerous stuff! However, the very friendly police person in Holland suggested the much safer and no license needed Rescue Laser Flare. And looking at the prices, it is even cheaper than buying a box of kaliber 4 parachute flares. Looking at the information and reviews on the Rescue Laser Flare, it seems ok. Anybody here has a Rescue Laser Flare? Any opinions? experiences? |
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Post by Don Reaves on Feb 4, 2015 20:54:29 GMT
I have been intrigued with the Rescue Laser Flare also. Practical Sailor reviewed them quite a while back. But they are reported to have a problem. They can blind a rescuer in a nearby airplane because the light is so bright and concentrated. So they have somewhat fallen out of favor. I found this article in Practical Sailor describing the ODEO Laser Flare. It behaves more like a hand-held flare, except that it doesn't burn and drip molten slag. It also lasts for hours, as opposed to minutes for the pyrotechnic type. I would recommend looking into them at least. Don |
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Post by hoppy on Feb 4, 2015 22:32:00 GMT
Just looking at the ODEO laser flare now. Looks pretty impressive and I think could be good to have in the grab bag even if you still have the normal pyro
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Post by rodgerg on Feb 5, 2015 0:09:14 GMT
Having found a couple of my two years out of date flares, in a container "weeping" crystals I disposed of them and bought an Odeo Led rescue flare. The use of led has refuced the cost but not reduced the effectivenes. I sail inshore in the west of Scotland never that far from land. I am very happy with it. tested it down below with curtains closed, very very effective.
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Post by sailbleu on Feb 5, 2015 6:43:14 GMT
All very well , but what about approval ?
In other words , is this a legal replacement for the present flares ?
Regards
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ubuysa
Full Member
1995 - SO45.1 - Little Roundtop
Posts: 48
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Post by ubuysa on Feb 5, 2015 6:53:10 GMT
All very well , but what about approval ? In other words , is this a legal replacement for the present flares ? Regards I think you'll find the legal requirements vary from country to country and also based on the flag of the boat. I've had a laser rescue flare for around 8 years now and although I've never used it in anger it is a useful tool I think. Mine "draws" a vertical line which is about 30cm long (just over an inch) at about 1m (3ft) away but obviously much longer at greater distances. So the idea is that you rotate the laser flare until the line is vertical, aim it at the ship, aircraft, or shore station you want to attract, and then sweep it slowly in a short horizontal arc across the target. The idea is that they are guaranteed to see a bright red flash repeatedly as you sweep across their field of vision. I've tested mine in an anchorage with another yacht a few hundred metres away and they saw a very bright red flash each time I swept across their view. They said that at that range it would be impossible to ignore, so at longer ranges it should still be very visible. For me it's a very valuable bit of kit. |
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Post by On y va on Feb 5, 2015 9:17:40 GMT
Looking at the Odeo-flare, that seems a better option than the Rescue flare. Big plus for the Rescue Flare is however that it can run up to 40 hours. The Odeo only 4. In an ideal world maybe one should have the Odeo as the main safety flare and the Rescue Flare light the grab bag. That also runs 40 hours.
What worries me though is that when my ship, crew and mice go down in 20ft + seas.......who will see that Laser? A pyrotechnical flare at least shoots up like 100+ metres. Maybe less with strong winds, but at least well above wave level.
I have been studying a little further into it all and apparently there are plastic flare guns that can fire kaliber 4 red flares. The are also in plastic cartridges. These are without gun license requirments and the flares are 15 euros each. I have found out I can even buy them in Spain.
So, 10 of these, 1 Odeo Flare and one Rescue Flare light in my pocket......and I think I am sorted.....
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Post by MartyB on Feb 5, 2015 14:25:18 GMT
I was going to say, with some countries, US States like mine banning or requiring the registration of the actual plastic flair guns, some of the Laser/LED style safety light/flairs may be the thing of the future.
I have two of the plastic guns, Found out with a new law here in Washington state, I am to register as a firearm. Local Marine chandlers transferred all stock to out of state stores, original manufacture, etc. Not sure what the fine is for a non registered gun, may take a 3lb sledge to the them. As my flairs will expire in the next 12-18 months.
I do like the idea of aerial flares vs hand held in some situations. Both in reality have purposes, uses and needs.
Marty
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Post by ianpowolny on Feb 5, 2015 14:38:44 GMT
Here is a link to RYA's take on laser flares. As we are on the 13.7 limit we have no choice but to carry flares. I may take a risk the next time I have to change them and buy the laser equivalent. You should condier an EPIRB as well. |
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Post by richy on Feb 6, 2015 22:38:35 GMT
That looks very impressive. I suspect in many areas though, the legislative requirements lag such new developments. It's not so long since SOLAS regs mandated life-belts be made of cork! Be very careful if you have a flare gun, even a plastic one. In the UK it's a firearm...and over here, Marty that's not a fine but five years!
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Post by ianqv on Feb 7, 2015 9:46:02 GMT
Hi All We purchased an ODEO flare about a year ago. I'm not sure I can add anything here as we have never had to use it!! Test it regulary.... great as a disco light!! We also have an Epirb. BUT, we don't sail off shore, just coastal hoping. Such a same we can't have very pistols (I'd really like one of them ). Anyone who is local to me, you are welcome to have a look at the flare if you are thinking of buying one. Ian |
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Post by hoppy on Feb 7, 2015 12:40:05 GMT
Test it regulary.... great as a disco light!! That's it, an ODEO is now mandatory for Jessabbé.... Lets's party |
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Post by MartyB on Feb 7, 2015 16:24:18 GMT
Rich,
my case, I know it is a fine at minimum. Not sure if it is jail time or not. law was passed in November thru a peoples initiative, went into effect Jan 1. Not sure anyone has really figured out ALL of the details per say. I do know some countries consider the plastic gun a firearm. Having a firearm is not illegal per say, as our countries constitution allows it. Some want it to be registered for different reasons shapes and forms. This is as far as I will go on that end of the disCUSSion as it could get ugly depending upon the view one has on firearms etc.
A laser light item as mentioned, could very well be the thing of the future for rescue flare equals. Could very well be the better option too!
Marty
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Post by dbostrom on Feb 11, 2015 23:17:02 GMT
I had no idea of that new regulation here, Marty. We have a flare gun and will now need to decide whether to register or melt it.
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Post by MartyB on Feb 12, 2015 3:26:12 GMT
I had no idea of that new regulation here, Marty. We have a flare gun and will now need to decide whether to register or melt it. ALL of the local chandlers that I know of with the plastic guns are sending them back to the manufacture. or in West Marines case. to the California warehouse to distribute to other states with less legal hassles on guns. Canada I have found out, also outlaws these plastic guns, or so I have been told. Probably not a good idea to have them on your boat heading up that way too! Marty |
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Post by Don Reaves on Feb 12, 2015 3:46:56 GMT
Whenever I sail to Canada, I tell them that I have a flare gun with me. I've never had a problem. Of course, if I didn't tell them about it, and they found out, that might be another matter.
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Post by hoppy on Feb 12, 2015 7:13:41 GMT
Whenever I sail to Canada, I tell them that I have a flare gun with me. I've never had a problem. Of course, if I didn't tell them about it, and they found out, that might be another matter. The same could be said about an AR15 or AK47. What they don't know won't get you into trouble  |
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Post by On y va on Feb 12, 2015 14:27:45 GMT
I have ordered the Odea flare. Should be here next week.
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Post by hoppy on Feb 12, 2015 15:54:27 GMT
I have ordered the Odea flare. Should be here next week. Why? You sail solo... Doesn't the captain go down with his ship?  |
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Post by hoppy on Feb 28, 2015 15:59:05 GMT
Test it regulary.... great as a disco light!! That's it, an ODEO is now mandatory for Jessabbé.... Lets's party At the Stockholm boat show and saw that my regular chandlery was selling the mk3 Odeo flare for only £85, so lets party  The mk3 is LED not laser. daniamant.com/product/odeo-flare/I also bought a Rescueme PLB whilst I was at it oceansignal.com/products/plb1/ |
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