Flare Guns

Mako 22

Well-Known Member
I have searched and found nothing definitive.

Is a Flare Gun (specifically the Orion red 12 ga) legal in British Columbia Waters?

I have heard conflicting comments.

I just do not want to be surprised in June when I run the boat over to your side from Port Angeles.

Thanks!
 
as far as I know they are. but you'd have to check that the flares themselves aren't expired...
 
i have been checked before by coast guard and rcmp and all i carry is as you described, never been told different or ticketed!
 
as far as I know they are. but you'd have to check that the flares themselves aren't expired...

Yep already bought a new set of flares, old ones expired in April. Thinking about buying aerial hand helds and leaving the gun home when I visit B.C.
 
You see pistol type flare launchers and flares for them for sale in stores here, that seems indicative to me.
 
I've used the Olin 12 gauge guns/flares for well over 20 years. In Canada we must carry 12 cartridges for the Olin flare gun to be legal. Each flare shoots off a single star. But, you are supposed to shot two off in a row quickly? The U.S. Version apparantly shoots off 2 stars at a time, so the U.S. Kit probably contains 6 flares. So, if I was planning on a trip to Canada, I would contact the Canadian Coast Guard before, just to confirm whether or not you need another 6 cartridges. Oh, and one other thing, the Canadian flares show the manufacturing date, and they are good for 4 years. I believe the U.S. Flares show the expiry date. Confused yet? Only the coast guard knows for sure.
Stosh
 
I stand corrected. Had to renew my Olin 12 gauge flares today. The rules have changed, in Canada you can now buy twin star Olin 12 gauge flares, meaning you only need 6 flares.
Good fishing,
Stosh
 
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