Orion aerial flare recall

Doryman · Posted: Tue Dec 13, 2011 11:53 pm Post subject: Orion aerial flare recall

I haven't been too active on the site lately so thought for sure someone had posted this but no. Apparently certain models of Orion flares have been recalled. Details HERE.

Warren

localboy · Posted: Wed Dec 14, 2011 9:19 am Post subject:

Thanks, Warren. I might have that unit. I'm gonna check.

Captains Cat · Posted: Wed Dec 14, 2011 12:43 pm Post subject:

I think lots of us have the gun but it's the flares themselves that have been recalled.

Charlie

Sea Wolf · Posted: Wed Dec 14, 2011 8:11 pm Post subject:

Having read the "Recall Notice", it seems the problem with the flare cartridges is failure to fire.

So it would appear that they're not dangerous to use, just likely to fail when you need them.

Thus it would seem that you could keep them, but hold them in reserve to only back up the new ones that are more reliable.

The final problem would be what to do with one that mis-fires, but that' the same as with a mis-firing shotgun shell:

If it doesn't fire, give it 15-30 seconds, then eject it, let it lay for awhile, and if it is still dead after a minute or so, it's no more dangerous than an unfired shell.

Is this correct?

Subsequent safe disposal is another matter, of course.

Joe. Teeth

localboy · Posted: Wed Dec 14, 2011 8:18 pm Post subject:

Yes, I have those flares. I bought them at Fisheries last spring since my others had expired.

hardee · Posted: Wed Dec 14, 2011 8:25 pm Post subject:

Joe,

Thanks for the help in what to do with the "duds". My guess for the unsuccessful ones would be to drop them off at the local law enforcement office. Has worked before for old or expired ammo.

Guess I need to check my flares on the boat too. Thanks Warren.

Harvey
SleepyC Moon

JamesTXSD · Posted: Wed Dec 14, 2011 8:34 pm Post subject:

Checked ours this evening - the handheld flares are fine, but the 12 gauge ones fall within the recall. Since they expire in January 2012, I guess I'll get an update on them this time.

Thanks for bringing this to our attention, Warren. I'll be sending the e-mail to them in the morning.

Best wishes,
Jim

Larry H · Posted: Thu Dec 15, 2011 2:24 am Post subject:

If I was onboard and needing to fire flares to get help, I would drop any defective flares (misfires) over the side.

I know, I know, pollution and all that, but the last thing you need is for a failed flare to ignite in your boat during an emergency.

Captains Cat · Posted: Thu Dec 15, 2011 9:46 am Post subject:

Another use for expired flares if you don't want to keep them as spares is to give them to a USCGAUX flotilla near you. They use them for training.

Charlie

JamesTXSD · Posted: Thu Dec 15, 2011 10:10 am Post subject:

Last time we were boarded by the CG, while checking our flares, one of them asked, "What are those?" (pointing to the package of expired flares that we carry). He said that we should have them labeled: "Expired, for training purposes."

We do have a separate orange container for our current flares, the flare gun, and other signals. The expired ones are carried separately.

Orion got back to me right away with an e-mail response; replacement shipments are scheduled to start going out the week of the 19th.

Best wishes,
Jim

Sea Wolf · Posted: Thu Dec 15, 2011 10:54 am Post subject:

OK, I'' bite!

Outside of the Fourth of July*, when everybody watching a fireworks display from a boat fires off anything they can get their hands on, including expired flares, when do you safely fire off flares for "training purposes" without getting the full-blown emergency response?

*(Or when your team wins the World Series or Super Bowl, you happen to be beside the stadium in your boat, AND/OR over water!)

(I know you would want to use the VHF radio on Channel 16 to warn others about the impending display.)

Joe. Teeth

Larry H · Posted: Thu Dec 15, 2011 11:50 am Post subject:

Check out this article about flare practice.

http://www.navagear.com/2011/11/30/want-to-properly-practice-shooting-flares-heres-how/

hambone · Posted: Thu Dec 15, 2011 12:06 pm Post subject:

JamesTXSD · Posted: Thu Dec 15, 2011 12:49 pm Post subject:

We've let the Coast Guard know and made a securite' call on VHF channel 16 just prior to setting them off.

As part of our monthly drills on the cruise boats I drove the last two summers, we contacted the NPS and made the securite' call before setting them off. First mates who had never held a handheld flare before were surprised how long it goes and how much hot nasty stuff drips off of it... VERY important to hold the flare at a 45º angle off the downwind side of the boat. Afterwards, we put the used flares in a bucket of water to bring back for disposal.

Best wishes,
Jim B.

JamesTXSD · Posted: Thu Dec 22, 2011 1:38 pm Post subject:

Well, I'm impressed! Orion said the shipments would start going out on the 19th, the flares showed up today, via FedEx. It is great to see a company stand behind their product and back it up with prompt resolution.

Thumbs Up

Best wishes,
Jim B.