Distress flare amnesty offered by Hampshire Constabulary Marine Unit

Hampshire Constabulary Marine Unit in conjunction with Ramora UK, one of the UK's leading bomb disposal companies and the below marinas are offering "a distress flare amnesty" for private boat owners. The disposal of out-of-date flares is a growing problem for boat owners who face severe penalties if they fail to follow the correct procedures.

Out-of-date flares can be delivered to the following sites in Hampshire & the Isle of Wight:

Sat 26th April, Northney Marina (MDL)
Sat 10th May, Hamble Point Marina (MDL)
Sat 17th May, Cowes Yacht Haven
Sun 10th Aug, Lymington Yacht Haven
Sun 19th Oct, Hamble Point Marina MDL

The service will be between 1000hrs and 1500hrs on the above dates and will be in conjunction with open days/boat shows already taking place at the venue (except on 19th Oct).

Up to ten flares per private individual will be accepted free of charge however we will be asking for a charitable donation. Previous other events have charged £2 per flare. Disposal of quantities greater than ten will only be possible by prior agreement.

Over the year we hope to raise enough money to buy a sailing dinghy(ies) which we will then donate to a sailing club(s) for the use of young people who would not normally get the opportunity to experience the sport of sailing.

Ramora UK have helped to develop and implement official explosive related procedures which are now accepted as best practice throughout the industry. Ramora UK's National Explosive Safety Scheme (NESS) improves awareness, offers advice, training and practical disposal services and equipment, which in turn improves safety, reduces risk and equips pyrotechnic users with the knowledge and capability to deal with Miscellaneous Pyrotechnics (MPs) with minimum risk and allowing then to protect people and assets.

David Welch, Ramora UK's Managing Director, commented: "We are delighted to partner Hampshire Constabulary Marine Unit in running this service. The collection and disposal of these potentially dangerous items is vitally important to public safety and should be dealt with by experts; we are proud to provide this to members of the public."

Sgt Tony Birr, Hampshire Constabulary Marine Unit, added: "This is another great example of how we can work with our partners to provide an effective service to the marine community whilst promoting public safety and giving something back to society in the form of youth activities."

Sarah Thorpe, Hampshire Constabulary's Energy and Environmental Compliance Advisor, stated: "These amnesties provide a safe and compliant way to dispose of flares; reducing the potential detrimental risks to both people and the environment through inappropriate and irresponsible disposal methods."

For further information please contact Hampshire Police Marine Unit via their email