Date: 31 August 2014. Flares Expire (my solution)

© janice142
 

Just a couple weeks ago I was reading a post from a fellow who was bemoaning the fact that when the Coast Guard checked his safety equipment he failed the inspection. What caused the problem? Expired flares. Well, that can't easily happen aboard Seaweed, and here's why:
 

You see, I'm one of those who use a perpetual calendar for many things. Mine is not just for birthdays and anniversaries. It has notes (in pencil) at the top of each month indicating important items for my Seaweed. For instance, this is the top of my perpetual calendar for May:
 

From my notes in pencil, I know that in May of 2014 the new water pump (pressure) was installed and that it's got a three year warranty. This is also written on the paperwork that came with the pump. I like things easy and am old fashioned enough to want things on paper. Electronics are not the same for me.
 

By using a pencil I can erase as necessary. For an upcoming boat show, I will note the dates and location. Then after the event, I erase the message. Simple.
 

Additionally, I have specified the month the newest set of flares will expire. Flares are certified for three year periods, so it's a good idea when you're shopping to find a place with a lot of product turnover. You do not want to buy flares that expire next year.

The first thing I do when I buy new flares is move the old ones into a bag of spares. Here is mine:

A fellow boater said I needed to make a note that these are "For demonstration purposes only" on the extras so I did. I do know I am not tossing the old ones. Someday the old ones might be necessary to raise help. Still, I do not want them mixed with the ones that are within the certified dates. Those I leave in the packaging from Orion.
 

You might also spot the little date I've taped to the top of my orange canister. When I dust it, I'm reminded when they expire. That too is a visual reminder and helps keep me current on my safety equipment.
 

Living aboard full time, some of the "little things" tend to slip by our consciousness. Do not let your flares be your undoing.
 

Addendum. 2 September 2014: In this anecdote I mentioned my Perpetual Calendar, and have since had a phone call from a guy who had never heard of one. It is simply a date book where you ignore the days of the week and keep using the same one year after year. Yes, as a matter of fact I am rather good at stretching a dollar. And no, I do not usually know what day it is. That is part of this whole retirement thing and I cannot see a problem myself. Except when I miss fun stuff because I do not know what day it is.   Pioneer Sample Quilt-in-a-Day aka my Perpetual Sampler At-a-Glance Daily Diary Medium size My perpetual calendar book is Pioneer Sample Quilt-in-a-Day aka my Perpetual Sampler. My children bought this for me in 1998 for my birthday. There are a dozen quilt patterns within the pages. It has two pages for each month but after so many years and additions to the dates, it is getting a bit full.   I have considered going over to one of the At-a-Glance Daily Diary hardcover books. Found at the office supply stores, they have a single page for each day. For the Diary book, pick the previous year for 90% off.   At first your perpetual calendar book will be sparse however eventually you will be surprised how many good things there are to look back upon.

How do you know when your flares are due to be replaced?
What do you do with your expired flares, and how many do you have onboard?
 

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