CHECK YOUR FLARES
Do you have expired marine flares?
Flares manufactured in 2021 or earlier expire this year, as Transport Canada approves them for four years. They should be replaced every third or fourth boating season.
To dispose of expired flares, do not light them, throw them overboard, or add them to household garbage.
CanBoat / NautiSavoir volunteers and select CIL Dealers are hosting Safety Equipment Education and Flare Disposal Days (see below) to collect expired marine flares for neutralization and safe disposal.
Don’t put them in household garbage
Flares are not permitted in regular trash or at household hazardous waste facilities due to their potential explosion and fire hazards.
Don’t ignite them
Flares are only for emergencies and lighting them in non-distress situations, like decommissioning, is illegal.
Don’t throw them in the water
Marine flares contain toxic chemicals, which can pollute waterways and drinking water sources.
WE’RE HERE TO HELP BOATERS
Collection Dates & Locations
You’re invited to learn about required safety equipment and dispose of outdated marine flares, from any manufacturer, for free on these days:
| 2025 Dates: | Dealer / Host Squadron / Location: |
| June 28 | Bridge Yacht Sales with Port Dover 49 Harbour St, Port Dover, ON |
| July 5 | New Location: Mahone Marine with Bluenose 7980 Nova Scotia Trunk 3, Mahone Bay, NS |
| September 20 | Sudbury Hearth and Home with Sudbury 827 Barry Downe Rd, Greater Sudbury, ON |
Dates and locations are subject to change. Check our site before you attend an event.
Flares Collected. Events Completed: 26
Thank You
The CPS Foundation has stepped up to fund this important program in partnership with CIL for Canadian boaters in 2025. Thanks to their generosity costs for shipping dangerous goods, insurance, advertising, neutralization, and disposal are covered. The average cost per flare is $5.
BOATERS HELPING BOATERS
3 Ways You Can Help
There is no longer any funding support from Transport Canada for this program. As a result, we are reaching out to boaters to help us sustain this essential service. This program plays a vital role in ensuring a safe environment for all boaters.
Contribute by:
Why?
It’s investment from individuals like you, that allow us to better serve our boating community, develop our courses and programs for Canadian boaters.
About Us
CanBoat / NautiSavoir is operated by Canadian Power and Sail Squadrons / Escadrilles canadiennes de plaisance. A non-profit, volunteer organization that has educated and certified more than 800,000 boaters since 1938.
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