The Necessity of Hand Flares for Sea Emergencies

#### Date: March 20, 2024, - Article Number 8

In the face of maritime uncertainty, hand flares stand as a crucial beacon of safety and communication. As outlined by the International Life-Saving Appliance (LSA) Code, hand flares are essential personal life-saving devices, designed to emit a bright red light, an international distress signal recognizable in various weather conditions and across vast distances at sea.

#### Hand Flares: Specification and Utility

The hand flare, a mandatory component of sea vessels as per the LSA Code, must be contained in a water-resistant casing, ensuring durability and functionality in maritime environments. It should provide a self-contained ignition mechanism, ensuring ease of activation even in the most challenging conditions. Furthermore, the flare is required to burn with a bright red color and with an average luminous intensity of not less than 15,000 candela, making it conspicuous against the backdrop of the open sea.

One of the most vital features of the hand flare is its burn time, which should not be less than one minute. This provides a sufficient window to capture attention and convey the distress signal to potential rescuers or nearby vessels. Additionally, it is essential that the hand flare continues to burn after being immersed for a period of 10 seconds under 100 mm of water, ensuring its reliability even if subjected to the sea's unpredictable nature.

#### Importance in Maritime Safety

The functionality of hand flares is not only pivotal for the successful execution of rescue operations but also serves as a psychological boost to stranded individuals, providing them a tangible action towards their rescue and the hope that comes with it. The hand flare's bright luminescence pierces through fog, rain, and the black of night, carrying the message of human presence in need of assistance.

In training, seafarers are educated on the proper use of hand flares – an aspect underlined by the LSA Code to ensure effectiveness in actual distress scenarios. Crew members must be proficient in handling these devices, as this skill can significantly alter the outcomes in life-and-death situations.

#### Conclusion

Compliance with the LSA Code's requirements for hand flares is not only a matter of regulatory adherence but a testament to the maritime industry's commitment to safety and the preservation of life. As we reflect on the critical role these flares play in emergency situations, it becomes evident that such simple devices can have a profound impact on the survivability of maritime mishaps.

Each hand flare is a sentinel of hope, an embodiment of human ingenuity and the collective effort to safeguard lives against the might of the oceans. On this day, March 20, 2024, we underscore the value of these vital life-saving tools and celebrate the advancements in maritime safety they represent.