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Pyrotechnic distress flares expire how long after they are made?

42 months after the date of manufacture.

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  1. 12 months
  2. 42 months ✔
  3. 10 years

Why: The Coast Guard guide says flares expire 42 months after manufacture. Expired flares can ride along as extras, but they don't count toward the required number.

Huh, didn't know that: The guide recommends keeping flares in a cool, dry, watertight container painted red or orange and marked 'DISTRESS SIGNALS' or 'FLARES.'

The dad joke
Why did the flare keep checking the calendar? It didn't want to burn out its welcome.
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References

Answer: 42 months. The Coast Guard guide says flares expire 42 months after manufacture. Expired flares can ride along as extras, but they don't count toward the required number.

  1. USCG A Boater's Guide to the Federal Requirements for Recreational Boats (2023) www.uscgboating.org/assets/1/AssetManager/Boaters-Guide-to-Federal-Requirements-for-Receational-Boats-20231108.pdf
    Check the expiration date (42 months after the date of manufacture).
    Checked 2026-10-08.
  2. 33 CFR 175.125 Serviceability (eCFR) www.ecfr.gov/current/title-33/section-175.125
    the service life of the signal, if indicated by a date marked on the signal, has not expired.
    Checked 2026-10-08.

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Test yourself in the game

Boating & WaterIf you use flares to meet the visual distress signal rule, how many are required?Boating & WaterThe orange distress flag with a black square and ball counts as what kind of signal?Boating & WaterAn electronic visual distress light meets which part of the signal requirement?

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