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 on select dates.

The disposal of out-of-date flares is a growing problem for boat owners who face severe penalties if they fail to follow the correct procedures.

Out-of-date flares can be delivered to the following sites in Hampshire & the Isle of Wight in conjunction with open days/boat shows already taking place at the marina.

Saturday 26th April: Northney Marina MDL

Saturday 10th May: Hamble Point Marina

Saturday 17th May: Cowes Yacht Haven

Sunday 10th August: Lymington Yacht Haven

Sunday 19th October: Hamble Point Marina MDL (no separate event)

David Welch FCMI, MIExpE, MIABTI, 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 are vitally important to public safety and should be dealt with by experts; we are proud to provide this to members of the public.”

Up to ten flares accepted

Up to ten flares per private individual will be accepted free of charge however, the organisers will be asking for a charitable donation. Previous other events have charged £2 per flare.

Disposal of more than ten flares will only be possible by prior agreement.

Over the year the organisers hope to raise enough money through the donations to buy a sailing dinghy(ies) which they 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.

Read the rest of this report at http://www.rya.org.uk/

For further information please contact Hampshire Police Marine Unit via email:marine@hampshire.pnn.police.uk