Question about Flares

[Hoosier_Steelheader]

I have a question that I didn't see anywhere, so I'll ask it here (If it belongs somewhere else admin / Mods please move)

Last summer I was boarded and inspected by the C.G. no problems there. But when asked if I had any weapons on board I said other than knives "NO". Then wehn I showed my flare fit which is a 12 ga flare gun, they told me that Michigan DNR regards these as a weapon and I probably should declare them as such?

I suppose I will from now on, but have you all ever heard that?

For the record I was just inside Indiana waters.

[Priority1]

Yes I have heard that. I think it gets even touchier when you are in Canadian waters.

[GLF]

I am not sure. But now that someone mentioned flares....I need to check the expiration dates on mine.

[jimbobber]

Charter boats are not even allowed to have flare guns on boardbecause they are considered a weapon.

[ALLEYES]

I cannot carry one. But last I heard it was only charter boats. Could have changed tho.

I would think if the stores can still sell them without purchase permits you would be OK.

[killerbe20]

I have a 12 gauge flare gun/kit as well as hand flares. My vessel is inspected every spring and never had an issue. Here are some links to different USCG regulations. I believe it states you can use any launching device as long as it meets 46 CFR 160.28 (the second link). I honesty do not know the inside diameter, etc of my 12 gauge flare gun.

Regulations for charter boats:

http://www.uscg.mil/pvs/docs/UPV%20JOBAID%20REV5%20OCT07.pdf

regulations for launching pistols:

http://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/CFR-2008-title46-vol6/pdf/CFR-2008-title46-sec160-028-4.pdf

[Daybreak]

This is from my new "Michigan DNR Charter Boat Handbook", dated 3-27-09.

"The pistol-type visual distress signal has now been defined as a dangereous weapon and subject to rules of purchase, resistration, and carriage as required for any handgun. The pistol-type visual distress signal is NO LONGER ACCEPTABLE and MAY NOT be carried aboard Michigan Charter Boats."

I was also told about this last year during inspections and had to remove my 2 "pistol" style launcher from the boat.

Next will be the "rocket launchers" on my boat because the name sounds like they could be dangerous

[1mainiac]

Funny how when things actually work they are not allowed under good conditions a aireal flare can be seen for over a hundred miles. As compared to a hand flare that can be blocked by the boat you are in or waves and under great conditions would be visable at most for 10 to 15 miles.

[killerbe20]

Thats very interesting. I will have to do some research/investigating about this. Seems Michigan DNR has much more control over charter vessels then over here. I have had the Wisconsin DNR check my fishing reports, but all vessel requirements are handled by the USCG.

[seabee]

Anything Michigan can do to get more money from us is more for their slush funds, like 250 dollars permit to launch from a DNR launch ramp on rivers for steelhead trips.

[ALLEYES]

Any state owned launch......$250.00 permit.