MARITIME AND COASTGUARD AGENCY REITERATES WARNING AFTER PROSECUTION FOR MISUSE OF A DISTRESS FLARE

At a hearing yesterday in Medway magistrates'' court, Mr Harold W Smith was found guilty of improperly making a distress signal from his vessel `Ocean Monarch''.

The court granted a conditional discharge to Mr Smith, who lives aboard his vessel, following his breach of the Distress Signals and Prevention of Collisions regulations. He was also ordered to pay costs of £100.

The court heard how on the 4th of November 2001, Mr Smith had indicated to the Medway Navigation Service his intention to set off an out of date red rocket parachute flare. He was advised it was illegal to set off such a flare unless there is an emergency. However, he went ahead and fired the flare, which had an expiry date of 1998. The court also heard how his action had the potential for disruption of the Search and Rescue services, damage to property and injury or loss of life.

Ian Jackson, District Controller for Thames Maritime Rescue Sub-Centre said:

"The misuse of distress flares is a very dangerous practice. HM Coastguard will react to all distress signals received and whilst we are dealing with what is effectively a hoax signal, others, who may be in genuine distress could be prevented from receiving the full attention of the rescue services. Out of date flares should never be fired, as they can become unstable and they should always be disposed of safely. Most Coastguard stations can store out date pyrotechnics where necessary." For further information please contact http://www.mcagency.org.uk