AlloyToy

We were approached on Monday by a very professional EP officer at the Galilee ramp. He was very kind, and didn't come across with any kind of attitude. He explained that he is there checking fish & safety equipment, and asked to see our fish, PF D's and our flares. Showed it to him and he left on his way with a kind "have a nice day"

The guys in front of us weren't as happy!!He read them the act about the PFD's being in the original plastic bags

They are there doing their job to insure safety on the water. It's nice to see tax payers money at work.

Just a heads up for those launching in RI. Make sure you have all of safety equipment and your flares are up to date

GP-TJ

Good Tip. It seems some people don't think of safety until it's too late.

Any idea what to do with the old expired flares. I have a ton of them dating back to 1989 or so... I got new ones again this year and kept some of the ones that just expired as extras on the boat but have a bunch in the garage.

GP

74Formula233

Use them on unruly blowboaters

But seriously, yes, anyone launching at Great Island ramp, be prepared to be boarded anyway. I was on a first name basis with one of the women at DEM practically when I used that ramp LOL.

Mostly she was curious just to see my catch, never counted or checked length, just liked to see LOL.

She was always very courteous, and after the first safety inspection, never bothered me anymore with safety.....she saw I was "over-prepared" if there is such a thing LOL.

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Bob & Mag

I've often asked this question as it seems there are always plenty of expired ones around. One important thing is DON'T store them with your new ones as it's a no-no but I do carry an old set on the boat seperately.
One thing you can do with the extras is donate the to an Aux. Coast Guard station to be used in one of their training classes.
Eventually you'll have bunches of them. Another thing I've noticed is when buying them, check the stock on the shelf as I've seen quite a variation in expiration dates(as much as a year).

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Due to recent budget cuts and the rising cost of food, electricity, gas, and oil, the light at the end of the tunnel has been turned off.

Smoke free 4 Months!

ChuckA

Maybe just soak the old ones in water over night and slip them in the trash.Or make like 4th of july and smoke the neighbors out .

GP-TJ

When I bought new ones this year, I noticed the "style" had changed and they didn't fit in my container. I ended up buying a new container to put them in. I will move the expired ones to a separate location. Thanks
GP