Regulations 2(3) and 20 Schedule 1, Part I and Schedule 4, Part II and IV
1.1 A hand flare shall:
1.1.1 be constructed with proper workmanship and materials;
1.1.2 be contained in a water-resistant casing;
1.1.3 have a self-contained means of ignition which can be readily operated with wet, cold or gloved hands in adverse conditions and require the minimum preparation;
1.1.4 be so designed as not to cause discomfort to the person holding the casing with an uncovered hand and not endanger a lifeboat or liferaft by burning or glowing residues when used in accordance with the manufacturer’s operating instructions;
1.1.5 be so constructed that any sealing shall not depend on adhesive tapes or plastic envelopes;
1.1.6 be so constructed that the end from which the light is emitted can be positively identified by day and night;
1.1.7 be so constructed that all components, compositions and ingredients of the flare and the means of igniting it shall be of such character and quality to enable the flare to maintain its serviceability under good average storage conditions in the marine environment for a period of at least 3 years; and
1.1.8 be so constructed that if it is intended to be stowed in a liferaft it can function effectively after being subjected to a drop test appropriate to the height at which the liferaft is to be stowed, when the signal is packed in the equipment container.
2.1 A hand flare shall not be damaged in stowage throughout the air temperature range of −30°C to +65°C.
2.2 A hand flare shall:
2.2.1 burn with a bright red colour;
2.2.2 burn uniformly with an average luminous intensity of not less than 15,000 candela;
2.2.3 have a burning period of not less than 1 minute; and
2.2.4 after ignition continue to burn after having been immersed for a period of 10 seconds under 100 mm of water.
3.1 A hand flare shall have brief instructions or diagrams clearly illustrating the use of the hand flare printed on its casing.
3.2 The date of manufacture and the date of expiry shall be marked indelibly on the casing.
3.3 The words “DOT (UK) APPROVED” shall be marked indelibly on the casing.