Marine Advisory: 02/2023 - Red Rocket Parachute Flare L-35 / L-35A (Pirolec)

SUBJECT: Red Rocket Parachute Flare L-35 / L-35A (Pirolec)

Reference: (a) Dutch Safety Board Safety Alert

To: Shipowners/Operators/Inspectors/Masters/Recognized Organizations:

Purpose

The purpose of this Marine Advisory is to inform you of the Dutch advisory issued on the use of the Red Rocket Parachute Flare L-35 / L-35A (Pirolec)

Background

The Dutch Safety Board advised that on the night of January 1, 2023, a person on board a Dutch sailing ship on the Pacific Ocean died when he fired a flare. The experienced sea sailor fired the flare, which complied with its requirements, in accordance with the instructions. The flare did not launch as intended, but exploded immediately, with fatal consequences.

The Dutch Safety Board has not yet been able to determine whether this is a one-off accident or if a more structural problem exists. Given the nature of the incident, there is a risk that it is not a one-off incident, and the Dutch Safety Board calls on all owners of Red Rocket Parachute Flare from Pirolec, type L-35/ L35A, batch 0525/2021 – 113, to not use these and to replace them.

Guidance

The Liberian Administration is bringing this to the attention of Shipowners, Operators, Inspectors, Masters and Recognized Organizations, and recommend that if these flares are found on board any vessel, that they not be used and replaced.

The Dutch Safety Alert is available under reference (a) above.

Questions regarding this instruction should be referred to regsandstandards@liscr.com or you may call +1-703-790-3434.

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