The Canadian Power and Sail Squadrons (CPS) Foundation has stepped up to fund this important program in partnership with CIL Orion for Canadian boaters in 2025. Thanks to their generosity costs for shipping, insurance, advertising, disposal, and neutralization are covered and CanBoat / NautiSavoir can once again offer this essential service.

While distress flares are mandatory safety equipment on Canadian vessels, flare disposal continues to be challenging for the average boater, especially with the recent removal of Government disposal programs. And while companies are legally mandated to offer recycling for their flare products, there is often a significant shipping fee for the handling of explosives that is passed on to the consumer. This leads many people to incorrectly dispose of expired flares or illegally fire them, which is dangerous to people and the environment.

The CanBoat / NautiSavoir with funding from the CPS Foundation is stepping up to address the disconnect between mandatory flares and a lack of safe flare disposal for boaters by singularly funding a broad flare disposal program in Canada for 2025. The CPS Foundation plans to facilitate approximately 25 flare disposal events at marinas and other locations, where boaters can safely dispose of expired flares. The program is a critical step in creating a safe environment for all boaters in 2025.

Canadian Boaters can support this initiative and take advantage of other fantastic services by enrolling in a CanBoat / NautiSavoir membership for 2025. Not only does this support the critical flare disposal program, but it also gives access to CanBoat’s suite of boating resources, such as in-depth courses on navigation, safety, vessel handling, PCOC courses, membership benefit discounts with industry leaders, and much more.

By Mathew Channer, writer for Canadian Boating Magazine