Fisho's are invited to bring their expired marine flares to Westport Park on Friday, February 15 from 2pm to 5pm, and chat about boat safety with a Roads and Maritime boating education officer.

Two orange smoke hand-held distress flares and two red hand-held distress flares are required for commercial and recreational fishers in open water.

Flares have an average shelf life of approximately three years.

Port Macquarie Marine Rescue unit commander Greg Davies said boaties were required to carry a mix of flares for their own safety.

"Its important to change flares when they are out of date, it's part of the law that you must carry serviceable flares while at sea," he said.

"Especially important when travelling greater than two miles out to sea, and you can be in trouble unless your vessel is in safe condition.

"If the flares are out of date you don't have confidence that they will work, to do the job they are meant for."

The mobile collection van is part of a marine flare disposal program organised by Roads and Maritime Services.

"Be safe, always log on to channel 16 and always wear a life jacket at sea," said Mr Davies.

"We have done rescues where vessels did not have correct safety equipment such as not having serviceable life jackets, not logging on - people putting themselves at risk."

For more information about flare disposal, please visit www.rms.nsw.gov.au/flares

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