RED PARACHUTE SIGNAL ROCKET, COMET 9163100 SOLAS/MED 331361

Quote the article number 9163100 and ask for the month and year of manufacture, the lot number and the expiry date of the batch on the quotation. Lloyd’s Register’s type approval requires all of these to be marked permanently on the casing. The datasheet says not to use the rocket after its expiry date, so bids are only comparable on remaining life.^[2][1]

Plan the delivery as dangerous goods. The datasheet gives UN 0505, “Signals, distress, ship”, hazard class 1.4G, cargo aircraft only, packed 56 rockets in two metal tins in a fibreboard box. Store them in their polybottle or in a dry, easily reached place at ambient temperature. The datasheet says pyrotechnics must be treated as hazardous items and disposed of under local regulations, so ask the supplier about take-back of expired rockets.^[1]

The datasheet lists conformity with SOLAS 74 as amended, with MED approval BGV 425.005 and BAM registrations BAM-P2-0059 and 0589-P2-0046, plus USCG and other authorities. The Lloyd’s Register certificate LR22281623TC-02, issued for Transport Canada, runs to 18 July 2027 and is based on LSA Code I/1.2 and III/3 and MSC.81(70). Ask for the current MED certificate if the ship is EU-flagged.^[1][2]

The LSA Code sets the performance: at least 300 m altitude when fired vertically, a bright red parachute flare of at least 30,000 cd average burning for at least 40 s, falling at no more than 5 m/s, in a water-resistant casing with printed instructions and integral ignition. Appliances that deteriorate with age must carry their age or replacement date.^[4]

Under the Pyrotechnic Articles Directive 2013/29/EU, Wescom issues one EU Declaration of Conformity, titled 9163100 / 9506720, for its red parachute signal rockets, under registration number 0589-P2-0046.^[3]