This is a white parachute flare being launched about a mile away at night, off Brighton Marina. Sorry for the image quality, but we hope you'll get the idea.

These flares are used to illuminate an area, if you need light to search with, or if others need light to find or see you.

If you carry any white para flares, it's worth a quick look at this video to see what it may look like, how long it lasts and what the emergency services may be using, if you need them to come and search for you.

Always make sure your flares are in date. New ones can be obtained locally in the Brighton UK area from our friends at Nicky's Canvasworks, http://www.nickyscanvasworks.com/.

They also arrange occasional flare disposal days too - watch Boatshed Brighton Yacht Brokers on Facebook to find out when!