Forums > Kitesurfing   Western Australia

Marine Markers Washing Ashore

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Created by westozwind > 9 months ago, 8 Apr 2013
westozwind
WA, 1374 posts
8 Apr 2013 10:55AM
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In the past month there have been several incidents of Marine Markers washing ashore on Perth metropolitan beaches, particularly north of Perth.
Marine Markers are a pyrotechnic device used by Defence and civilian agencies, as a method of marking a point at sea for Search and Rescue Operations. Marine Markers are designed to activate on contact with salt water. Once initiated they float and produce smoke and flame for approximately twenty to forty minutes.

Markers may appear to be burnt out, but often contain residual hazardous components that may re-ignite, or scuttling charges that may explode, at any moment. Handling could cause serious burns and/or temporary respiratory irritation.

Look out for these floating in the water and report to Police (131444) if you spot one.



MARKER LOCATION MARINE KC-58
DESCRIPTION. A steel cylinder, coated with an alloy. They are grey in appearance, approximately 545mm in Length, 122mm in Diameter and 5.8kg in Weight.
HAZARDS: FIRE, TOXIC SMOKE.
Fierce burning and dense smoke production will occur. Persons in close contact can expect severe burns, skin and respiratory damage.


MARKER LOCATION MARINE KC-25
DESCRIPTION. An alloy cylinder, with a valve assembly at one end. They are silver in appearance, approximately 470mm in Length, 76mm in Diameter and 1.7kg in Weight.
HAZARDS: FIRE, TOXIC SMOKE, EJECTION.
Fierce burning and dense smoke production will occur, then on completion, functioning of the scuttling pellet. Persons in close contact can expect severe burns, skin and respiratory damage.

Chris6791
WA, 3271 posts
8 Apr 2013 6:03PM
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If you find one don't be tempted to souvenir it. Navy UXO won't even take them, they either blow them with explosives where they are on the beach or use a thermite grenade to finish them off.



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"Marine Markers Washing Ashore" started by westozwind