For example, US rules mean signals can be left in a life raft if they are not out of date at the time of the service, which could mean that they are almost a year out of date when the next service takes place. In addition, rafts can be allowed an extra five months’ grace if the vessel is not near an approved service station.

The main problem is that pyrotechnics degrade with age and red flares turn pinkish white. 'Red is the worst colour for fading. Eventually, you may not recognise it as a distress signal,' says product manager, Keith Bradford.

'Also, flares tend to burn longer at lower candle power, so you have the added risk of a parachute flare still burning when it hits the ground or sea, with an additional fire risk.'

Mr Bradford concludes that keeping signals within their use-by date could be a matter of life or death. He says, 'Our concern is for the safety of users and that the products perform to legislated SOLAS safety standards throughout their service life.'