Why is the misuse of distress flares (setting them off as a joke, to show off, or to dispose of old stock incorrectly) treated as a serious matter?

A. It diverts lifeboats, helicopters, and other vessels away from genuine emergencies, puts rescue crews at unnecessary risk, wastes significant resources, and can make real distress signals seen nearby seem less credible

B. It is only a problem if the flare happens to be a particularly expensive type

C. It has no real consequences as long as nobody is actually in danger at the time

D. Search and rescue services have unlimited resources, so misuse never really costs anything

A. Assume it is probably just someone messing about and ignore it completely

B. Only react if the flare is white rather than red, since red flares are never serious

C. Treat it as a genuine distress signal until proven otherwise — note the position and time, and make a Mayday relay or alert the Coastguard on VHF Channel 16, since any flare seen at sea must be assumed real until confirmed otherwise

D. Wait at least an hour to see if a second flare follows before doing anything

A. The boat's own position, the approximate bearing and distance to where the flare was seen, the time, the colour/type of flare if known, and a description of the other vessel if visible

B. Wait until reaching harbour the next day to mention it in person

C. Refuse to give a position, since the flare did not come from SUNBEAM

D. Just say "I saw a flare" with no further detail, since the Coastguard will work out everything else themselves