On a somewhat related note, we all know it's illegal to just fire off your outdated flares because someone might think there's a bona fide emergency.
Our solution is to anchor in front of the CG station and simply inform them that you will be doing crew training for about an hour.
Dont ask permission , tell them what you are doing.
Flying ASW and some SAR , unless its very dark most flairs are a waste of time.
White or Red parachute flairs do better , but they are pricy.
Our solution is a couple of dozen , mostly RED in proper sealed cans.
The dates are mostly 20-40 years old , so the coasties dont like them.
1 or 2 out of a dozen will fail to fire , not bad for ancient stuff.
We carry a cheapo 12G flair set to wave at the CG if ever boarded, that is current .
For folks going down island a simple modification (with a lathe) will allow longer real shotgun shells to be loaded.
We use a trip line and dog training popper shells when not aboard and anchored off in a remote area.
Should someone break in , they will probably take the unit.
If ever fired with a real shell, OUCH!