Following are the SOLAS requirements of Hand flares -

1. To be contained in a Water tight casing
2. Instructions shall be given regarding operation
3. Should have integral means of ignition
4. Burn with a bright red color
5. Burn uniformly with an average luminous intensity of not less than 15,000 cd
6. Have a burning period of not less than one minute
7. Continue to burn after having been immersed in 100 mm of water for a period of 10 seconds