Flare Guns

Skip, down here in Florida a boat under 16' is required to have night time distress signals. Since I shrimp at night I need to comply. The common item carried is a flare gun. It shoots a 12 guage flare out of a blaze orange painted big plastic handgun. I must assume this is a standard legal item down here but what about when I return to Ct.? Is it a handgun in Ct.? Does it require a carry permit to have it on the boat? What do I need to know about a flare gun?
Thanks in advance,

A flare gun is a flare gun, not a firearm. Although, if you tried robbing a bank with it someone might change the definition. If used as a means of force to commit a crime it could be construed to be a weapon, not a firearm...but so can a baseball bat, flashlight, hammer or breaker bar.

They are sold over the counter at marine supply stores, Wally World, Cabela's and various other sporting goods stores. There is no 14 day waiting period or pistol permit requirement to purchase one.

Yeah, but I wouldn't try carrying one on a plane in your briefcase.....

Yeah...I forgot about that...but then again, you can't even carry a bottle of soda on a plane anymore.

Guys, thanks, in today's world you can't assume anything.

I could be wrong, but I've heard that a flare gun is considered a handgun in New York City waters.