Abandon Ship – What to Have When Getting That Sinking Feeling

Having and maintaining a comprehensive ditch bag can save lives. The U.S. Coast Guard requires that there be a properly fitting life jacket for every sole onboard as well as a throwable personal floatation device and a fire extinguisher. According to the size of the boat, other safety devices such as flares may be required. However, these items represent the minimum for onboards safety devices and are often not enough. Keeping and maintaining a ditch bag onboard may be one of the most important ways to remain safe when the situation gets really serious. Here are some tips on what any boater should have and maintain in their ditch bag.

Make a List. There’s an endless list of what should go into a ditch bag, but there are other realities to consider as well. Where will you store a giant bag onboard? How often will you check its contents to make sure all is up-to-date and working? How much room would it take up in a life raft? Is it too heavy for the smallest of the crew to carry?

Quantities will vary with the crew size and cruising grounds, but consider these items a start.

 

Safety Equipment Checklist

 

 

At a minimum, this equipment will serve for offshore or extended near-coastal cruising.

 

EPIRBs and PLBs help locate a vessel or crewmember in distress. (These devices interface with the worldwide service of COSPASS-SARSAT, the international satellite system for search and rescue (SAR). Registration is free and there is no subscription or annual fee for either.)

ACR Rescue

The ACR ResQLink is among our favorite life-saving devices. Search and rescue will come a lot quicker when you have one of these devices.

Life Rafts & PFDs

Life rafts - Keep you afloat, out of the water and visible.

PFD - Just keeps you afloat but not out of the water. Make sure it includes a whistle and reflective SOLAS tape.

TSO’d Life Raft

When choosing a life raft, get the biggest you can afford and fit on the boat. You will come to appreciate size when the life raft is all you have.

 

Signaling Equipment

 

 

Flares – The Coast Guard has rules on types/colors to carry depending on vessel size and use.

 

Lights – Fixed or strobe

Fog horn – Air pressure or the kind you blow in

Whistle – Preferably attached to PFD

Mirror – For daytime signaling

SOLAS - The International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) is an international maritime treaty which sets minimum safety standards in the construction, equipment, and operation of merchant ships.

Marine Flares

Marine flares are the first choice for signaling and are the most recognizable. Make sure they are not expired. Expired flares will not light.

Electronics/Communications

Handheld and fixed VHF – Waterproof

Handheld and fixed GPS – For reporting location

VHF Radio

A VHF is the critical choice for communicating. Several models include a GPS. If it includes a GPS it will also include DSC (Digital Selective Calling) so you can transmit a call for help as well as your position with the press of a button.

 

Complete List of Suggested Items.

 

 

Ditch Bag – Waterproof

 

EPIRB – Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon

PLB – Personal Locator Beacon

VHF radio – Waterproof, handheld and DSC capable with an extra battery

GPS – Waterproof, handheld with alkaline batteries (there are VHF, GPS combo units)

Locator Light – Waterproof and preferably a strobe light

Dry bag – Make that more than one

Space blanket – Reflective is best for heat/cold and signaling

Duct tape – toss in some thin wire or twist ties too

Multi-tool - And/or knife

Length of extra line – 50 feet at least

Flashlights and headlamps – Waterproof and preferably LED

Chemical light sticks – Break them to activate

Sunglasses – And extra prescription glasses

Sponges and a towel – Sitting in water guarantees saltwater sores

Water container – Plastic or metal

Water bottles – Supplement the life raft supply

Food – Freeze dried and/or energy bars

Medical kit – As much as you can pack

Medications and supplements - Including personal and seasickness meds

Sunscreen and lip balm – Especially important for life rafts with no tops

Flares - Handheld and aerial

Whistle or air horn – Your voice will be a poor substitute

Signal mirror – Make sure it has a lanyard

Sea dye – SOLAS-grade to mark your spot

Identification – copies of passports, driver’s license, and ship’s papers

Instructional book - Captain’s Guide to Life raft Survival is a good one

Fishing supplies – At least line and hooks

Funnel – To capture any condensation for drinking water

Trash bags – Good for keeping gear together and dry

Bail bucket – Also for a variety of uses including a toilet

Toilet paper – Don’t laugh, have you thought of life without it?

 

There’s an old saying that says chance favors the prepared. If caught in a disaster without any preparation, chances of survival diminish drastically. Look at it this way: Is it better to be stuck in the water after the boat sank with a simple VHF, or be relegated to waving arms? The more equipment on hand to prepare for an emergency, the more emergencies one will be prepared to deal with.