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October 01, 2024 6 Comments
Whether you’re sailing around the world or sticking closer to home, maritime plans don’t always pan out the way we dreamed.
Look at Abby Sunderland, whose yacht was damaged in the Indian Ocean during her attempt to complete a circumnavigation at age 16. All alone in a damaged vessel in extremely remote waters, her attempt could have ended in tragedy.
But Abby had her ditch bag with her. After triggering the Personal Locator Beacon inside, she was rescued, uninjured, within a day.
Even if you’re not cruising a remote region, a ditch bag can save your life. Of course, you always hope you won’t need your ditch bag, but if you find yourself adrift in the water, you’ll be grateful you had the foresight to prepare.
Whether your boat sinks, catches on fire, or encounters another kind of emergency, you’ll want some specific items close at hand. I always load the following essentials into my ditch bag in case I ever find myself floating in the water without my boat wrapped around me:
A lot of people build out their ditch bag, stow it, and never think about it again. Of course, any day you don’t need your ditch bag is a good day, but the contents do need regular attention. You don’t want to find yourself in a dangerous situation with malfunctioning gear and rancid rations.
The marine environment is harsh, meaning tools can degrade quickly and lose function when you need them most. I recommend checking your ditch bag annually at the very least to ensure you have what you need, when you need it, in working order.
Specifically, pay close attention to these key areas:
Every ditch bag should be waterproof, buoyant, and brightly colored for visibility. Beyond that, you’ll further benefit from customizing your ditch bag based on your type of boating activity. Consider the risks, needs, and environment specific to your activity to decide on extra features or equipment.
Here are some guidelines to get you started:
If you’re sailing close to shore, then a quick rescue is likely nearby. Focus on items for immediate rescue, such as a handheld VHF radio, Personal Locator Beacon, basic first-aid kit, and signaling devices like flares and a whistle.
The farther you are from shore, the longer you’ll be waiting for help in an emergency. When boating offshore, equip your bag with an Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon (EPIRB), additional survival provisions — including emergency rations and a water maker — and a comprehensive first-aid kit.
Choose lightweight and compact items that provide crucial support without hindering mobility, such as inflatable signaling devices, compact mirrors, and high-calorie food bars.
Always take the time to consider the environment in which you’ll be traveling, and pack your ditch bag accordingly.
In cold areas, you’ll want to include extra thermal protection. If you’re hitting the tropics, insect netting and extra sunscreen make better use of your limited space.
Regularly review and update the contents of your ditch bag based on your planned activity and environment.
Boaters often ask me how much money they should spend building their ditch bags. I always turn the question back around: How much would you be willing to spend when you find yourself floating in the water?
Ditch bag gear — and safety equipment in general — is something I never skimp on.
High-quality items can make the difference between a survival story and a cautionary tale. As you make your selections, pay special attention to these factors:
Your ditch bag is an important, potentially life-saving investment. And, yes, that means there’s a cost both to stocking it and maintaining it effectively.
Once your safety gear reaches its expiration date, I know it’s tempting to avert your eyes and stuff it back in your bag. After all, that was a $300 item!
But that expiration date is present for a reason. And if that item fails when you need it most, you won’t be worrying about the $300 you saved.
I recommend thinking about unused items in your ditch bag as an insurance policy you never had to cash in. No, you don’t get your money back — just like you don’t get your money back on that car insurance you didn’t use — but any day you don’t need your ditch bag is a good day.
October 09, 2024
This is really fine advice. Do not wait to purchase this stuff, but have a ditch bag ready before your first boating trip. The location and contents of this bag are not just for you but for your passengers too. Build muscle memory, and make them familiar with the location and contents BEFORE you head out.
Don’t underestimate how handy double lock plastic bags are in 1 quart and 1 gallon size. Do not use bags with slide zippers.
Spend the few extra dollars and buy a whistle capable of 120 decibels, preferably on a lanyard that you always wear while boating.
If you buy a personal flotation inflatable vest, buy one with at least 30 pounds of bouyancy to maximize keeping you face up in the water.
Great work Bob or others.
Art
October 09, 2024
I recommend every offshore ditch bag include fishing gear. A line and a few lures will go a long way to supplement any food stores that may be in the ditch bag.
October 09, 2024
Very good information, never know, thanks
October 09, 2024
Well thought out good advice for anyone that boats. I’ll be upgrading my bag and gifting one to my son who fishes offshore in a lot of remote places
October 09, 2024
Great artical, picture is worth 1000 words, would be good to include a “complete” picture of a ditch bag and its contents with the artical.
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Capt. Gil
October 09, 2024
Great advice. These reminders are so helpful because many boaters become complacent and do forget to check and or update emergency items.