Essentials For Your Boat Ditch Bag

A ditch bag, also known as an abandon ship bag, is a collection of emergency items packed into a waterproof bag. It is essential for boating safety and can potentially save the lives of the crew in an emergency. The items in a ditch bag vary depending on the boat, crew size, and the boat's intended use. The bag should be easily accessible and include items that will help the crew survive until rescue arrives. It should also be positively buoyant, water-resistant, and brightly coloured for visibility. This article will explore the key items to include in a ditch bag.

Waterproof and floating bag

When preparing a ditch bag for boating, it is important to have a well-stocked bag that can be easily grabbed in an emergency. The bag should be waterproof and floating, with a bright colour such as yellow, red or international orange, and reflector strips for better visibility.

• An Emergency Position-Indicating Radio Beacon (EPIRB) with a 406 MHz model and internal GPS.
• Red handheld flares (x3) and red parachute flares (x3) to signal your location.
• Orange smoke canisters (x2) to produce a bright distress signal.
• A handheld VHF radio with replacement batteries to communicate with rescuers.
• A signalling mirror that floats, is scratch-resistant and made of durable acrylic copolymer.
• A sea dye marker to increase visibility from the air.
• A signal locator beacon that is buoyant and flashes SOS Morse code.
• Emergency space blankets to protect against cold nights and hypothermia.
• Pocket flashlights (x2) with spare batteries to light your way or attract attention.
• Industrial-grade glow sticks (x12) for emergency signalling.
• Emergency water packets (x30) with individual servings of drinking water.
• A first aid kit that meets or exceeds U.S. Coast Guard specifications.
• A first aid book to help with any medical emergencies.
• Sea sickness pills to prevent dehydration.
• A manual air horn to alert others of your presence.
• A hand compass to help with navigation.
• A handheld GPS and spare batteries to pinpoint your location.
• A manual water maker to ensure access to drinking water.
• A knife with a blunt tip, a lanyard and one-handed operation.
• Braided cord and tie wraps to keep salvaged items together.
• A strobe light for night-time signalling.
• Flares and a signal mirror to help rescuers locate you.
• A waterproof handheld VHF with fresh batteries to communicate with aircraft or ships.
• Sunscreen to protect against sun exposure.
• Extra prescription drugs, eyeglasses, reading glasses and sunglasses.
• Cash, credit cards and identification.
• A plastic bag to keep your cell phone and other items dry.
• Waterproof duct tape, medical shears and an indelible ink marker for repairs and first aid.
• Toiletries and sanitary items such as toilet paper, sanitary napkins and hand sanitiser.
• Ziploc bags for gear storage and as vomit/waste bags.
• Polypropylene clothing, warm hats and gloves to keep you warm.
• A bailer, bucket, sponge, washcloth, sunglasses, hats, sunscreen, aloe and light protective clothing for comfort.
• First-aid supplies such as a pocket mask, large pressure dressings, gauze, burn cream, splints, tweezers, medical shears, towelettes, ointment, waterproof bandages and tape.
• Additional medications such as Tigan suppositories, Imodium and prescription medications.
• Shoes suitable for landing on rocks or reefs.
• A waterproof fire starter and aluminium foil for starting fires.
• A small backpack or belt pack with important documents, cash, traveller's checks, credit cards, ship documents, medication information and important phone numbers.
• A camera and notebook to record your experiences.

Signalling devices

Visual Signalling Devices

• Flares: Flares are a common visual signalling device and can be seen for miles. SOLAS-grade flares are the brightest and longest-lasting flares available and are visible for over six miles. They are, however, a class D fire hazard and should be handled with care. Red flares are designed to show your location and allow homing, while orange smoke flares are used as a distress signal during the day.
• Signal Mirror: A signal mirror is an essential component of any survival kit and can be seen for miles. A good signal mirror should float, be unbreakable and scratch-resistant, and be made of durable acrylic copolymer so it won't corrode in saltwater. Models with built-in targeting systems allow you to aim the signal flash with accuracy.
• Dye Markers: These markers contain a fluorescent green dye that spreads over the water, increasing your visibility to pilots.
• Strobe Lights: Strobes are passive signals that, once activated, continue working while you focus on other things to save your life. They are visible under almost all conditions and can be seen from over 10 miles away by aircraft.
• Light Sticks: Red industrial-grade glow sticks are ideal for emergency signalling. Tie one to a lanyard and swing it in circles over your head to attract attention.
• Rescue Streamer: An orange rescue streamer acts as a continual signal once deployed.

Audible Signalling Devices

• Whistle: A whistle can help you draw attention when you need it. A marine-style whistle works best at water level, but a police-style whistle on a lanyard will also work.
• Fog Horn: A fog horn is another way to create noise and attract attention. The canister type is louder than the mouth-operated type.

Electronic Signalling Devices

• EPIRB (Emergency Position-Indicating Radio Beacon): An EPIRB is a vital signalling device that broadcasts a distress signal to search and rescue authorities, enabling them to locate and aid you. A 406 MHz GPS EPIRB is the same field-tested technology used by the U.S. Military, Coast Guard, and NATO. It offers worldwide coverage, position location accuracy, and a reliable transmitted signal.
• PLB (Personal Locator Beacon): A PLB is a pocket-sized device that uses innovative satellite technology to send a distress signal to nearby search and rescue teams. The ACR ResQLink AIS PLB is the most advanced device on the market and can alert nearby boats of your emergency, allowing them to start a rescue mission without waiting for authorities.
• Handheld VHF Radio: A waterproof handheld VHF radio is an essential emergency rescue tool. When registered with the Federal Communications Commission and programmed with your Maritime Mobile Service Identity code, it can transmit its GPS position with an emergency signal, enabling faster rescue.
• Cell Phone: A cell phone can be useful in near-shore situations.

First aid kit

A first aid kit is an essential item to include in your boat ditch bag. It should be compact enough to fit inside the bag, meeting or exceeding the U.S. Coast Guard's specifications. All unit packages should be heat-sealed and double-packed in water-tight zip-lock bags for reclosure.

The first aid kit should include a first aid book, such as:

• 'Advanced First Aid Afloat' by Peter F. Eastman, M.D.
• 'First Aid at Sea' by Douglas Justins and Colin Berry
• 'International Medical Guide for Ships' by the World Health Organization
• 'A Comprehensive Guide to Marine Medicine' by Eric A. Weiss, M.D. and Michael Jacobs, M.D.

In addition to the first aid book, the following items are recommended to be included in the first aid kit:

• Pocket mask for rescue breathing
• Large pressure dressings and gauze
• Burn cream, such as Silvadene
• Splint with self-adhering ace bandages
• Tweezers
• Medical shears
• BZK towelettes to clean wounds
• Antibiotic ointment
• Waterproof bandages and tape
• Tigan suppositories for severe vomiting
• Imodium for diarrhea
• Any other prescription medications

Water and food

The amount of water and food you should pack depends on how many people are in your crew and how far offshore you will be. The World Health Organization recommends 2.5 to 3 litres of fresh water per person per day, and you should also consider packing food to match. For coastal cruising, you may only need to supplement your life raft's supply of freshwater with emergency water rations in pouches. These lie flat and are easy to store, and you can ration them to two per person per day.

For offshore cruising, a hand-operated reverse osmosis watermaker is highly recommended. These can weigh as little as 2.5 pounds and can make an ounce of drinking water in less than two minutes using a hand pump. You can also pack water in plastic bottles, which float and are reusable.

Survival biscuits are a good option for food. They are high-energy and can be stored for a long time, but they are not the best tasting. Eat them with water, and look for food that is not heavy on water use in its metabolism.

Vitamins are also a good addition to your ditch bag, but only if you have some food and water to take them with.

Navigation tools

A handheld GPS device is crucial for any offshore travel. Look for a lightweight and waterproof model that floats and quickly acquires satellite signals. It should also track your location in challenging conditions, such as heavy tree cover or deep canyons. Don't forget to pack spare batteries!

A handheld, digital selective calling (DSC) very high frequency (VHF) radio is essential for emergency rescue. Ensure it's registered with the relevant authorities and programmed with your Maritime Mobile Service Identity code (MMSI). Choose a model with 6 Watts of transmit power for maximum clarity and one that activates an SOS strobe light. AA or AAA batteries are preferable, as they enable use in a life raft without a charging station.

A hand compass is a must-have for any ditch bag. Opt for a modern version with adjustable optics for sighting and V-sight, and ensure it floats!

A satellite phone is not a substitute for an EPIRB, but it can be useful. If you bring one, store Coast Guard numbers on speed dial and pack an extra battery and solar charger.

In addition to these tools, you may also want to include nautical charts and a notebook with navigation notes. These can help you track your location, currents, and shipping lanes.

Remember, the key to a successful ditch bag is to keep it well-organised and easily accessible. You want to be able to grab it and go in an emergency, and knowing exactly where everything is can save valuable time.

Frequently asked questions