Jim/Ga

I am putting together an overboard bag to go with my life raft ,andI would appreciate any suggestions on what to pack. I already have my Epirb,waterproof VHF,flares... What I am interested in is other survival items that you have in your bag.

Corpsman

An inexpensive handheld GPS. If you reach someone on your VHF you need to be able to tell them how to find you.

tailfisher

Check out SPOT, at any boating center, they are a valuable piece of equipment if your VHF or cell phonedoesnt work and or out of range.Or just bite the bullet and get yourself a satelite phone.

recess

Jim A waterproof flashlight. Keep it handy. Run a few ditching drills. Blind fold and see if you can find everything needed to abandon a sinking boat at night. Dont depend on just yourself thats why they call it a CREW. Make sure everyone aboard knows were the TYPE1s are and how to inflate the raft. Just because they are aboard does not mean when the time come (God forbid)you will know how to use them. Water in the ditch bag. Chewing gum for when you are in the raft. Plan for the worst that the sea can hand you and you will tell about it another day.With 22 years as a Naval rescue swimmer. Thats the only way I will leave the dock with my CREW. Be safe. Gene

Hook

Dye markers, Mirror or some sort of light reflecting, knife and be sure to file a float plan with someone.

NavySnooker

a magnesium block with flint and striker. 2 botttles of water. fishing line and hooks + some gulps. ya never know...

NavySnooker

and, oh yeah.... HOOYAH SAR!!!!!:bowdown recess, didn't know you're a rescue swimmer...when i am cold, hot or tired i will not fail my crew...when "boating," i will be ever diligent and watchful to keep my crew safe. gotta say, attention to detail is by all means the point. you can have all the gear in the world, but if your CREW doesn't know the drill, you're screwed.

60hertz

LED flashlights that you shake to make work. There is also a radio that you can crank to power it up.



Sunscreen.



First Aid Kit.



Desalination Unit.



Glow Sticks.

Greenjeans

Where did you get your ditch raft and about how much can I expect to pay for one.. Getting my emergency bag together also... Another former SAR Swimmer here.:usaflag:usaflag

Sea Monkey

The OLE ditch bag. Bunch of good recommendations. File a float plan (friend ,relative, C. G. )Know the capability of your EPIRB .. Make sure the battery is not expired.