Ditch Bag

We hope to never have the need to use a “Ditch Bag” as this would suggest that we’re in an emergency situation and were forced to abandon our vessel.

A “Ditch Bag” at minimum should include First Aid kit, signaling devices, rations and be further tailored to you and the waters you plan to travel. 

“Ditch Bag” Suggestions…

• Acupuncture Wrist Bands
• Bandana or SPF Hat
• Can Opener
• Cash
• Collapsible Bail Bucket
• Compass
• Crank or Solar Flashlights
• Cutting Board
• Drinking Water
• Emergency Mylar Blankets
• First Aid Kit
• Fishing Gear (Hooks, Jigs, Line, Lures & Sinkers)
• Flares
• Flint
• Fluorescent Glow Sticks
• Ladies Urine Funnel
• Laminated Copies of Contact, Credit Cards, Identification, Passport & Vessel Info
• Manual Air Horn
• Manual Inflation Pump
• Multipurpose Tool
• Nylon Line
• Patch Kit
• Playing Cards
• Prepackaged Emergency Ration Food
• Rain Ponchos
• Sea Dye Marker
• Solar Panel Charge Station
• Signal Mirror
• Sponges
• Sunglasses
• Toothbrush & Paste
• Toilet Paper
• Trash Bags
• Waterproof Binoculars
• Waterproof Matches
• Waterproof Tape
• Wet Wipes
• Whistle
• Wool Hat & Socks

Don’t forget to grab your…

• Electronics (Cell & Laptop)
• Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon (EPIRB)
• Life Jackets
• Prescription Medication
• VHF Handheld Radio

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Good to Know

• Avoid using anything that requires batteries or electricity.
• Body heat escapes from feet and heads which is why they’re on the list. 
• Can opener if you’re fortunate to grab a few things. Imagine you do but don’t have a can opener.
• Cutting board for fishing or any repairs without puncturing the life raft.
• Depending on location and season, mornings and evenings can be cool.
• If you wear prescription glasses, pack your former pair in the “Ditch Bag” as a backup.
• First Aid inclusions: Aloe Gel (Sunburn), Medical Shears, Medical Tweezers, Neosporin, New Skin (Liquid Bandage), Saline, Splint Roll, Syringe (Wound Cleaning), QuikClot, Tourniquet, Water Jel Burn Dressing, Waterproof Wrap Tape, Wound Dressing and Wound Staple Gun.
• Have laminated note reminders attached to the “Ditch Bag” of the things to be grabbed as it’s likely to be forgotten in a stressful situation. 
• It could take many days or hours before you’re rescued so don’t overlook having a deck of cards. 
• Leave in a central location. One on every floor is a great idea.
• Leave an empty grab bag by your pantry and refrigerator for items you’re able to grab. Hence why to pack the can opener. 
• Look for US Coast Guard approved water ration pouches, 2 per person daily.
• Men need 10 cups and women 8 cups daily to survive.
• Pack as much as you can in ziploc storage bags for repurpose and use.
• Canned chicken and peanut butter offer a long shelf life and are high in protein. 
• Sea Dye Marker can last up to 40 minutes on the water.
• Should you manage to fish from the life raft, a small cutting will prove to be valuable when cutting. 
• SOLAS mentioned are considered the brightest handheld and parachute flares.
• Sponges are great to remove trapped water from the life raft. 
• Trash bags have multiple uses whether for disposal, shelter or waterproofing. 
• Survival water maker or filter is a great addition too.