Ditch Bag! Whats in YOURS?

[PileDriver]

SAT phone would be very cool to have for running offshore, but they need to make a waterproof one first and change the service plans. I looked into one recently and they run about 800 bucks depending on which service your choose, but then it is 50 bucks a month for I think 50 minutes on talk time. Like everything else they will get more affordable!

[tylerderdan]

I have been in the process of getting all my gear for the boat. While not all of these things are "ditch bag items" they are part of my safety gear. I do plan to make a post with some links to some of the places where I have purchased some of my gear, due to the fact that most of it is commercial stuff.

a type II epirb 406mhz with buit in gps and strobe - costly but sends help directly to your position unlike most plb or certain other types of epirb, so you have to read closely what you are buying.

type I life vests with Acr strobes, mirrors, and whistles attached to each

waterproof handheld radio

50 mile signal kit - includes - 3 pains wessex smokes,3 parachute flares, 6 flares

6 regular 12 ga. flares.

2 dye packs

48 hr. first aid kit - based on no help within 48hrs.

drift sock

emergency flashlights

emergency food and water for 3 days for 4 people.

sunscreen

extra lengths of high quality rope

handheld compass

2 wool blankets sealed in dry pouch

This is just some of the stuff, but I will make a full post later and have some links to places where I purchased some of the products I am using.

[PileDriver]

Just a disclaimer here, I do not sell these or own stock in the company, but I did buy one! Anyways posting this as information for everyone that is thinking about a PLB or Eripb. This is the newest model on the market and has all the features of an Eripb with the following two exceptions. 1. no stobe light and 2. the battery life is 24 hours at -20 degree C where the eripbs are required to last 48 hours. I went with the PLB as it is registered to the person and not the boat, so if I go out with my buddies I can take it with me. You can see from its size, it easily attaches to your belt or PDF (which is how I have it). Anyways here is the rest of the information.

406 MHz GPS Personal Locator Beacon
Product No. 2897
Model No.: PLB-300
FCC ID: B66ACR-PLB-300
Downloads Available:

• Product Sell Sheet in PDF format
• Instruction Manual in PDF format
• PLB Anatomy of a Rescue
• Frequently Asked Questions

• Smallest, lightest, most function-rich PLB alerts Search and Rescue to your precise location in an emergency.
• Transmits on 406 MHz (COSPAS-SARSAT) with your registered, unique, digitally-coded distress signal, and 121.5 MHz (SAR homing frequency).
• Exclusive built-in GPS technology is finely tuned for optimum performance.
• 100 meter position accuracy when GPS coordinates are present.
• Easy to activate by novice user, simply deploy antenna to reveal “ON/OFF” activation button, hold for 1 second.
• PLB has circuitry, battery power/voltage and GPS acquisition test features built in.
• Exceeds required 24 hour operating life at -20°C (-4°F), typical operating life: 40 hours @ -20°C (-4°F), 8 hours @ -40°C (-40°F).
• Attachment clip mounts to back of PLB to easily clip onto life jacket, belt, backpack, etc.
• Flotation pouch attached to prevent loss if dropped in water, easy to remove from pouch, simply pull down on lanyard.
• Bungee lanyard allows for PLB to be easily secured preventing loss, comfortable to wear around neck.
• ACR beacons are used by the U.S. military, U.S. Coast Guard, NATO and Arctic explorers.
• Exceeds RTCM waterproof requirements for Category 1 (buoyant) PLBs, tested to 5 meters.
• High impact plastic case designed to withstand exposure to UV rays, oil, sea water and raft packing.
• 5-year limited warranty.
• 5-year replacement life lithium battery.