This past week brought many news stories of boaters being rescued. One critical element many boaters may not think about is having a proper ditch kit onboard should an emergency happen.
The following information comes form Paul Barnard with the US Coast Guard Heartland Safe Boating, who has been getting a lot of requests for information about ditch kits.
“I’ll start by saying that there is no perfect ditch kit. A ditch kit will contain the three S’s. Signaling, Safety and Survival items, and there’s overlap in those categories. Your ditch kit should be tailored to the area that you operate in and the threats you face.
I seek out items that are lightweight, compact and if possible low cost. Those silver survival blankets are an example. For $4 why not have one. They make a great visual search object, when balled up to about basketball size they have radar reflective properties, then if you make it to shore, they may provide a measure of protection as well. They are pretty fragile, but because of their light weight, size and cost, why not?
I prefer a bag to a box. A bag can be opened just enough to reach in and grab what you need without fear of the other contents being washed out.
The Ditch Kit should be kept out on deck in a float free location rather than stowed away in a compartment that may become inaccessible during an emergency.
Here are some suggested items.

  • Inshore/Near Shore Ditch Kit: Floating waterproof box or bag, Aspirin or Ibuprofen, Bug spray, Cell phone in waterproof bag/case, Cordage, Electric SOS Distress Light, EPIRB / PLB, First aid supplies, Flares, Food and water, Glow sticks, Gorilla (or similar) Tape, Handheld waterproof VHF Radio, Lighter, Multi-tool, Orange Bandana, Sea Dye, Signal Mirror, Sun screen, Survival blanket (bright silver), Waterproof flashlight and a Whistle.
  • Additional items for an off shore ditch kit include: Anti-Seasickness pills, Fishing gear, Sat Phone and Supplemental flotation devices.
    Thanks to Sherrie, we will always remember safe boating is no accident.  A ditch bag can be lifesaving!

If you would like to learn more about vessel safety checks, please contact Steve Hults, Staff Officer for Vessel Examinations at steve.hults@uscgaux.net.

Please contact us for more information about our safe boating classes or learning more about getting involved in the Auxiliary, check out our website at www.uscgaux.net follow us on FaceBook @ Apalachee Bay Flotilla 12 or contact our Flotilla Commander Phil Hill at pnkkhill2000@yahoo.com.

The Coast Guard Auxiliary is the uniformed civilian volunteer component of the U.S. Coast Guard and supports the Coast Guard in nearly all mission areas. The Auxiliary was created by Congress in 1939. For more information, please visit www.cgaux.org.