safety bag

T

thataway

Active member
Yellowstone's narritative about his boat and slip coming adrift in the middle of the night brought to mind, that I have never posted photos of the personal ditch bag I keep with me at the helm, in the dinghy etc.

Content includes:Personal locator beacon, hand held VHF radio, GPS, ACR strobe flash light (all using AA batteries) a dozen AA batteries in a plastic bag, hand bearing compass, whistle, self launching flares, signal mirror, sea dye, 1/8" cord, cigarette lighter, Vinly sheeting (bright orange, distress flag), Mylar space blanket, 30" sq flour sack cloth (makes two triangular bandages if necessary), small first aid kit, Gerber multi tool, small Vise Grips, small crescent Wrench, spare shear pins for the dinghy motor, pencil, paper.

There is room for a cell phone, and small ham radio (2m 440, 6 meter), rescue tape and vinly tape etc if you wish.


ditch_bag_010.jpg

ditch_bag_012.jpg

This bag is about 10" and 6" x 6" on the sides. The weight is about 5 lbs, and there is a shoulder strap. It can be kept at your side anywhere you go, and has some of the essentials for survival. You might want to add items or improve on what is included.
 
thanks! A lot of items in a small space

I need to have one and add some bug juice, led flashlight and sun screen.

Can you provide an example of a ham radio since I am not a ham operator?
 
Nice bag and it looks to be very functional. However I can think of one thing your missing, that might come in very handy when you go over the side.

That would be an attached floatation device for the bag. Just in case that shoulder strap should get loose in the heat of the moment. I would test drive it with maybe a net bouy to see what size you need to keep the bag weighing in at 5 lbs. needs.

Just my 2 cents... :wink
 
that looks like a dry bag and unless you pack it full of liquid lead, there will be more than enough air in there to float it just fine.
 
Brent":6ozr5d44 said:
thanks! A lot of items in a small space

I need to have one and add some bug juice, led flashlight and sun screen.

Can you provide an example of a ham radio since I am not a ham operator?
Click to expand...

Brent, ham radio units are very much like the hand held vhf ones for marine use except they operate on different frequencies and have much longer range if you can communicate through a repeater. ICOM and lots of other mfrs make them. Just google hand held ham radio and you'll find a bunch. Get a license, it's fun and you don't need to know morse code anymore, although I suspect many of us on this site did when we got our licenses (got mine in 1956).

Nice ditch bag Bob!

Charlie
 
The bag does float, when sealed with air. It is about 4.5 liter total volume interior. Of course the cooler floats free.

Let me be clear, there is a separate safety kit, ditch bag and firstaid kit. This is something which is always available, plus it is small enough to be always with out. Another option is to keep a radio, locator beacon, stobe and whistle attatched to your life vest (which we do in some situations).

To anser the Ham radio question: The specific radio I have is the Yaesu VX-8R HT: full 5 watts FM on 50/144/430 MHz plus 1.5 watts on 222 MHz. It supports Bluetooth® hands-free operation with the optional BU-1 and BH-1 or BH-2 accessories. There is also an optional GPS; VX8R is submersible and meets IPX57 specifications (3 feet for minimum of 30 minutes). 2.36 x 3.74 x 0.92 inches. It supports simultaneous independent 2-signal dual receive function with both V + V or U + U. It has weather band receive with Weather Alert. A barometric sensor is included. You can even operate Amateur radio while receiving FM broadcasts! with an independent AM/FM broadcast receiver circuit. high-resolution Spectrum Analyzer with ±60 channels indication with wave monitoring of received/modulated signal! And DCS and CTCSS encode and decode is standard.

The Yaesu VX-8DR is an APRS® enhanced version of the popular VX8R. Key additional features of the VX-8DR include:
Smart Beaconing™ Function.
Station List memories has increased from 40 to 50.


I have two extra batteries, a 12 volt charger as well as the 110 volt holder, and the speaker mike with a 12 channel GPS attatched. Truely a fantastic little radio.

On the AlCan highway, I used a similar radio to reach the Mounties when we came on a bad wreck about 150 miles out of White Horse, and no cell phone service (there may be cell service now in that area). I noted that there is a 2 meter repeater at Fort Peck--maybe cell phone tower now?

Ham radio does not require code to get a license--and the tech license required to use this specific radio is fairly easy to pass.

I also have an Icom 7000 which is on the boat--this radio has all of the VHF, UHF and 6 meter bands, but also capable of SSB operation and world wide contacts. This radio is about the size of most car sterios--and the face can be remotely mounted. The SSB requires a "general license"--we used HAM SSB radio to keep in touch with home when world cruising.
 
Brent":33uut2u3 said:
Charlie

Already looked and got the TNTC \\too numerous to count from Google

What are you using?
Open to all, too
Click to expand...

I've got a Yaesu VX-7R, an earlier version of Bob's handheld. A nice little radio but I haven't fired it up in years. I gotta get rid of this job and just flat out retire!

Charlie
 
Bob - That is an extra-ordinarily well thought out ditch bag. Your substantial sailing experience certainly shows here. Most of my boating is in semi or wilderness areas, close to land. Mine includes nylon cord, swiss army knife, several lighters, and fire starters. After more than a half century of starting fires in all kinds of conditions, I have settled on the kerosene soaked sawdust sticks to start fires. I keep them in a small zip lock bag inside a large zip lock bag with the other stuff. Have virtually given up on matches - wind and moisture prone to failure.
John
 
I am spending a lot of time proving pi never ends or repeats

I need a radio primer. I have a CB from 76 and Standard Horizon VHF boat radio. I am marginally functional with either and can turn on both at the same time.

Any help from the radioheads?
 
A couple of items I didn't mention--a knife (the Gerber tool has a nice knife blade, but not the quality I like) I carry a Kershaw one hand opening folding knife with 3" blade, an older (american made) Buck or a sheath knife with 6" blade. Yes, a properly sharpened and cared for knife is an essential tool. I also keep a good sheath knife right by the cabin door, along with the fire extinguisher and mag lite flashlight. I didn't put a sharpening stone in the ditch bag, but there are several on board. Some small ones would fit in the bag--with carbide/ceramic sharpeners.

Depending on where I am there is often a .22 mag 5 shot North American Arms pistol in the bag, along with both hollow points and bird/snake shot. Certain areas I carry a different piece on my person (CCW)==I have almost always carried in the US when in wilderness areas.

Certainly the fire starter sticks are a great addition for inland areas. Hopefully my boy scouting experiences are still with me in fire starting...but it never hurts to have some back up (especailly it it is wet).

Water is also a major survival issue--we keep 5 gallons of extra water in the cockpit when cruising (10 gallons when offshore)--and a couple of half liter bottles in the ditch bag near shore.--of course there is always that floating cooler of beer!

Generally the Choctaw were peaceful--but our gardener told me he had never been chewed out so thoroughly and nicely in his life by our local native American last week. So I stay on good behavior.
 
After doping a search for"Ditch AND bag", looking for the most current ditch bag info I found 3 closely related threads; 2010, 2007, & 2005. Since this was the most recent and only five years old, I thought I would bring it back up to the top and maybe the ditch bag info from a current and parallel thread "EPIRB and PLB"
http://www.c-brats.com/viewtopic.php?t=23576&highlight=

and another "PFD Safety Gear"
http://www.c-brats.com/viewtopic.php?t= ... =ditch+bag

I know that the area where we boat has some bearing on what we need to have in our bag, and times have changed some in the last 5 years, technology has improved and we have new voices here, so I thought I would bring this back up and see if we have updates that are effective and applicable.

Both of the previous threads have plenty of good information. Bob's detailed list and pictures are great. Greg's PFD bag is simple, portable and always at the ready.

After a visit with a friend today, an active duty Coastie -- flight mechanic and avionics tech, it got me to thinking about what I would be doing in the 30 minutes from the time I place a call and I see a USCG helo overhead. That time is very likely to be 30-40 minutes even though they are only about 20 - 25 miles from my location, which for my worst case planning is half way between Sequim Bay entrance and Cattle Pass. That would be about 12 miles from shore, north to south, and 5-10 miles east to west.

His first question, "Do I have an EPIRB on board?"

Updating my get-off bag is my Christmas present to SleepyC this year. What do you think, are hyou doing any updates, changes or building one?

Harvey
SleepyC :moon

JC_Lately_SleepyC_Flat_Blue_070.thumb.jpg
 
The items we have upgraded is a newer and smaller PLB, with GPS, and the Standard Horizon HX 870 along with the SBT-13 Alkaline Battery Tray. We do believe that it is important to have a AA battery operated radio, as well as the lithium ion rechargable battery.

I wonder how bright the Strobe Greg relates to is in comparison to the firefly? 25 lumen is fairly low in the flashlight world. I know that my ACR strobes can be easily seen at over a mile distance. (specs say 2 miles) On the other hand, one is trading small and always available for longer range.

lighter and smaller is certainly better in that it will be with you when needed.
 
I like small and light, but these are still good for me for now.

This is the strobe I have attached to the back of my inflatable PFD's.

landfallnav_2271_189143837


(Sorry, I can't seem to make the picture work here.) HELP Please.

60-hour life
Xenon Strobe ESL I

USCG/SOLAS APPROVED P/N 60610M

This D-cell, fully approved emergency strobe is capable of being seen up to three miles. The electronics module converts the 1.5 volt 'D' cell battery power into a 7500 volt pulsing Xenon beacon; flashing 50 to 60 times per minute for the first 8 to 12 hours, diminishing thereafter to last over two full days.

Specifications

Emergency Strobe Light, Xenon - RED RED Body, Standard Clear Lens. Height 4.25 in., Width 2 in.

Xenon Flash USCG approved, requires 1ea D cell alkaline battery to be replaced annually. Stainless locking pin attachment fits most foam filled and inflatable PFD’s. Three to four mile visibility at sea level operates at 50-60fpm (flash per min) for 8-12 hours and then switches to 20-30 fpm for another 8-12 hour shift. Durable and waterproof tested to 12 ft minimum depth to ensure reliability for all SAR situations. Any pilot will tell you that a Xenon strobe flash is visible at great distances and pinpoints a location. That’s why clipping one on your life jacket, life ring, and throw lines makes sense.

It is from Landfall (here) but I think I got mine from REI several years ago

http://www.landfallnavigation.com/-seso1.html
Emergency Strobe Light
#SES01 $24.95

Harvey
SleepyC :moon

IMG_2044_sized_1.thumb.jpg


landfallnav_2270_254146683
 
I have a question about an inclusion I have been thinking about. I recently purchased a pair of "rain" pants for motorcycle riding in dampish wet weather. The have leg zippers and and stirrup straps, snug at the bottom and at the waist. Made of a vinyl or PVC layers onto a ripstop nylon. I know they would not be like a mustang or survival or even a wet suit for cold protection, but they only take up about the space of a grapefruit and can be quit quickly put on over shoes and jeans.

Would there be any value in this application for some prevention of hypothermia, or in at least delaying the onset? Would they be more or less likely to become heavy and become a sinking thing?

Harvey
SleepyC :moon

IMG_2044_sized_1.thumb.jpg
 
Again, I cannot seem to get the picture of this item across to the Brat site but in keeping with the previous post, I found this "Thermal Protective Aid" which looks like a big plastic sleeping bag/ghost in the orange variety.

Thermal Protective Aid

U.S.C.G. approval # 160.174/A3/0

Designed for hypothermia protection during prolonged exposure in life rafts and rescue boats, keeps suvivors warm, dry and protected against rain, wind and cold. Waterproof polymer-coated fabric has very low thermal conductivity to reduce heat loss and preserve body heat in cold, wet conditions. Attached sleeves.

62 sq. in. SOLAS-grade reflective tape
Strong superior laminate material which meets strict U.S.C.G. specs
Seams are heat welded (not sewn) which makes the TPA impermeable to water leakage
Extra large sizing to fit over all clothing
Size: Adult Universal
Color: International Orange
Approval: U.S.C.G. and EU Approved, complies with the latest SOLAS 74/83 specifications

Thermal Protective Aid
#SITP1 List Price $75.00Only $59.95

The link is here;
http://www.landfallnavigation.com/sitp1.html

Sorry I can't do the picture, but this woulod be a step better than the "rain" pants.

Harvey
SleepyC :moon

1_10_2012_from_Canon_961.highlight.jpg
 
I would say the rain pants fall into the same hypothermia protective category as the orange plastic product you reference.

They both assist the wearer in staying dry/warm ABOVE the surface but are not significant aids to warmth during submersion. I have swam in rain pants before (don't ask) and can attest to their lacking ability to keep cold water from entering and exchanging enough to chill you very quickly and thoroughly. A step up would be some of the semi-dry pants designed for paddling use but they do not go on as easily nor pack as small.

Greg
 
The small strobe/flashlights we carry on our PFDs would not really replace a strobe you might carry for the boat in a ditch bag, or use with any kind of offshore life raft of course. Our PFD gear is related in what we have in our ditch supplies and without that, it would be different. We actually want them more as a task light at this point as we don't normally travel at night (once in 6 years) except on the docks or by dinghy when anchored where they make a good dinghy nav light as well in steady mode.

I would put something like this or larger (below) on each person if we were night boaters just for the longer battery life alone. And I do use a larger/brighter unit when kayaking that is no longer available.

http://www.landfallnavigation.com/ustseemeled.html

Notice the lumens on that unit are about the same as the little ones we carry.

Greg
 
Back
Top