The Wind Class no longer exists, and the Storis is the oldest vessel in the fleet, that really hints at your age (J/K). I love a good sea story, thanks for sharing.

You had to use the old Mark 1? I pity your soul. Float coats are nice but not as secure as a strapped down PFD. As far as current PFD equipment goes, things are across the board. Plastic whistles and chem sticks abound, a signal mirror or strobe if you are lucky. I'm a firm believer in Murphy's law, I don't want to trust my life to some lowest bidder government contracting piece of equipment. I've looked into SEE RESCUE streamers and I'll do a search on pen flares and a good mariner's knife. I want to put my survival in my hands, using my head and good equipment.

I am not a boatswain's mate, I'm actaully a cadet at the Academy. During the fall/winter/spring I train and take classes but I'll be going to sea during the summers. That's why my first PSK is more camping orientated (for the school year and my leave back home in WV) and why I wanted to get a jump on putting together some stuff for this summer afloat. I'll be South East Coast - Migrant Interdiction/Drug Ops. Semper P! Thanks for the tips.