Emerg Kit for Boat

My annual fishing trip is this weekend. There are 7 of us going and, like the Skipper and his crew, we'll be up to a three hour boat (motor) ride from the dock. It's a big lake, with lots of islands and channels, few year-round residents, and only one of us knows the area well. The weather report is for variable skies and temps are set to fall to about 3 degrees C overnight.

I'm working on an emerg kit for the boat. (Will try to get everyone to carry a small PSK too.) It needs to be small and able to float. We will be dressed in weather appropriate layers to stay dry and warm, will have lifejackets on, paddles, throw bag, bailing bucket, cell phones and GPS, though cell phone reception is intermittant at best. When someone stays on-shore, we'll have handhelds as well. (Of coure, I'll have my personal EDC and emerg stuff on my person and in my tackle box, along with my fishing and rain gear.) Shore lunch is not part of this experience so fire, cooking gear and food is generally left in the cottage, with the exceptions of the travel mugs and water bottles everyone brings.

Getting stuck out (in the boat or on shore) on an unplanned cold and wet overnight, are my primary concerns. Here's what I'm thinking so far:

-Marine bucket (floating, with lid)
-FAK
-Fixed blade
-Butane lighter
-Fatwood
-TinderQuick
-Heat Sheet
-Pocket warmers
-LED Flashlight
-Chem lights
-Coffee can/metal cup
-Micropur tabs
-Tea bags
-peanut mms
-Whistle
-Mirror
-Flare gun
-Chart, map, compass

Any other suggestions?

Sounds like a fantastic trip. "A Three Hour Tour, A Three Hour Tour ...." you say ? Better pack some coconuts just incase !

And:

I know you mentioned intermittent phone coverage, so it would be worth getting some local numbers.
If you do have an issue, a local call to a marine mechanic, local police, boat club, onshore friends etc may be more appropriate than emergency services.

When I'm on the water I try and take a knife with a (half) serrated blade - better for cutting ropes and webbing

Do you need anything for sea sickness ? Crystalized ginger and peppermints are good "remedies", and good to add to your snack pack. They both assist with motion sickness, but if you travel with a "real" sufferer, then you can't beat real meds (IMO).

As to packing all that gear, what about a survival vest format ? It means you will always have it on you when the boat sinks !

Put rubberbands around everything possible,they provide grip when wet,you can slip a banded item onto your hand,finger,wrist,such as flashlight for xtra hands-free ability.Extra tinder fortification of course,& you can shoot them at someone from 1 side of the boat to another or in camp,to get their attention,& if you are a good shot,skeeters/flys & such.Take a slab of Velveeta cheese with you,It makes Xlnt bait as well as a good tasting,lifesaving protein snack.Make a few copies of this gathered info from ETS,& turn your friends onto it,that may spark their interests a bit more,& maybe the next adventure everyone will be on the same page as yourself,hopefully! Have Fun!

PLB? GPS? What kind of handheld radios? Do extra batteries make sense? You'll leave a trip plan with a responsible person?

If you look at the boat as I look at aircraft over water, you might consider the contents of my aviation survival vest: Flotation vest, PLB, Radio, GPS, Flashlight, Chem lights, Laser flare, knife, DR PSP.

Obviously some of those are high dollar items and not everyone needs everything. OTOH, who's going to wear all that stuff in a vest while fishing? A lightweight ditch bag that floats could contain an excellent survival kit. Everyone still needs to wear a PFT; when stuff goes wrong it can go wrong fast.

I would suggest packing it in a dry bag. If you pack it right, you can have enough air in it so that it will float. A couple of items you might want to consider adding:

One or 2 lightweight tarps (for shelter building).

Parachute or similar nylon cord (a million and one uses).

One or more ensolite or similar pads (insulation, splint building etc).

At least 1 SOL bivy bag (ideally one for each person). I don't think the "reflecting body heat back to you" helps that much, but keeping the wind and wet off of you is huge. I now always have one in my daypack. See http://www.adventuremedicalkits.com/product.php?product=144&catname=Shelter&prodname=SOL

check with the boat owner, and see how much anchor rode (line) is on board, and whether there is a chain leading to the anchor... you want the length of the rode to be 7x or 8x the depth of the water ... most non commercial boats have way too short anchor rode... the longer the chain, the more it helps secure the anchor... a bucket for a sea anchor helps...make sure you don't anchor off the stern and try to back down on the anchor to unlodge it... it is easy to take on water if the driver is inexperienced and the anchor pulls the bow or stern under...be prepared to cut the line if necessary, you can buy the owner a new anchor and rode later....

I have a good hush puppy and Key Lime pie recipe to go with the seafood... have a safe trip

Since getting wet is possible, I guess a towel and/or change of clothes would be useful too.

A set of thermals is very compact and a small micro fibre towel

When it comes to boating, typically the two most important things are to stay afloat to prevent drowning and to be able to quickly alert rescuers, as extended time spent in the water can lead to hypothermia. Therefore, a PFD (lifejacket) and various signal methods (such as whistles, flares, beacons, marine radios, signal mirrors, ect, ect) are absolutely vital.

With those items, I also consider a knife to be of the utmost importance. There tends to be a lot of various cordage used in, and around, boats. I've personally seen people fishing get tangled up in some line on the boat, fall off the boat, and become so further entangled as to nearly drown. Children especially, are very vulnerable to this. For this purpose I'm a big fan of Spyderco's Salt line, as they use H2 steel which is basically impervious to rust.

Past that, then you're basically looking at a lot of the same gear you would have for land based survival. The big difference though, is that you have to make sure that gear is either suitable for wet environments or specifically protected against against moisture. Otherwise, it might not work when you need it.

An acquittance of mine recently spent a night hanging onto the side of his boat after wave and wind conspired to roll it over on him. He was spotted shortly after first light by another craft; he lost his signaling equipment. My thoughts...

Whistle, flashlight and small strobe should be on every vest; once the sun goes down, a cracked chemlight or waterproof light stick should be on every vest as well if your strobe doesn't auto activate on submersion, that way if you fall off and get run over by the boat you can be found. Grey and dark blue vests make me cringe- visibility, visibility, visibility. If you are going to rely on your phone, be sure it has signal, has charge, and put it in a plastic bag and tape it tight so you can use it even if gets wet. For a survival kit, the PSP or similiar, with a heatsheet (there isn't much similiar), lighter, flashlight- the basics, but not in pants pockets.

A 3 hour tour? Obviously you need a trunk full of money and a complete wardrobe for this kind of excursion! I don't see you as a Mrs. Howell type, so I'm guessing you'll be MaryAnn, or maybe Ginger?

I think the greatest risk would be a combination of the boat becoming disabled and someone going overboard and/or getting hurt in cold, rainy weather. Shock, hypothermia, bleeding and no communications.

I would suggest that each person bring extra sweatpants, hoody and socks in a dry bag or well-sealed trashbag, with some paracord attached to use as a tether if swimming is required. Even if you don't get wet, the extra insulation will be welcome in 3*C temperatures. If anyone requires prescription meds, tuck a couple day's worth supply in as well.

Building a fire can take time when its wet, which could be a problem if someone is shocky or hypothermic. I'd pack a good supply of chemical heat packs and mylar emergency sleeping bags or AMK Heatsheets Emergency Bivy Bags. These offer better wind and rain protection than just the mylar blankets.

I have nothing against TinderQuick, but I find that cotton balls coated with petroleum jelly work better and are less expensive. Carry them in an old 35mm film container (you might still find some at your local 1-hour photo processor).

I'd also bring several lightweight, woven, poly tarps, like REI and other outfitters sell as groundsheets for tents. The 8x10 ones REI sells are $6.50 each and weigh 18oz, 12x10 are $10 and 23oz, fold up pretty compact (at least when new). They may be cheaper at Walmart or Home Depot. Add some paracord and a folding saw to make shelter.

Lifeboat ration bars? 2400- or 3600-calories supplemented with vitamins and minerals, 5 year shelf life, compact, ready to eat. Though food probably isn't a big priority.

Handheld air horn for signaling?

I don't think carrying a PLB or SPOT would be a bad thing, though assuming you left info on your return time I think that its likely help would be rather quick to arrive either way after you missed your check-in time.

it always gets colder than you think out there, so as mentioned above, some hoodies, maybe a Woobie or fleece blanket.

PLB PLB PLB, Oh yeah PLB

--Bright ass waterproof flashlight or strobe.
--sunscreen
--whistles
--umbrella
--flotation device for everyone (mandatory anyway)
--I personally enjoy swim goggles.
--inflatable pool flotations, especially if kids are in the boat. Lets face it the chance of a ditch is low percentage, however, treading water for more than 15 minutes in a cheap pfd sucks, especially if you have kids under 10 YO. A simple infant sized inflatable doughnut is super small and can be blown up in about 30 puffs and takes away about 80% of your floating weight & energy.
--some cordage. First you never know what needs to get lashed down. Second, it keeps people together.

What is the temperature of the water at this time of year? If you have a marine radio, who would be listening on the other end and provide assistance. Sorry, I am just not familiar with the way our Northern Neighbor runs these things, especially on inland lakes. Will you be close to the shorline or crossing open expanses of water. Any chance for large waves. What kinds of winds are forecast?

You do have oars or paddles in case your engine conks out, right?

Good question -- three hours out could mean out of radio range, so even if a Marine radio is available, who will be on Ch.16?

If the water is cold enough, a note with a reliable friend on when to call for help and where to send them could be a recovery event; cold water is very unforgiving.

** PLB **

On your list you have a flare gun but no flares.

I would suggest adding:

• PLB
• some ski rope (floating rope)
• duct tape
• sunscreen
• dry bag - purpose built for your cell phone - you need a bag that is dry and will let you use the phone while you are treading water
• a second method to make fire

The ski rope can come in handy - if you have to ditch and you have time, you can tie together all the items that float - like coolers, boat cushions, empty gas tank, empty water jugs, etc. This won't make a raft to sit on but it will make a giant debris field that is more easily spotted from the air. If you don't have time to do that then the rope can at least help you keep everyone together as a group.

I imagine you don't want to spend a fortune on rescue gear since this is a once a year affair but there are lots of other items you could add if you have an unlimited budget. Greatland laser, Radar reflector, strobes, sea dye, handheld VHF transceiver, and quite a few more if you browse around the marine retailers sites.

And a final note - if you ditch and swim to shore, then you're most critical task will be fire making since you'll be soaking wet and shivering and a butane lighter may not work under those conditions. I'd add waterproof matches or a firesteel to your bucket.

How big of a boat will you all be on? Does it have more than one engine? How old are the engines? Is the boat owned by one of your friends, rented or is this a professionally-piloted charter?

Will it have a cabin with some kitchen gear on board? Will there be much storage room? Will there be a dinghy?

Is it possible to find out in advance what the inventory of safety-survival gear is already on the boat?

My suggestions are in consideration of possible mechanical failure or getting lost in fog -- resulting in drifting (or being anchored) or perhaps spending time on an island if for some reason the boat were beached or ditched.

In addition to much of what has already been mentioned I'd want to have some contingency food on hand -- such as Lipton Cup-of-Soup packets that you could put in zip-lock freezer bags. I keep in my car and day pack packets of a store-brand double-noodle version. Each packet is intended to be made with 4 cups of water but could be diluted and still tasty. Warm up from the inside....

http://www.makinglifebetter.com/brands/Lipton-Cup-A-Soup.aspx/


If this were a big boat with ample storage, I'd also be throwing in some Mountain House freeze-dried meals. Seven guys could eat decently for a couple days with the Mt. House meals I can fit in a small daypack.

If the boat does not have a functioning stove and there were ample room, I'd consider bringing my JetBoil.


3 degrees Celsius = 37.4 degrees Fahrenheit

With those kinds of temperatures forecast, do you expect peops will be bringing thermoses?

Everyone should have on their person the means to make fire after spending time in the water. Each should have a LOUD whistle.

I'd want wool or fleece blankets on board. I would not wear blue jeans.

That's the air temp, what is the water temperature?

There's a good table at Boating & Hypothermia that lists estimated time to unconsciousness and max survival time given the water temp. Cold water can be very unforgiving.

Great advice gang. Thanks! I'll think I'll make this kit not only for the weekend, but also for a thank you for the boat owners. (The husband and father-in-law or one of the girls in our group.) They're avid anglers and hunters but not so good at prepping for an emergency so...

I've upgraded to a small dry bag, and I'm adding extra batteries for the radios and flashlight, a magnesium block, vaseline coated cotton balls, life raft matches, rope, some pocket warmers, a small air horn, a couple of mylar sleeping bags, esbit stove and some granola bars and instant hot chocolate. Everyone will have a whistle and immersion-activated flasher on the life jackets too. I only wish I had the budget for more.

Everyone carries their cell phones in waterproof cases, and I'll have my personal EDC and PSK on my person also, in secured and waterproof containers. A fisherman's vest would be comfy on shore, but not under a life jacket, which is an absolute in my books. I thought of using my fanny pack but it's not comfy with the jacket and my newly bum knee, which is going to cause a lot of seated fishing for me this weekend. My belt and the pockets of my army surplus camo pants will have to do.

Clarification: It's not a big boat. It seats 8, has limited storage space and no kitchen or bathroom. With 7 women aboard, there will be breaks to use a cat hole on shore.

This boat does have some electrical ghoulies that show up once and while so there are paddles, lots of rope and extra floaties on board as well. (Extra PFDs and boat bumpers)

No kids, dogs or boys are allowed on this trip. It's only us girls, and we're all outdoors enthusiasts. We've all spent enough time on the water, camping and doing first aid to have a good idea of how to stay safe. That being said, it's a big lake. Wind, rain and fog can roll in quickly and only one of us is familiar with the local area. Better safe than sorry, is my motto. A night in the water, or stuck in the boat or on shore could be a long one.

One of the guys on the lake is a friend of the family and our trip plans are filed with him. Along with our hubbies, he'll check in every night to make sure we make it back ok and, if he doesn't get a taste test of dinner by dark, will send out the local Calvary.

Not sure what the water temp is but the warm weather has only just left us so it might still be warm enough for a quick skinny dip at night without risking a heart attack, but too long to for an unexpected dunking away from the dock.

LOL!! I LOVE it Richlacal! Thanks for the idea!

Great ideas Aussie. Thanks guys!! As always, you're all very helpful and I appreciate it!

The water temperature is really crucial for survival. Down here in SOCal where our water varied from the mid 40's in spring to the upper 60s-low 70s, we hit our peak water temps about this time of year. I imagine that might the case with your water as well, but I am only guessing.

What really works best for our conditions if you get in the water is either a wetsuit (something you cannot don quickly in case of an emergency) or a float coat, which is an ideal garment, especially if it has a beavertail. Unfortuantely, they are not cheap.

Enjoy your trip and take care....

That's right, THAT'S RIGHT!!! In an emergency situation you can break open the coconuts and make haupia!

My latest effort had too little starch, since I was eyeballing the amounts. As a consequence, the haupia came out a bit more gelatinous than I would have wanted. Let that be a survival lesson to all.

Da Bing, looking forward to hearing bacpacjac's story of survival and courage

So... are you sharing? I'd love the recipes. They'll go well with the haupia.

LOL!

Da Bing, looking forward to hearing bacpacjac's story of survival and courage [/quote]
Let's hope it's not THAT exciting.

If I only had the budget. Instead I'll go with non-cotton layers which will hopefully dry quickly on shore, and quicker if I can get a fire going.

Will there be mosquitoes ? Do you need bug nets and spray ?

Good idea Aussie. We'll all got spray in our tackle boxes but I added a few wiped to the emerg kit as well. Thanks for the reminder!

Bow Saw

Thanks for all the input gang. It was a fantastic weekend. The biggest drama was one of us (not me) landing a 10 pound large mouth bass. The skies were clear and the fish were biting. The only first aid we needed was for hangovers and a small puncture wound caused by the dorsal fin of a panfish. Suncreen and lip balm were prized commodities because of sun and wind burn.

We thought we lost the motor at one point and were prepping for a long paddle back when it finally started. It dipped below 0C at night and it was pretty windy a lot of the time. Hypothermia would have been a serious threat if anyone had fallen in away from the dock and an overnight on one of the little islands would not have been comfortable. We were all dressed in layers, had our thermos, travel mugs, SS water bottles and snacks. Our SOS kit had fire and water but we didn't have enough shelter if the weather had been wet. We could have made something out of the rope, duct tape, mylar blanket, heet sheet and saw in the kit, but I think I'll throw in some bivys or a small tent next time I'm up there.

After reading the thread about modular kits, I decided to take a similar approach with this project. As part of the larger emerg kit, I made an SOS kit for the boat. It is designed to be small, inconspicuous, float and ALWAYS be on board and accessible, even if the larger kit is removed or inaccessible during an accident.

In a Nalgalene, I included: Fox 40 on lanyard, signal mirror, bic lighter, fire steel and striker, waterproof matches, vaseline cotton balls, fatwood, 2 tealights, microPUR tabs, lrg ziplock bag, bandana, steel fishing leader, fishing line, small pack of hooks and weights, paracord, compass, mini first aid kit (bandaids, prep pads, polysporin and a few OTC meds), lip balm, 3AAA flashlight, chem light, small sierra saw, tea bags and jerky. I put that in an aluminium can and duct taped them together. "SOS" is written in large letters on the duct tape in permanent marker.

This kit will hopefully stay onboard now that our trip is over and will hopefully never be needed. Great ideas all. Thank you!

+1. Good job on they guy catching the 10 pounder.

She thought for sure that it was a log! Instead ahe pulled a trophy fish on-board. (We practice catch - and - release fishing, so he can only get bigger.)

I was thinking the whole time that, yup, he'd feed us for a few days, but what a lot of effort. Not sure fishing will pay-off in a survival situation unless it's passive.

if you want to make a low profile kit to keep on the boat think of PVC tubes [waterproof] with attached cord, cheap to make and store what you think is needed.