Years ago when I was much younger than I am now, there was a sign over the door from the line shack to the flight line which read "Complacency Kills". In the paper over the weekend was an article that underscores the point and stresses the need for being prepared. http://www.ajc.com/search/content/auto/epaper/editions/friday/metro_4453de66c2c4029b0065.html

Sigh.

Don't plan ahead, don't take anything useful with you, just hunker down and wait for someone else to save you.

Sue

Hmm, sounds like a future Survivorman(tm) shooting location.

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Would you be using the safari vest like a survival vest for your goodies? I am currently struggling with a way to carry needed survival equipment with me while on the water. I would really like to get my hands on a Coast Guard survival vest (while they are kept aboard cutters, I want a personal one so that I can ensure it has the right stuff).

I don't know if civilians can order such a vest but here is the link:

http://www.lifesavingsystems.com/general/fm_lsc.htm

It might better serve your survival purposes, it's built for a maritime environment. Hope this helps.

--Matt

Just a few words of caution:

I took a look on the web for various Canoe Leashes and found they used Velcro or Velcro style wraps, either around the wrist, ankle or waist. If you decide to use one, take great care in their use around any moving water, including strong currents and tides. A 71-year-old man or any individual with limited strength may not have the ability to fight or counter act the force applied to a large surface area such as boat and find themselves being dragged with the current/tide. The use of a weak link in the system would be advisable, even with a Velcro attachment point.

Never, never, never hard tie any item to your person or PFD in moving (swift) water, always have a weak link built into the leash/lanyard.

Pete

Would a fly fishing vest ( with pockets) do the trick?

TRO

Ohh a survival vest. Pictures? Contents?

What do you carry when going offshore? This kind of goes off the topic of this thread (and there have been previous threads but I don't want to rehash them), so feel free to PM me. I am putting together the following for my offshore Coast Guard survival rig - thanks Chris : )

Linder Mariner's Knife
3x5 buoyant signal mirror
STORM whistle
LAND/Shark Bag
SEERESCUE 6inx25ft retro reflective streamer (availible to military only)

Other things on my "to get list"
ACR strobelight
flares (I'm really stuck here, don't know what to get)
small tube of sunscreen
foldup sunglasses
seasickness pills
some kind of bright waterproof light - for tasks/signalling (could use help here too)
lanyard w/ swivel clip

I could go on and on about things that are great to have on your person should you become a man overboard, but on deck mobility and effectiveness plays a huge role in limiting the amount of equipment on hand. Who wants to look like the Michelan Man of waterborne survival? Where do you draw the line? I'm trying to focus on signals and preventing hypothermia (w/ LANDshark bag) so my shipmates can find my hind end before I freeze to death. Food and water may be important but all that takes up weight and space.

Take a look at a couple of articles Doug did for his survival kit posts concerning vests:.
http://www.equipped.org/onyourown.htm
http://www.equipped.org/avvests.htm
You might want to consider a manually activated pneumatic PFD as offered by SOSpenders, Stearns and Mustang. There are even vests which store in a waist belt pouch for quick donning. The pneumatics would be cooler to wear (important in Florida) and one or more survival kit pouches can be attached to the rear of the belt. In our north country and Canadian canoe trips, vests are kept handy, but generally not worn except in swift water, wind or when paddling solo.

While I'll agree with the sentiment of the statement Sue, the guy DID do the right things in the situation at least... he built a shelter and used the resources available to stay alive. At 71, he should have known better than to be out fishing like that without some basic supplies, but after 9 days, I'm guessing water you carried in would be in short supply. I know I don't typically carry 5 gallons of water for a day trip fishing expedition (though I might start!)

It's a mixed bag... he wasn't too smart about planning, but did have the brains to survive. Probably a lesson in there somewhere.

That was my impression as well, Massacre. Poor planning, but got it together well enough. This could happen to any of us, if our PSKs were off enteraining the fish.