Survival Kit - Lifeboat Survival Kits

Lifeboat Survival Kits

Lifeboat survival kits are stowed in inflatable or rigid lifeboats or life rafts; the contents of these kits are mandated by coast guard or maritime regulations. These kits provide basic survival tools and supplies to enable passengers to survive until they are rescued. In addition to relying on lifeboat survival kits, many mariners will assemble a "ditch bag" or "abandon ship bag" containing additional survival supplies. Lifeboat survival kit items typically include:

Safety equipment

• Life jackets
• Fire extinguisher
• First aid kit

Communications and navigation

• Compass
• Distress beacons (EPIRBs)
• Red flare, rocket parachute flare, and/or smoke signal flare
• Laser pointer for signaling aircraft (red is color of distress, but green color is higher power and will be seen farther), with lithium cells, in double waterproof plastic pouch (remember that pointers of high power are a theoretical hazard to eyes of low-flying pilots at night)
• Radar reflector (to help rescuers locate the raft)
• Lantern and fuel, if fuel doubles as firestarter
• Radio transceiver, standard VHF marine and an optional amateur radio if a licensed radio amateur (see Ham Radio) or an AM/FM/Weather/Shortwave radio receiver
• GPS navigation device
• Lighter

Food and water

• Fishing kit
• Rainwater collection equipment
• Seawater desalination kit
• Water (typically 3 liters/person/day)
• Emergency high-calorie rations/food (not as important as water). Chocolate has a superior calorie/weight ratio

Other tools and boating items

• Hatchet
• Waterproof flashlight
• Heaving line
• Ladder
• Sea anchor (also called a "sea drogue")
• Bailer
• Bilge pump
• Boat hook
• Bucket
• Any knife