Emergencies are always a real possibility when at sea and it is a very good idea to have prepared an emergency grab bag containing the necessities to help you and your crew or passengers to survive and to call for help.
The Grab Bag
The ACR Rapid Ditch Bag is a buoyant abandon-ship survival gear bag which can hold all the equipment needed to abandon ship in an emergency.
It can be filled as required and stowed away for easy access in a waterproof compartment until required.
Features
EPIRBs
The latest Emergency Position-Indicating Radio Beacons (EPIRBs) are small, light and tough and they provide a very important way for those in distress to be located and rescued.
The ACR AquaLink 406 MHz GPS Personal Locator Beacon lets you head offshore with confidence.
With three levels of integrated signal technology — GPS positioning, a powerful 406 MHz signal and 121.5 MHz homing capability — the ACR AquaLink 406 quickly and accurately relays your position to a worldwide network of Search & Rescue satellites, reducing search time and increasing your chances of survival.
The AquaLink broadcasts a unique registered distress signal that not only tells rescuers where you are but also who you are.
The ACR AquaLink 406 MHz GPS Personal Locator Beacon is small enough to be carried easily in a pack or pocket or it can be worn on deck, at the helm, in quarters or on a life vest and in addition it will float if accidentally dropped overboard.
With the ACR AquaLink 406, you are tapping into the same field-tested rescue technology used by the US Military, US Coast Guard, NATO Special Forces and Arctic explorers.
Specification
For verbal communication on the water, Marine VHF Radio with access to Channel 16 or DSC is the standard and there are a range of handheld marine radios that are suitable for inclusion in an emergency grab bag - but be aware of the need to check the condition of the battery periodically.
The Icom IC-M87 Handheld VHF Radio is a compact, waterproof VHF PBR/Marine Handheld unit from a company dedicated to producing high-quality and reliable marine communications equipment with an emphasis on maintaining the balance between advanced radio technology and human interaction.
Compact and with a tough construction, the IC-M87 meets military standard requirements (MIL-STD) and is built to the same waterproof standard employed by the IC-M1EuroV and IC-M21.
The Icom IC-M87 can be used for both marine and basic PBR applications. A simple push of a button changes the operating band between marine and PBR channels. Up to 22 free channels are available for land use (146 V174 MHz). Wide/narrow channel spacing is programmable for each channel and CTCSS and DTCS signalling is built in.
Although aimed at commercial users, the IC-M87 is ideal for leisure boat users who want a premium-quality compact transceiver. The IC-M87 has an abundance of standard features including dual and triple watch, tag and priority scanning, an adjustable button-beep tone level, signal-strength indicator, sub-channel display and battery indicator.
All controls are large and easy to use and have been carefully designed and positioned to provide the simplest of user interfaces at all times on land or sea. Even when wearing gloves, the large buttons are easy to operate. In addition a large, clear backlit LCD and backlit buttons provide instant recognition of data and ensure reliable communication in any lighting conditions.
Coming with an extended 3-year warranty available, the IC-M87 is supplied with the BC-152 Slow Battery Charger, BC-01 Charger Adapter, BP-227 Li-Ion Battery Pack, FA-S59V antenna, MB-79 Belt Clip and Handbook. The BC-152 desktop charger can also be mounted on a wall and will accept various power sources such an AC adapter, cigarette lighter lead or DC power supply.
Features and Specification
Distress Flare
Flares have a long history in the marine environment and serve as useful a purpose now, whether a white flare to warn off other vessels, an orange smoke flare for daylight distress or a red flare for a distress signal.
The Ikaros Red Handheld Flare is used for short-range distress signalling on ships, lifeboats and liferafts. This type of flare is also the best pinpoint signal for pleasure craft.
The case is made of corrosion-resistant steel and the flare is supplied with clear and simple instructions.
Ikaros handheld flares are designed to give maximum output in a minimum size.
The flare compositions are developed from the Ikaros parachute flare, which is widely considered to be the best in the world. Ikaros handheld flares are approved globally and meet the latest SOLAS 74/96 regulations.
Specification
These Flare Packs are designed to provide for the needs of seafarers of all kinds who can match the contents of the different packs to their needs given the intended scale of their trips.
Check the details in the different sections below for what type of Ikaros flare is used for what type of situation so that you can choose the most appropriate pack for your needs.
RORC Flare Packs
RORC Distress Flare Pack (FLR5620)
The Peli StealthLite 2400 Waterproof Torch features a Laser Spot xenon lamp module that gives an unsurpassed white collimated beam that can cut through water, smoke, fog and rain, making it a perfect light source for all applications.
Food rations for the abandon ship grab bag need to be appropriate for the situation and Ocean Safety Barley Sugar Rations are quick-release sugar sweets with a 3-year life expectancy.
Fresh water is an absolute essential where people may be stranded on a lifeboat or marooned vessel for a period of time. A 10-litre plastic jerry can be stored beside the grab bag (but the water needs to be kept fresh) or else there are smaller collapsible containers which can be stored in the grab bag and filled on demand.
Another essential is a first aid kit and the Care Plus Waterproof First Aid Kit has the obvious advantage of being contained within a dry bag, and the SOLAS Liferaft/Lifeboat First Aid Kit is also supplied in a waterproof container.
Finally, it is extremely useful to be aware in advance of any medical conditions of the people on the vessel and to have any appropriate prescription medicines to be able to offer these if necessary.
Less specific items that would be useful to have might include a protective against sunburn such as Care Plus Skin-Saver Gel Concentrate SPF30 and Hand Cleaner Towels so that the fresh water can be reserved for hydration.
The Grab Bag
The ACR Rapid Ditch Bag is a buoyant abandon-ship survival gear bag which can hold all the equipment needed to abandon ship in an emergency.
It can be filled as required and stowed away for easy access in a waterproof compartment until required.
Features
- Holds all the equipment needed to abandon ship in an emergency
- Floats with buoyant closed-cell foam construction
- East-fit attachment for locator light (light not included)
- Internal pockets and elastic daisy chain organiser
- External pockets allow instant access to EPIRB and GPS for quick activation
- Customise with survival equipment for your sailing/boating conditions
- Record equipment inventory on external, waterproof card for quick reference
- Water-resistant, rugged fabric withstands years of service
- 1250 denier coated nylon exterior
- 200 denier coated nylon liner with bias tape-finished main compartment seams
- Durable, self-repairing zipper
- Shoulder strap functions as tether, leaving hands free in an emergency
- Overall size (W x H x D): 28.5 x 14.75 x 10 inches
EPIRBs
The latest Emergency Position-Indicating Radio Beacons (EPIRBs) are small, light and tough and they provide a very important way for those in distress to be located and rescued.
The ACR AquaLink 406 MHz GPS Personal Locator Beacon lets you head offshore with confidence.
With three levels of integrated signal technology — GPS positioning, a powerful 406 MHz signal and 121.5 MHz homing capability — the ACR AquaLink 406 quickly and accurately relays your position to a worldwide network of Search & Rescue satellites, reducing search time and increasing your chances of survival.
The AquaLink broadcasts a unique registered distress signal that not only tells rescuers where you are but also who you are.
The ACR AquaLink 406 MHz GPS Personal Locator Beacon is small enough to be carried easily in a pack or pocket or it can be worn on deck, at the helm, in quarters or on a life vest and in addition it will float if accidentally dropped overboard.
With the ACR AquaLink 406, you are tapping into the same field-tested rescue technology used by the US Military, US Coast Guard, NATO Special Forces and Arctic explorers.
Specification
- Model number: PLB-350B
- Size: 2.3 x 5.8 x 1.4 inches (5.9 x 14.8 x 3.7 cm)
- Weight: 9.2 oz (261 g) with lanyard
- Battery: Class 2 (non-hazmat) lithium batteries
- Battery replacement interval: 6 years from manufacture or 5 years after placed into service or after emergency use
- Battery typical performance: 35 hours @ -4°F (-20°C)
- Material: Engineered polycarbonate blend
- Colour: High-visibility yellow
- Activation: Manual
- 2-step operation: Deploy antenna, press On button with clear view of sky
- Waterproof range: 16.40 ft (5 m) @ 1 hr; 33 ft (10 m) @ 10 min
- Radiated power: 6.3W (406 MHz), 50 mW ±3 dB (121.5 MHz)
- Approvals: Cospas-Sarsat, FCC; Pending: Canada, Europe
- Limited warranty: 5 years
For verbal communication on the water, Marine VHF Radio with access to Channel 16 or DSC is the standard and there are a range of handheld marine radios that are suitable for inclusion in an emergency grab bag - but be aware of the need to check the condition of the battery periodically.
The Icom IC-M87 Handheld VHF Radio is a compact, waterproof VHF PBR/Marine Handheld unit from a company dedicated to producing high-quality and reliable marine communications equipment with an emphasis on maintaining the balance between advanced radio technology and human interaction.
Compact and with a tough construction, the IC-M87 meets military standard requirements (MIL-STD) and is built to the same waterproof standard employed by the IC-M1EuroV and IC-M21.
The Icom IC-M87 can be used for both marine and basic PBR applications. A simple push of a button changes the operating band between marine and PBR channels. Up to 22 free channels are available for land use (146 V174 MHz). Wide/narrow channel spacing is programmable for each channel and CTCSS and DTCS signalling is built in.
Although aimed at commercial users, the IC-M87 is ideal for leisure boat users who want a premium-quality compact transceiver. The IC-M87 has an abundance of standard features including dual and triple watch, tag and priority scanning, an adjustable button-beep tone level, signal-strength indicator, sub-channel display and battery indicator.
All controls are large and easy to use and have been carefully designed and positioned to provide the simplest of user interfaces at all times on land or sea. Even when wearing gloves, the large buttons are easy to operate. In addition a large, clear backlit LCD and backlit buttons provide instant recognition of data and ensure reliable communication in any lighting conditions.
Coming with an extended 3-year warranty available, the IC-M87 is supplied with the BC-152 Slow Battery Charger, BC-01 Charger Adapter, BP-227 Li-Ion Battery Pack, FA-S59V antenna, MB-79 Belt Clip and Handbook. The BC-152 desktop charger can also be mounted on a wall and will accept various power sources such an AC adapter, cigarette lighter lead or DC power supply.
Features and Specification
- Rugged, compact and lightweight body (280 g with battery pack)
- Standard Li-ion battery pack (7.2 V/1700 mAh)
- PBR mode (146-174 MHz) with 22 free programmable channels
- Waterproof construction
- CTCSS/DTCS tone signalling standard in PBR mode
- Optional waterproof speaker microphone, HM-138
- Dual/Triple watch in marine mode
- Ergonomic key layout for simple operation
- Optional battery case (AA (R6) x 5 cell type)
- Extended 3-year warranty available
- Switchable wide/narrow channel spacing for both marine/PBR channels
- Monitor function
- Self-check function checks temperature, battery voltage and water intrusion
- Channel 16 and Channel 9 instant access
- Simple up/down switches for channel selection
- Four-step battery indicator
- Beep sound is selectable for each button
- High-speed cloning (19,200 bps) between PC and transceiver
- Normal, priority and tag scanning with auto-scan start function
Distress Flare
Flares have a long history in the marine environment and serve as useful a purpose now, whether a white flare to warn off other vessels, an orange smoke flare for daylight distress or a red flare for a distress signal.
The Ikaros Red Handheld Flare is used for short-range distress signalling on ships, lifeboats and liferafts. This type of flare is also the best pinpoint signal for pleasure craft.
The case is made of corrosion-resistant steel and the flare is supplied with clear and simple instructions.
Ikaros handheld flares are designed to give maximum output in a minimum size.
The flare compositions are developed from the Ikaros parachute flare, which is widely considered to be the best in the world. Ikaros handheld flares are approved globally and meet the latest SOLAS 74/96 regulations.
Specification
- Light intensity: 15,000 cd
- Burning time: >60 sec
- Dimensions: 243 x 30 mm
- Weight: 235 g
These Flare Packs are designed to provide for the needs of seafarers of all kinds who can match the contents of the different packs to their needs given the intended scale of their trips.
Check the details in the different sections below for what type of Ikaros flare is used for what type of situation so that you can choose the most appropriate pack for your needs.
RORC Flare Packs
RORC Distress Flare Pack (FLR5620)
- 4 x Red Parachute
- 4 x Red Handheld
- 4 x White Handheld
- 2 x Smoke
- 4 x Red Parachute
- 4 x Red Handheld
- 2 x Smoke
- 2 x Red Parachute
- 2 x Red Handheld
- 2 x Smoke
- 2 x Red Handheld
- 2 x Smoke
- 3 x White Handheld
The Peli StealthLite 2400 Waterproof Torch features a Laser Spot xenon lamp module that gives an unsurpassed white collimated beam that can cut through water, smoke, fog and rain, making it a perfect light source for all applications.
Food rations for the abandon ship grab bag need to be appropriate for the situation and Ocean Safety Barley Sugar Rations are quick-release sugar sweets with a 3-year life expectancy.
Fresh water is an absolute essential where people may be stranded on a lifeboat or marooned vessel for a period of time. A 10-litre plastic jerry can be stored beside the grab bag (but the water needs to be kept fresh) or else there are smaller collapsible containers which can be stored in the grab bag and filled on demand.
Another essential is a first aid kit and the Care Plus Waterproof First Aid Kit has the obvious advantage of being contained within a dry bag, and the SOLAS Liferaft/Lifeboat First Aid Kit is also supplied in a waterproof container.
Finally, it is extremely useful to be aware in advance of any medical conditions of the people on the vessel and to have any appropriate prescription medicines to be able to offer these if necessary.
Less specific items that would be useful to have might include a protective against sunburn such as Care Plus Skin-Saver Gel Concentrate SPF30 and Hand Cleaner Towels so that the fresh water can be reserved for hydration.