Grab Bag

A portable, easily accessible bag containing essential safety and survival equipment needed in an emergency situation at sea.

A Grab Bag, also known as a ditch bag, abandon ship bag, or survival bag, is a vital piece of equipment for any boating or sailing trip. Its purpose is to contain all the necessary items that a crew would need if they had to abandon ship quickly in an emergency. The contents of a Grab Bag can vary depending on the type of voyage, the number of crew members, and the specific risks associated with the journey. However, some common items include flares, a VHF radio, a first aid kit, water and food rations, a torch, a knife, a whistle, and survival suits. 

The Grab Bag should be stored in a location where it can be quickly and easily accessed in an emergency. It should be waterproof and floatable to ensure the contents remain dry and the bag doesn’t sink if it ends up in the water. The bag itself should be brightly coloured or have reflective strips to make it easy to spot. 

It’s important to regularly check and update the contents of the Grab Bag, ensuring that all items are in good working order and that nothing is missing or expired. This is especially crucial for items such as flares and food and water rations, which have a limited shelf life. 

In essence, a Grab Bag is a lifeline in a worst-case scenario at sea. It’s a small bag that packs a big punch in terms of survival and safety.