Liferafts are currently equipped with the "bare necessities", which vary according to the type of survival envisaged: "less than 24 hours" (help is expected within 24 hours) or "more than 24 hours" (patience will be required). The content of the raft's equipment is regulated. What's more, it can be difficult to access, as it is often "pre-loaded" on the lifeboat.
Grab bag: the survival bag
In addition, preparing a personal grab bag is an essential step in guaranteeing safety when evacuating the boat. The term "grab bag" comes from the English "to grab" and "bag", literally meaning the bag that the skipper takes with him before abandoning ship. In an emergency requiring rapid evacuation, this bag can make the difference between a manageable situation and a catastrophe. Here's how to prepare a grab bag for your boat.
A flexible waterproof bag
Choose a sturdy, watertight bag, easy to identify with reflective tape and in a bright color. It should also be large enough to hold all your crew's survival gear, without being so bulky that it becomes difficult to lift or store conveniently. Be sure to leave enough air inside to ensure buoyancy. Avoid kayak cans, which are impractical when it comes to climbing an accommodation ladder, and rubbish bags. What's important is that it's there, that it floats, and that it protects its contents from water and moisture.
Grab bag essentials
A grab bag must contain several essential items. First of all, important administrative documents such as passports, boat certificates, medical information and credit cards. Remember to protect them in waterproof pockets to prevent water damage.
Next, the grab bag must include means of communication. A portable VHF, satellite phone, EPIRB beacon or, at the very least, a well-charged smartphone and solar charger are crucial. These tools enable you to contact rescue services and receive vital information.
On-board survival equipment
Survival at sea depends on the ability to signal your position and stay alive until help arrives. Include in your grab bag red hand-held flares and orange smoke flares, glow sticks and packets of fluorescein (sea marker dye), a signal mirror, a whistle, as well as a waterproof flashlight with strobe function and spare batteries.
Non-perishable food and 1.5 liters of water per person are also essential. Plan at least a three-day ration for each person on board. A good idea is to have a 10-liter jerrycan equipped with a cord and carabiner placed next to the bag. Filled with 9 liters of water, it floats above sea level.
Clothing and protection against the elements
Weather conditions can change rapidly at sea. Include warm clothing, survival blankets and rain gear in your grab bag. These items help prevent hypothermia and ensure a minimum of comfort while waiting for help. Don't forget sun protection such as hats, sunglasses and sunscreen. Even in an emergency situation, avoiding sunburn and sunstroke is crucial to maintaining good health.
First aid and medicines
A good grab bag should always include a complete first-aid kit. Make sure it contains plasters, bandages, antiseptics, painkillers and specific medications if you have pre-existing medical conditions. It's also a good idea to include a survival blanket and a multi-purpose knife. These tools can prove indispensable for dealing with the unexpected at sea.
Grab bag preparation and maintenance
Preparing a grab bag involves much more than filling it. It's important to regularly check the contents of the bag to ensure that all equipment is in good working order, and that food and medication have not expired.
Store the grab bag in an easily accessible place and inform all crew members of its location. In an emergency, every second counts, and speed of evacuation can be crucial.
