PFDs, flares, fire extinguishers, EPIRBs, life rafts, MOB gear, and safety inspections.
23 articles
Anchor alarms are electronic systems (either stand-alone apps or features in GPS chart plotters) that monitor your boat's position while…
A comprehensive emergency communication suite relies on multiple redundant systems, each with unique capabilities. An EPIRB, or Emergency…
A damage control kit is a collection of tools and materials assembled to control hull breaches, through-hull failures and structural dama…
High-capacity emergency pumping systems handle serious flooding beyond standard bilge pumps. They include engine-driven pumps that are ca…
Emergency power systems provide electrical power independent of the boat's primary systems. Options include portable solar panels, backup…
An emergency steering system is backup equipment and procedures to control the vessel if the primary steering fails. This might include a…
An emergency towing system consists of a bridle (typically a heavy nylon line in a Y-configuration) that attaches to strong points on bot…
Emergency water supply systems ensure access to drinking water if normal water systems fail or if you abandon ship. This can include seal…
Fire extinguishers allow individuals to put out small fires that could quickly become catastrophic, or allow individuals to create a path…
An fixed fire suppression system is a specialized fire extinguishing system installed in the engine room that activates without human int…
Visual distress signals are divided into two main types: pyrotechnic and modern non-pyrotechnic handheld kits. Both types are rated for d…
Gas detection alarms, or "sniffers," are essential safety devices on boats, monitoring for hazardous gases like propane, carbon monoxide…
A grab bag (also called a ditch bag or abandon ship bag) is a waterproof, buoyant bag pre-packed with essential survival items that can b…
Immersion suits (also called survival suits) are full-body insulated suits that prevent water entry. They're typically bright orange and…
Jacklines are strong lines that run fore-and-aft along the deck, typically made from webbing.
A life raft is an inflatable survival raft designed to keep people alive at sea if they abandon ship. USCG (United States Coast Guard) an…
A Life Sling is a critical man-overboard recovery device carried on most sailboats and many small powerboats. It consists of a floating h…
Personal safety equipment includes personal flotation devices (PFDs), safety harnesses, and tethers. Inflatable PFDs are a common sight o…
A well-equipped medical kit contains supplies and medications to manage serious injuries and illnesses when professional care may be days…
Man Overboard (MOB) equipment includes devices designed to mark a person's location in the water and assist with recovery. This includes…
A radar reflector is a device designed to make your boat visible to other vessels' radar systems. Traditional passive reflectors use angl…
Storm gear includes specialized heavy-weather equipment like drogues and para-anchors (sea anchors) designed to help control a vessel in…
Thermal blankets are thin, metallic sheets that reflect body heat back to the user while blocking wind. Bivy sacks are waterproof bags th…