DITCH BAGS
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A ditch bag, also known as an abandon ship pack, includes key items that are required to call support and stay in a life raft while waiting for rescue. A ditch bag must be stored aboard in an accessible location, ready to be utilized quickly should the need arise.
Features Of A Ditch Bag
Instead of modifying a duffel bag or using a dry bag as a rescue pack, we suggest ditch bags that are designed for use in a ship/survival abandonment scenario. Below are several features that are included for ditch bags:
Flotation
The filled ditch bag will float, because the bag can fall in the water before you get it into the raft. Search for panels of foam buoyancy sewn inside the container. A buoyant, equipment filled ditch bag does not sink when flooded.
Water-resistant
Though not water-proof, ditch bags are designed so that water does not penetrate easily. Inside the pack, non-waterproof items should be stored in waterproof dry sacks, increasing the bag's buoyancy.
Visibility
Our ditch bags are in a vivid yellow color. Many of our ditch bags have reflective tape for night visibility.
Tethers, Pockets, Dividers
Objects used for escape and protection need to be organized, and easily visible. Many bags have lanyards inside to keep the main equipment from floating free. Each ditch bag will provide a tether with a loop that helps you to tie the bag to yourself (if you have to swim to the raft) or to the raft itself before joining.
Your ditch bag must carry an EPIRB (preferred) or a PLB to ensure timely rescue. Radio communications accompanied by visual and auditory signaling systems are next in priority. It can not be overemphasized the value of getting an EPIRB or a PLB because such instruments will turn a lengthy survival test into a fairly short duration of pain.
Ditch Bags Include:
- Floats; buoyant closed cell foam construction
- East-fit attachment for locator light
- External pockets allow instant access to EPIRB and GPS for quick activation
- Record equipment inventory on external, waterproof card for quick reference
- Water resistant, rugged fabric withstands years of service
- Shoulder straps transforms into two 4' leashes to tether survivors together in the water