For all those who are into outdoor activities, be it sailing or hiking, safety is one of the most important factors that must be considered before beginning the journey.
What should be in an emergency kit for a boat? Here are our top 14 items that should be part of any good boat emergency kit:
- Digital thermometer – Click here to see it on Amazon – Our #1 Top Pick!
- Water-resistant bandages – Click here to see it on Amazon
- Antiseptic solution
- Distress flags
- Allergy spray or cream
- Good quality gauze
- Reflective tape
- Bottle of distilled water
- Suture kit
- Flare gun
- Personal flotation devices (PFD)
- Fire extinguishers
- Seasickness medicine
- Allergy spray or cream
The above are a few items that should be kept ready just in case you end up being in an unfortunate emergency when you are out on the water.
You want to be prepared for any kind of unforeseen circumstances.
Also, for an excellent digital thermometer, take a look at our top pick:
Click here to see it on Amazon.
What Should Be in an Emergency Kit for a Boat? – Our Top 14 Items
1. Digital Thermometer
Always keep a digital thermometer in your emergency kit when you are out at sea.
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This will help in the initial diagnosis stages if you or a travel companion are starting to fall sick. A rise in body temperature can indicate the onslaught of a fever, which can also be a sign of even worse illness.
2. Water-resistant Bandages
When you are at sea or any other water body, you should always pack a set of water-resistant bandages.
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In case of any cuts, whether small or big, water-resistant bandages can be used to cover the affected area. It will help in protecting the cut from getting infected and getting much worse.
3. Antiseptic Solution
Having some kind of antiseptic solution on board in your emergency kit is a must. It will help in basic first aid requirements in case of cuts and pricks.
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Though a small precaution, it is nevertheless a significant one. This will prevent any possibilities of future infections.
4. Distress Flags
In case of an unfortunate event, like getting lost out at sea or the boat breaking down, distress flags can come in handy to call out for help.
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The standard SOS signal on the flag will indicate to other boats that they need to reach out to help you.
5. Good Quality Gauze
Always carry good quality gauze in your emergency kit to properly tie up and cover cuts and similarly affected areas.
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This will help keep it from becoming infected or in case of deep cuts, and it will help stop the bleeding. Thus, it is a must when administering first aid to yourself or an injured companion on your boat.
6. Reflective Tape
Have some colorful reflective tape in your emergency kit on the boat. You can use these to mark important items that can come in handy if you run into any trouble.
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For instance, you can mark your first aid kit, floating devices, emergency kit, GPS device, etc., with such reflective tapes.
In times of emergency, a person gets confused and disoriented, leading him to panic mode. If, at such times, they spot the colors of the tapes and find useful items that they can use to help themselves, they will feel calmer and in control of the situation.
7. Bottle of Distilled Water
One of the most important items I list when asked, “what should be in an emergency kit for a boat?” is water.
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When you head out to sea or the lake, keep distilled water on the boat. Of course, it is of top priority for the body if you are in an unfortunate situation.
Since seawater is high in salt content, it is not suitable for a lot of uses. You should not drink seawater. In case you get lost, it will speed up the process of dehydration. It is also not advisable to clean cuts with seawater as it increases the risk is infections by a great deal.
8. Portable Distillation Device
Adding to the above requirement, having a portable distillation device is an excellent idea.
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One can be limited by how many bottles of distilled water it can carry, but having such a device can solve the issue. It can prove to be a constant supply of clean distilled water, which you can put to several uses like drinking, cleaning cuts, etc.
9. Suture Kit or Skin Stapler
A basic suture kit or skin stapler can come in handy if one receives deep cuts or open gashes. These can be used to close up deep and wide skin gashes, reducing bleeding and the risk of infection.
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It will help buy you some time to take the injured person to a proper medical center where he or she can get proper treatment.
10. Flare Gun
Have flare guns or a signal light in your emergency kit so that you can send out visual signals for rescue parties for help.
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It is advisable to get good-lasting flares along with the flare gun so that the distress signal stays lit for a long time.
11. Personal Flotation Devices (PFD)
It would help if you had a few personal flotation devices on board with you as a part of your boat emergency kit.
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Flotation jackets, cushions, and buoys can be kept as a part of PFDs. In case of any unfortunate incident, these devices can be used to stay afloat while help arrives.
12. Fire Extinguishers
A good quality fire extinguisher should be a part of your emergency kit on your boat. It is mandatory according to some state laws, so do ensure that you check your local regulations.
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It will keep you safe from any fire breakouts that may happen.
13. Seasickness Medicine
Many people can experience nausea or seasickness when boating. It doesn’t have to be only on the ocean, but a boat’s rocking movement may induce such discomforts to people.
In these situations, having sea sickness medication can help get it under control and make the patient feel better.
14. Allergy Spray or Cream
Keep some kind of anti-allergy spray or cream in your emergency kit, just in case you are triggered by something in the air. Such allergy sprays or creams can also be used in case of insect bites.
For even more items you can add for extra assurance, check out this video:
We have now had a look at some of the most important items that should be a part of your emergency kit on your boat. By keeping these basic items, you can have peace of mind and assurance that should things go the wrong way – you are equipped to handle it.
Be sure to check with your local authorities about any legal requirements that you need to follow in your area.
Apart from having an emergency kit on board, you should also have a basic first aid kit with simple items like scissors, painkillers, bandages, etc., for any preliminary care that you may require to give.
When you are sailing, it is not only important to be physically prepared, but one should also be mentally prepared to take on any situation that may arise. You should always remember to keep calm and not panic. This will make it easier to get out of the unfortunate situation.
Some additional points to remember if you suffer from seasickness or water sickness. Keep in mind the below-mentioned steps to avoid falling sick while you are on the water.
- Manage your diet
- Stay out of the direct sun
- Wear acupressure bands
- Wear a Transderm Scop patch
- Avoid looking at screens
- Avoid strong smells
These precautionary steps will help those who suffer from seasickness. They will help you have a more enjoyable time on the water.
We have seen the essentials that should be a part of our emergency kit when planning a trip on a boat, be it with friends, family, or even solo. Always be prepared to ensure a safe voyage and return safely.
It is advisable to do a checklist before you leave so that you do not end up missing an important item. It will give you some assurance, and you will enjoy your trip without any stress.
Conclusion – What Should Be in an Emergency Kit for a Boat?
To summarize, what should be in an emergency kit for a boat? Let us have a look at what should be in an emergency kit for any boater. Having these items on your boat will ensure your safety and peace of mind.
- Digital thermometer – Click here to see it on Amazon – Our #1 Top Pick!
- Water-resistant bandages – Click here to see it on Amazon
- Antiseptic solution
- Distress flags
- Allergy spray or cream
- Good quality gauze
- Reflective tape
- Bottle of distilled water
- Suture kit
- Flare gun
- Personal flotation devices (PFD)
- Fire extinguishers
- Seasickness medicine
- Allergy spray or cream
Now that you know the important items that should be on your boat, along with some tips on how to avoid seasickness, you will be able to have a smooth and trouble-free voyage.
