Being a Safe-Smart Boater means that we must be try to be prepared for all eventualities! If you boat off shore and/or at night you should have an Emergency or Ditch Bag.
A Ditch Bag is designed to hold many of the Life Saving Devices that you will need in case your boat goes down or all else fails on your boat. Recommend that the Bag should Float. It must be available and immediately accessible if needed.
Suggested Items: (inside and attached)
- Flares 12 Gauge (as many as you have room for)
- Portable VHF marine Radio (preferable one that floats and has GPS/DSC function)
- EPIRB or PLB
- Knife (serrated blade)
- Strobe light
- Chem. Lights
- Flash light
- Signal Mirror and Whistle
- 25-30’ para-cord or something similar
- Protein, energy bars
- Water
- Sun Screen
- Duct tape
Also remember to try to climb up on the boat, huddle together to conserve heat and DO NOT TRY to swim.
Boating Skills and Seamanship Programs are presented by the U.S.C.G. Auxiliary, Flotilla 72 each Tuesday night, 7:30-9:30pm, 1300 Beach Dr. SE, St. Petersburg. Call 727-898-1324 for information or click on http://flotilla72registration.info to pre-register. Completion satisfies the state of Florida boater safety education requirements.
USCGAUX Safe Boating
Tuesdays, 7 pm, 12-week continuous program, Up to 2 years to finish.
$45, $60 couple, U.S. Coast Guard Aux Flotilla 78, Warren Webster Building,1500 Pass-A-Grille Way, St. Pete Beach
Jim 727.360.4846 or Tony 941.504.4855
America’s Boating Club