LRSE Offshore Ditch Bag Guide

Be Ready When Every Second Counts

When you head offshore, your ditch bag becomes your lifeline. In the event of an emergency or vessel abandonment, it ensures that you and your crew have what you need to survive, signal for help, and stay protected until rescue arrives.

This guide from Life Raft & Survival Equipment, Inc. (LRSE) outlines the essential items and expert recommendations for building a complete, dependable offshore ditch bag.

1. The Bag Itself

Start with a high-quality, purpose-built ditch bag that can withstand harsh marine conditions. Look for one that is:

• Brightly colored and buoyant for visibility and flotation
• Waterproof or highly water-resistant to protect critical contents
• Compact yet spacious enough for essential survival gear

Recommended Options:

• ACR RapidDitch Express Bag
• Spinlock Waterproof Grab Bag

A well-designed bag ensures your survival gear is easy to locate, carry, and deploy when seconds matter most.

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2. Emergency Communication & Navigation

Your first priority after abandoning ship is to communicate your distress and position. The faster rescuers can locate you, the greater your chances of survival.

Essential Items:

• EPIRB (Emergency Position-Indicating Radio Beacon) — registered with NOAA and tested annually
• Waterproof handheld VHF radio with spare batteries
• Satellite messenger or Personal Locator Beacon (PLB), such as ACR ResQLink View or Garmin inReach Mini 2
• Signal mirror, whistle, strobe light, and handheld flares

LRSE Services: EPIRB sales, battery replacement, beacon testing, and PLB registration assistance.

3. Survival & Shelter

Once you’re afloat, protecting yourself from the elements is critical. Exposure is one of the leading causes of post-rescue fatalities.

Pack:

• Thermal blankets or bivy sacks
• Thermal Protective Aids (TPA) — compact, SOLAS-approved covers that help retain body heat and protect against wind and spray
• Lightweight tarp or canopy for shade and shelter
• Sunscreen, hats, and polarized sunglasses
• Hand warmers and a set of dry clothing sealed in waterproof packaging

Pro Tip: Vacuum-seal clothing and smaller items to save space and ensure they remain completely dry.

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4. Food & Water

Staying hydrated and fueled is essential for endurance and decision-making.

Include:

• Emergency water pouches or a hand-operated watermaker (like the Katadyn Survivor 06)
• Long-life food rations, energy bars, or freeze-dried meals
• Water purification tablets and collapsible drinking cups

LRSE Stock: SOLAS-compliant water and food rations designed for offshore survival.

5. First Aid & Medical Supplies

A marine-grade first aid kit can prevent minor injuries from escalating during a rescue scenario.

Essential Supplies:

• SOLAS-approved first aid kit
• Seasickness medication and antibiotics
• Gauze, bandages, antiseptic wipes, and ointments
• Prescription medications sealed in labeled waterproof containers

LRSE carries and can recommend professional-grade marine first aid kits suitable for offshore and commercial operations.

6. Tools & Repair

Even in an emergency, practical tools can make a big difference.

Include:

• Multi-tool and fixed-blade knife
• Duct tape, cable ties, and paracord
• Spare batteries and waterproof headlamp

Small, durable tools can be invaluable for raft maintenance, signaling, and survival tasks.

7. Identification & Documentation

Keep essential documents secure, dry, and accessible.

Pack Waterproof Copies Of:

• Vessel documentation and registration
• Passports and identification
• Insurance information and radio license
• Crew contact list and float plan

Store all paperwork in a clearly labeled dry pouch that’s easy to reach when boarding the raft.

Final Checklist: Ready to Grab and Go

Your offshore ditch bag should always be ready for deployment. To maintain readiness:

• Inspect quarterly for expired or damaged items
• Update annually, replacing batteries, medications, and provisions
• Store near your vessel’s main exit for immediate access

LRSE technicians offer professional ditch bag inspections to ensure your gear meets current safety standards and survival compliance.

About LRSE

Since 1983, Life Raft & Survival Equipment, Inc. has equipped mariners, racers, and commercial operators with trusted marine safety gear and certified services. From raft inspections and EPIRB registration to survival training and ditch bag outfitting, LRSE helps you prepare for the unexpected.

📍 Location: Tiverton, Rhode Island
🌐 Website: lrse.com
📞 Contact: (401) 816-5400

Stay Safe. Stay Ready. Trust LRSE.