Offshore Boat Emergency Kit

A coastal/offshore powerboat safety kit: flotation, signaling, communications, dewatering, and repair for when things go wrong miles from shore — organized so the critical items are grab-and-go.

Starter kit · human-reviewed draft · 2 sources listed · updated 2026-07-01

A starting point to copy and adapt — not a definitive or universally correct list. Check it against your own situation, skills, and local rules.

Items: 19 required · 10 optional
Est. cost: $400–$1500
Est. weight: 20–40 lb
Skill level: Advanced
Budget: Premium
Container: Hard protective case

About this kit

Keep a crew afloat, visible, and in contact during an on-water emergency offshore, and buy time to self-rescue or be rescued.

Ten miles out, the engine dies in a building chop and water is coming aboard faster than you like. Cell bars are gone. You need to hail help, stay afloat and visible, and keep the boat dry enough to stay with it until the Coast Guard or a good Samaritan arrives.

Required items 19

Personal flotation device×1 per person
Properly fitted; worn in rough water and emergencies.
Why: Flotation is the first and last line — most on-water fatalities aren’t wearing one.
Throw bag×1
Reach a person overboard.
Why: A crew-overboard recovery starts with reaching them.
Marine VHF radio×1
DSC with a GPS link sends position in a mayday.
Why: VHF reaches the Coast Guard and nearby vessels directly, unlike a dead cell phone.
Satellite communicator×1
SOS beyond VHF range.
Why: A second, independent way to summon help when out of VHF range.
Marine flares×1 kit
Check expiration; know how to use them before you need to.
Why: Visual distress signals help rescuers find you the last mile.
Signal mirror×1
Daylight signaling with no battery or expiration.
Why: A free, reliable daytime signal to aircraft and boats.
Emergency whistle×1 per PFD
Attached to each life jacket.
Why: Sound signaling in fog or at night when you can’t be seen.
Manual bilge pump×1
Plus a bailer as backup.
Why: Staying ahead of incoming water keeps the boat under you.
Raft repair kit×1
For inflatables and tenders.
Why: A holed tender or dinghy is its own emergency.
First aid pouch×1 marine
Stocked for the crew, in a waterproof case.
Why: Injuries offshore can’t wait for shore-side care.
First aid manual×1
A marine-oriented guide.
Why: Guidance for handling injuries far from help.
Multi-tool×1
Corrosion-resistant.
Why: Countless quick repairs and adjustments.
Duct tape×1 roll
Emergency hull, hose, and hatch fixes.
Why: The universal stopgap works at sea too.
Flashlight (handheld LED)×2
Waterproof; one per critical station.
Why: Night emergencies need reliable, waterproof light.
Headlamp×1
Hands-free for engine and deck work.
Why: On-water repairs need both hands.
USB power bank×1
Keep the handheld VHF and phone alive.
Why: Your comms are only as good as their charge.
Water bottle (1L)×2
Drinking water in an abandon-ship bag.
Why: Even a short adrift can dehydrate in sun and salt.
Rain shell×1 per person
Spray and wind protection.
Why: Wet-and-windy leads to hypothermia even in mild air.
Emergency blanket (mylar)×4
Hypothermia is a risk even in warm water.
Why: Immersion and wind chill drop core temperature fast.

Optional items 10

Tow strap×1
A tow line if another vessel can pull you in.
Tie-down straps×1 set
Secure gear in rough water.
Work gloves×1 pair
Line handling and engine work.
Baseplate compass×1
Backup bearing if electronics fail.
Energy bars & snacks×1 box
Calories in an abandon-ship bag.
Sunscreen×1
Sun exposure adrift is relentless.
Two-way radio (FRS/GMRS)×2
Onboard crew comms during a scramble.
Polarized sunglasses×1
Glare off the water hides hazards.
Pain reliever (OTC)×1 card
Seasickness and injury comfort at sea.
Hand sanitizer×1
Hygiene when the head and sink are down.

Make this kit yours — copy all 29 items into an editable kit.

Maintenance schedule

A kit you don’t maintain is a box of expired hope. Suggested cadence:

Interval	Task
Before each season	Check flare expiration, test the VHF and pumps, and inspect PFDs and inflatable cylinders.
Before each trip	Confirm the grab bag is aboard and accessible; charge power banks and radios.
Yearly	Replace expired flares (dispose legally), service inflatable PFDs, and refresh water and food.

Variations

Nearshore / lake

PFDs, a handheld VHF or phone, sound and visual signals, a bailer, and first aid.

Coastal

This full kit, sized to the crew, with a fixed and handheld VHF.

Offshore passage

Add a life raft, EPIRB, ditch bag, and a far more extensive medical and repair kit — and formal training.

⚠️ Safety notes

This is a general reference, not a substitute for a boating safety course, a float plan, and knowledge of the required safety equipment for your vessel and waters. Carry what your jurisdiction legally requires.
PFDs only work worn. In cold water, hypothermia is the real threat; stay with the boat if you can — it is easier to find than a person.
Flares are pyrotechnic and a burn/fire hazard; learn their use before an emergency and dispose of expired flares legally. File a float plan with someone ashore before every trip.

Sources

This guide draws on:

Page history & editing

Revision status: approved Last edited 2026-07-01 by human editor