When every second counts, there’s no time left to pack.
That’s exactly what the grab bag is for: a waterproof emergency bag that’s ready to grab in a crisis - whether you’re heading for the life raft or need to abandon the boat immediately.
But what should be inside? And what really matters? In this post, we’ll show you why a grab bag is essential on board -and what absolutely needs to be in it.
Abandoning ship should always be the last resort in an emergency at sea. But if there’s no other option and the crew has to get into the life raft, every minute counts.
Why a Grab Bag is Essential?
The life raft is one of those pieces of equipment you hope you’ll never have to use. Anyone who’s taken part in offshore safety training knows: a floating vessel is almost always more stable and safer than a life raft. The raft should only be used as an absolute last resort - right before abandoning ship.
Still, every year there are situations where yachts must be evacuated. And when that moment comes, the value of a well-prepared grab bag becomes clear. In the chaos of an emergency, important items are easily forgotten. It’s especially dangerous if essential medications are left behind.
What is a Grab Bag?
A grab bag is an emergency kit for boats and yachts, containing everything needed to survive at sea in a life raft. It must be ready to go at a moment’s notice, so it should have a fixed, easily accessible place on board.
The bag should be waterproof and sealed tightly, with enough air inside to float. Bright colors make it easy to spot, and it should be labeled with the boat’s name and, if applicable, its call sign or sail number. That way, if it gets lost, it can still be identified and traced back.
wasserdichter Rucksack (25 Liter)Maße: 30 x 51 x 21 cmwasserdichte Seitentasche für Smartphones & Dokumente100% wasserdicht durch PVC Tarpaulin Sicheres Rolltop- und Clipverschlusssystem Wasserdichter Reißverschluss Innovatives, robustes Design Kompressionsgurte Außen angebrachte Netztasche Ergonomisch geformtes, atmungsaktives Rückenteil mit Netzeinsatz Gepolsterte, verstellbare Schulterriemen aus Netzstoff Haltegriff Verbesserte Sichtbarkeit durch reflektierende ElementeDie Grab-Bags sind individualisierbar und können bedruckt mit Schiffsnamen, Segelnummer, oder Logos bestellt werden.
wasserdichter Rucksack (25 Liter)Maße: 30 x 51 x 21 cmwasserdichte Seitentasche für Smartphones & Dokumente100% wasserdicht durch PVC Tarpaulin Sicheres Rolltop- und Clipverschlusssystem Wasserdichter Reißverschluss Innovatives, robustes Design Kompressionsgurte Außen angebrachte Netztasche Ergonomisch geformtes, atmungsaktives Rückenteil mit Netzeinsatz Gepolsterte, verstellbare Schulterriemen aus Netzstoff Haltegriff Verbesserte Sichtbarkeit durch reflektierende ElementeDie Grab-Bags sind individualisierbar und können bedruckt mit Schiffsnamen, Segelnummer, oder Logos bestellt werden.
The grab bag is the place for:
Important documents (passports, boat papers)
Medications you urgently need
Some cash or a debit card for emergencies
In short: everything you’ll need if you only have a few minutes to abandon ship.