Abandoning your own boat should always be the very last option in an emergency - and even then should be done as late as possible. Especially if the total loss is not certain and could possibly even be averted with timely assistance. Nevertheless, the crew must be prepared for this situation. This includes a ready-to-hand bag with complete survival equipment, which is taken into the life raft or dinghy - the so-called grab bag.
It should be watertight, easy to close, buoyant and equipped with a safety line. In addition, it must not be so full that it no longer has any buoyancy.
Handy plastic barrels with screw lids and carrying handles are also suitable. On the one hand, the contents consist of items of equipment that the SOLAS Convention also provides for life rafts in commercial shipping, such as signalling equipment, and on the other hand, personally important items such as special medicines.
For pleasure craft, the ISO 9650-1 standard also applies as an additional guideline. Of course, the area also plays a role. But even in relatively sheltered coastal waters, only a complete grab bag ensures that nothing is forgotten on board that could become important later, even in the hectic stressful situation of an emergency.
Using the checklist, the contents should be checked at least once at the start of the season, but also before individual trips if in doubt. In addition to completeness, the technically perfect condition of all items and their durability must also be ensured.
