EQUIPPED TO SURVIVE (tm) - Abandon Ship Bag - Shelter And Personal Protection

These Colors Don't Run - Remember 9.11.2001

Abandon Ship Bag
Shelter And Personal Protection

What should be included in this section depends in large part on where you operate. I will include only the basics for general use. You should supplement this with additional clothing for colder waters, etc., if appropriate.

1 set - Clothing (per person)

Survivors often relate how they had to abandon ship in the middle of the night without time to even grab clothes beyond what they were sleeping in, which in hot climates may not be much, if anything. So, if waiting for rescue in your raft nearly or completely naked or being rescued thusly attired doesn't sound like your idea of fun, perhaps a set of clothing for each person would be a good idea. If not in the bag, at least at hand and ready to go at all times. You can die of sunburn -- sun protection isn't just a minor issue.

1 - Thermal Protective Aid (per person)

1 - Shade Hat or Watch Cap (per person, as appropriate to climate)

1 - Sun Glasses (per person, wrap around style with retainer strap)

4oz. +/- - Waterproof Sun Screen (per person)

Whether to pack sun screen depends upon your and your crew's susceptibility to sunburn. If you don't normally use sun screen, are well tanned or dark skinned, and used to full sun all day on the water, then it is of little use. If you or your crew will be acclimating to the sun and using sun screen in the process, then you should pack SPF 15 to SPF 25 protection to allow you to continue to acclimate. If you or your crew are sun sensitive and normally wear sun screen at all times when exposed, then pack more and higher SPF for all the protection you can get for the duration of your stay in the raft or to allow slower and safer acclimatization.

If you are seriously sun sensitive, pack some lightweight sun-blocking clothing such as Solumbra brand made by Sun Precautions. The Solumbra cloth itself imparts an SPF 30 protection, even when wet. Most lighter weight clothing, even many dark fabrics, doen't actually do much to block the sun's rays. The typical white t-shirt is pretty much useless, even more so when wet.

1 tube - Zinc Oxide

100% sun protection for lips and nose.

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Publisher and Editor: Doug Ritter
Email: Doug Ritter
URL: http://www.equipped.org/abandonship5.htm
Revision: 08 August 11, 2000

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