The gear that keeps you aboard, gets you off a sinking boat, and gives rescuers a chance to find you. These articles cover the physical safety systems — life rafts, harnesses, abandon ship bags, and fire suppression — that belong on every serious offshore passage.
The decision framework for offshore life raft selection — SOLAS-A vs. ISO 9650-1 vs. inshore standards, valise vs. canister storage, hydrostatic release, and what actually gets packed inside a proper raft.
How to rig jacklines correctly, the case for a short tether, the cow's tail double-clip system, and why the harness chest loop — not the lifejacket clip — is the only correct attachment point for a tether.
If you have one minute to grab one bag before stepping into a life raft, every item in that bag must earn its place. A complete packing list organized by category, plus the 60-second abandon ship drill.
Fire is the leading cause of total vessel loss in insured boats. Understanding the main ignition sources, the fire triangle, extinguisher types, engine room suppression systems, and the fire drill every crew must run before departure.