How We Survive at Sea: What's In Our Ditch Bag? (Sailing Ruby Rose) Ep.37

[@barkly1992]

As someone who spent some 10 years working in Australian aviation safety education - I am very impressed with your attitude and preparedness.

[@dondevine5129]

Very good run down of your safety gear. Thanks

[@zonianambient]

Can Terysa do a First Aid video? How to treat burns, cuts, concussions, possible worse case scenarios on passage or whatever you guys may have encountered while sailing. Would be interested to see from a trained EMT. Thanks,

[@RoyClare]

Great presentation on a top topic, thank you. Agree 100% with your approach. One comment: I’ve switched away from pyrotechnic flares ... too short a burn time, difficult to dispose of legally and safely once time-expired ... now carry so-called “laser flares”. These are in fact highly-visible LEDs, fully capable of doing the work of handheld distress flares. One “laser flare” has an in-service life equivalent to 600 pyro flares of equivalent brightness. Completely brilliant to pinpoint a survivor in the dark. Worth considering each crew having one on the belt of their life-jacket, plus others in the grab bag, in the cockpit etc.

[@billroberts9182]

My laser flare, green in color, is visible more than 20 miles. I carry it in my airplane instead of pyrotechnics. But keep it away from kids since innocent use could put you in jail!

[@svcarioca]

I've found this a while ago: www.piratescave.co.uk/blog/comparison-between-led-laser-and-pyrotechnic-flares/

[@andersjakobsen9906]

Yes. Out on the cabin I found a bunch of old flears. They are all sealed, but from 1967-69-71 etc Better with a old battery ;-)

[@diverbob8]

Laser based lights may be great, but a flare gun is also obviously a gun that could be used in self defense.

[@Matthew24.4]

Ismael Matos - good article. Glad I read it. Thanks.

[@Dvseire]

It seems like there is quite a bit of space left in that grab bag, how about a set of polyester base layer clothes each, small to pack, warm and fast drying if they get wet. You could also consider including some things in case you ended up stranded on an island instead of floating in open water, a light weight round cooking pot the size of the bottom of the bag, a large swedish fire steel to light fires, a rapala floating survival knife, a bigger parang or machete to make things from timber on an island such as shelter, some para cord, a ripstop tarp for temporary shelter, some clear plastic sheeting for emergency water distillation.

[@WaltzTangoFoxtrot1]

The way you present these safety topics is tremendous. Not just What, but Why, and Why Two!

[@kevincarey1076]

Great advice on the Grab Bag Nick. Thanks. Fair winds and following seas Ruby Rose!

[@rimasmeleshyus4787]

It was great video sailing , I r to really enjoy it to watch. Greetings from beautiful Hawaii islands .

[@michaelduncan2759]

What a great topic, thank you Nick.

[@arthurkettle3010]

Cracking vid Nick...chock full of info👍

[@CarlKem]

Pretty good video!

[@paterson00]

Why do we never hear of a small solar panel in emergency packs? With this you could possibly recharge a critical radio battery or the likes of. So light and easy these days, I think I would be looking for one if I was doing what you are doing. Another great safety video to go with your great life raft video. Kudos

[@MikeSmith-yn3kc]

Hey Nick. Just a heads up with your harness clips. We stopped using them on a tall ship due to the risk of them self opening. If they twist and rotate on a fitting they will open. We found the best ones are the carabiners with a rotating lock collar. Just FYI. Love your work👍

[@oscarordaz2513]

Hello, can you provide more info? link? thanks a lot

[@johnsonrob]

I love how safety conscious you guys are - that's why I took to your reviews so quickly; always thinking about the 'what if'.

[@Mechautoinsight]

Lots of Likes. Not surprising. Thanks Nick, for taking the time for this one.

[@CanAm_Sailing]

great video..thank you. When are you two taking a break..Nick I believe you were going surfing and Terysa was going to see family, have you decided to continue videos while you are away? We would love to see them..Cheers and best wishes

[@TommySchaeffer]

Perfect timing, Nick & Terysa! I love, love LOVE watching your episodes and one day hope to clink coconut drinks with you both in the pub somewhere fabulous!!!! Anyway, perfect timing because I am shopping around for he best offshore PFD for myself as I continue to prepare for coastal cruising life. Nick touched on it a bit and gave me the nudge to go back and look at SpinLock. I was really falling in love with the CrewSaver lines but all the functional (and sexy) ones are not US Coast Guard approved (yet?) and since I'm starting here in the US, not sure if that's a big deal or not. Much to learn.... But back to the main point--great to hear what you have on your ditch bag and your life raft. Thank you for the helpful episode as always. You two are the Saints of the Seas with all your helpful info!

[@haroldgjr]

Excellent presentation.

[@betty-loucreamer112]

You guys are so smart to have all of your safety gear!!🐬🌈💟🇨🇦

[@bill4nier]

Thank you, Nick! Couldn't tell if the compass had a mirror but if it does, that or any other mirror can be used as a signal mirror as well. Cheers!

[@svfemmedunord7834]

Thank you. Nice to see what active cruisers have in their ditch bags and their thinking as well. I didn't see a knife in the video but I bet you've got them either in the bag, lifejackets and/or life raft. Fair winds to you both!

[@SerenaPell]

Thank you SO much for your recent videos on Nicks’s Tools and your Grab Bag! We closed on our boat last week and have moved aboard full time. We are refitting in Texas, training to sail, then heading out. Your technical videos are very well done - short, to the point and Nick has great knowledge and advice. Thank you both for sharing, we love following your journey! One of our favorite couples!! Happy Holidays :)

[@MrRicard75]

Nick thanks for the great info it was very informative. I thought it was so funny talking about the food bars when you said “you will not be living the life of Ryle”. It struck me as funny because if you are eating those wretched bars your boat sank. Obviously not the life of Ryle. Anyway love your channel and you both, by far my favorite channel on KZbin. Thanks for all you do.

[@kathleengregg9700]

Thanks so much for the safety videos about your grab bag and the life boat...both were great and informative.

[@robw7820]

Nick, Thank you for putting all of these informative videos together. They are well..........informative & get right to the point. Thank you again.

[@lizardlicks3880]

Hi I would add water purification tabs. Or bleach...and 2 meters of clear tubing to make solar stiĺl....always making sure you pack at least one plastic bottle for still. Also plastic cutting board a knife and tinfoil cheers another great video well done des uk

[@jenfirth8032]

I have been really enjoying your videos and they are proving a great distraction from work! I suspect with grab bags you could fill them to the point at which the sink even filled with totally justifiable items (including the car keys) I would add like others have also mentioned-suntan lotion / sun block? Keep sailing and keep making the videos 👏

[@rosco1024training]

Well done Nick, nailed it again. I'm sure it makes sailors the whole world over think over their own safety regime, it can only be a positive thing for captain crew and passengers. I'm sure people here will add comments, ideas and experiences as well. Thank you Nick.. From your typical armchair sailing, land loving "self appointed expert/critic"

[@salt669]

Nick, absolutely spot on.

[@simonf9723]

Great video! I think doubling up on the safety gear is very sensible and the three way harnesses I'd not seen before but it's such a good idea. Hadn't thought about it from the perspective of the off watch, but I'd certainly be more comfortable knowing anyone on watch was still there..

[@whiterabbit3042]

Thanks for taking the time to put this vid together, very good info!!

[@kellybinkley2953]

Great information Nick, well presented! Thanks

[@akbmunsell]

Really like the 3 way safety line. Great tip. Thanks

[@johnshoureas1629]

Love these videos. Very good information, thank you Nick.

[@prov431]

Well done as usual - definitely learning some great things from your experiences. Thanks!

[@jakesmith9987]

Warm and waterproof gloves, if you can keep your hands warm (blood circulates through the hands), you can keep your body much warmer.

[@stevesheliflying]

Really great info. Thank you.

[@DreadDoctor]

Great video guys.. I like when you do the technical vids. I learn a lot about off shore boating.

[@mariemorrissey9378]

👍 👍 👍 Hope you guys are having weather as beautiful as we are in Missouri.

[@jasonreid611]

I see a number of sailing channels that show sailboats at full sail bringing fish on board...nobody is snapped in...even at 8 or 9 knots on a clear day you can loose sight of someone quickly if the wind and waves are up.

[@JamesNewsomeCaiLeighAnna]

Very helpful information. Thanks for posting the video.

[@justinnitsuj7041]

Wow, Nick imo this top shelf Nick lol. 7:09 one of those kinds of rules I disagree with at first. After trying to fault it I find you're absolutely right. The rule is an insurance imo. Good on ya

[@garyleonard4009]

Thanks Nick, great video, great job man. 👍

[@sk4256]

That was great! Thank you. Sk in the uk.

[@AndyUK-Corrival]

Helpful video, good to know what others have in their grab bag, pretty much mirrors mine apart from the second EPIRB and Seven Seas rations which I must look up. Cheers guys...

[@gtrevarthen]

Thanks for very informative video on your approach. Makes lots of sense. Thanks.

[@nickmn6108]

Good video thank you, but I didn't hear you mention a knife unless I missed it.

[@satbeachbill]

A lot of good information there. Thanks!

[@waynefederico9396]

Have you done a dry run on how long it takes to deploy your flares / bug-out bag / etc. from different areas on the boat... I have to say watching your very informative an to the point.. We can all say that have learned a lot. You make it real an a little fun along the way...

[@svbarryduckworth628]

Nice list. We have pretty much the same equipment, including the personal AIS beacons on the PFDs. Keeping a jerry can of water on deck near the liferaft is brilliant. That is going to be on our list of things to add to our system. Do you have a handheld GPS in the ditch bag or is it built into your handheld VHF? What about DSC on the handheld? We are big believers of using the PFDs and wear them when we are in motion. I had a friend who was a racer, a triathlete, serious bicycle rider, and all around great athlete who fell off his race boat when a lifeline snapped. Even though he was a strong swimmer and a triathlete he must have bumped his head and went under after bobbing one time. That was the last anyone saw of him for a couple of days until they recovered the body. We wear our PFDs everywhere, when we go to pumpout or to a transient dock. Here in Chicago the pumpout dock is sitting in well over 20' of cold water. Step off the boat wrong when docking and get hurt and someone could sink right to the bottom while unconcious. That's a long way to dive in order to find someone in a murky dark filthy harbor. It doesn’t matter how good a swimmer someone is, if unconscious or injured that is totally negated. So often when someone goes overboard it is because of something violent just happened. Just govering over the lifelines can tumble a sailor ass over teakettle. Who knows what gets bonked and how hard on the way over. Great safety video. Thanks for sharing.

[@h82bbad1]

Great video thanks!

[@craighowell7425]

Great information- thanks!

[@Richdudevids]

best info video all good thing to know,, thanks Nick.

[@iannapier9272]

Great info.cheers

[@lanestreet1431]

Nothing wrong with "belt and suspenders" when it comes to safety gear. Maybe consider adding some sunscreen and Chapstick to your go bag. As always, thanks for sharing and fair winds.

[@csranch2000]

Nick great discussion topic. Thanks for showing. On the personnal AIS transponder what brand are they.

[@OrvilleHarmison]

Thank you so much, very informative for everyone, new to sailing or an old salt. Great videos, alway enjoy t hem.

[@BastienKoert]

Spot on, Nick. Could have been a little more sweary. Sunblock and hats would be the two items i would add to the bag.

[@AfricanFlightStar]

Nice job, thanks!

[@TanjaStjohn]

Sat phone... we keep ours in the grab bag when it is not in use. Looks like you have a 6 man raft. I was told by Viking that you should get one which matches the number on board as they are unstable with fewer people...Just a thought. Hope you never have to use it? Fair winds Mike from Stormsvale

[@sailingrubyrose]

This is true. You are meant to have a raft for the number of people. But we made the decision to buy a 6 man, as a smaller raft would mean we could not go offshore with more than 4 people on board. It kept our crew options open. As for the sat phone, we use it daily for weather, so it would go in the grab bag if we had time, but it couldn’t be kept there permanently.

[@TanjaStjohn]

WRT to the Sat phone... we use our SSB downloading GRIBs using sailmail. The Sat phone is only for emergencies. On our last Atlantic crossing we used the SSB to downloaded gribs and discussed fish catch, wind etc with others out there.. a lot of fun and good discussions...we were sailing with a bunch of reasonably new cats and our 45 year old mono crewed by my wife and two small kids.. were faster... winds were very much in our favor. Thanks for keeping us connected! Some really entertaining videos!! Ciao Mike

[@Eztliz]

You cannot have enough EPIRBs. Don’t feel bad. Also, a radio would be so helpful. You need to be able to communicate with your rescuers.

[@luisbaez8659]

Awesome and informative and it inspires anyone to take the same measures !

[@ctd4m3]

more good info, thanks!

[@hcying9728]

Many thanks for all the information

[@seatravel8536]

Great video! Some may say overkill on doubles of everything, however good for y'all. Having pulled some from the sea, 50% gets forgot in a stressful emergency. Curious do y'all practice MOB with full sails up, just in case.

[@SAINT-ANTONIO]

I would add an inflatable swimming matrace and hand cranked salt water purifier to have tap water at hand. Tight pants may be helpfull. Heard a story of a US Marine that survived on Sea just by pumping up his pants to float on... So maybe have some rubber pants in the bag too.... Maybe a survival knife and lighters in case one lands on an Island. One would have at least something to build a hut and make fire to prepare meals or signal...

[@jjordii71]

I am missing in your grab bag a sharpie, some paper, and a knife (folding? Fixed? Don't know...). Thanks for sharing!

[@robertdietz4656]

Great video! BTW what is the "Red Box" over Nick's left shoulder?

[@bobojr456]

Great video. Very helpful!

[@justanothersuperhero]

Next time you get your life raft serviced, you need to add some sachets of wasabi and pickled ginger to the fishing kit. A small bottle of rum will also fit.

[@mhazel4777]

here's the thing , really don't want you to stop saying here s the thing from USA in South Carolina love the English accent just a great plus to videos for me. worked with Britt's in us navy they all said here's the thing miss it.

[@dawn2788]

How many days is your abandon ship water supply? Steven Callahan, used a water bladder device (solar still) , in his life raft, the size of a futbol, to create drinkable water from sea water. Survived 76 days adrift. (But in today's modern technology , those type of survival,situations, just do not occur any more).

[@SBFCoach]

Very helpfull video!. Thanks for sharing. Don't you have any dry clothes in your grab-bag? Wen you reach your liferaft, you may (will) be soaking wet. Some spare clothes - packed in a vacuum bag - may be very usefull. As well as sunblocker. Just an idea.

[@Swizzenator]

Just an idea? No, just a great idea. A a new sailor thank you.

[@paterson00]

That is a great idea for keeping moral up. Wet, cold and miserable, you would decline in moral very quickly. Maybe a deck of cards too / Uno.

[@sailingrubyrose]

UNO in a grab bag! Can you imagine “ take 4, take 4, take 4, UNO!” Then only one person gets rescued ;)

[@paterson00]

@@sailingrubyrose ha ha ha, yeah, no witnesses at sea. "Yeah, she drowned... couldn't get her up into the life raft" Maybe leave the Uno out of the bag then. Monopoly? That always ends well...

[@baseballDUDE32]

Good stuff!

[@ProteusRising]

Thanks for doing this kind of video. Quick question...the Red Box in the corner of this shot with the antenna...what is that?

[@richardgriffin4414]

What about charts of the area you are in? Just wondering, with a compass. Also good video

[@michaelb.barnett2225]

Nick: Good stuff, the rule is 3 days without water, and 30 days without food, thus the need to also carry lots of water for ocean crossings! Barney

[@Dgiroux1000]

Is your designed to float with water tight compartments?

[@sailingpoupas31]

Great!

[@lyfandeth]

And he made it through with no expletives! (G)

[@bryonensminger7462]

I see you have the mylar emergency blankets did you know that they make sleeping bags have the same material that are 7 ft long open only on one end you can crawl inside of them you should look at them they're only 20 dollars a piece Maybe

[@rogerdepretto440]

What no flares?

[@tonycampbell1178]

Have you any plans to sail the Indian Ocean? Having been there a few times as a tourist, I can vouch for its mindblowing awesomeness!

[@mikied8885]

Tony Campbell I

[@aaronr.9644]

Really cool video. It seems like you have taken into account how long on average you would expect to be floating about in a life raft before being rescued. Is this the case? I was also wondering if you ever tried to fish with that fishing kit. It may be a good idea to give it a try.

[@hughvanduyn6482]

I'm not sure you should wait all that time to start trying the fishing AND doing the solar still. It may take some time to get fish and water.

[@novelgrapeq7018]

I've been searching your channel for what kind of editing equipment you guys use, can you attach a link? Thank you

[@bowwave59]

In my grab bag I would have a lot more provisions like dried food and more water, , a extra long life waterproof torch , a towel to mop up water and dry out your life raft so you don’t get sores. Better having 2 digital vhf radios and 2 gps devices with batteries ,,, a back up epirb, a mirror. More practical things to survive,, to be seen and something to keep warm. Maybe even fire starter flints if you were to make land. Warm and signal 🔥...nice Video, a good insight to what’s needed. 👍

[@bowwave59]

Cigarmann I have water granules. Dissolve in the mouth. 👌😬

[@ElectricUnicycles]

Do you periodically do a thorough safety check of all the points on the boat that you attach the safety harness to?

[@ElectricUnicycles]

I assumed you did, but maybe useful for someone else to think about. The weight of a body being thrown overboard can exert tremendous force on any attachment points. I enjoy your videos.

[@kenbeckett1045]

you say you safety lines are 2 meters, have you considered where they would therefore hold you (from the various attachment points) should you go over board .. Ive seen a video that says a lot of people would be held just on the surface of the water and may well drown before a partner could recover them or lift them clear of the water?

[@bobbybaldeagle702]

And very very good video... I should say an extremely very good video... Everything I carry for emergencies in the vehicles and motorcycles I have double of and some things I have triple of.... Growing up I was taught you could never be overly prepared.... The military taught me you could not be overly prepared.... Life has taught me you cannot be overly prepared.... And backups to your backups is the most important things you can have.... If you think you can do without something in emergency situation you probably could not do without that item.... But when packing for emergency situations you must use wisdom in all things... You don't need six changes of clothing for emergency situations.... And you don't need 15 different pair of shoe. In a emergency situation... I don't think a person is 15 pairs of shoes anyhow... LOL 😋... A quick funny story of the guy who packed a flashlight with rechargeable batteries in it said he didn't need any extra batteries because he packed his recharging pack for the batteries he had in the flashlight, in his emergency pack.., LOL 😋😂 LOL... Be blessed... BBE..

[@boatingisfunUK]

no water in your grab bag?

[@sailingrubyrose]

20 litres in a sealed container permanently at the aft rail, in case we need to ditch. Also 48 hours supply in the life raft.

[@PetrolJunkie]

Just throwing a question out there: What would you do if you ended up beached? I didn't see much for land survival gear. If you're near an island you might end up on said island. There is little to guarantee that there are going to useable resources readily available. A water filter kit and fire starter kit, I think would be useful if you end up hanging out with old Captain Jack until a couple of sea turtles come around. (Maybe some rum to get on Jack's good side? :-D )

[@steveolson4584]

EPIRB's work on land too...chances are you wouldn't be there for long.

[@PetrolJunkie]

The most reliable thing you can count on with tech is that it will fail when you need it most. The results speak for themselves in the number of unfortunate people that die of exposure with a land version of these gadgets in their packs. Not great to realize that someone had a device with them that thought would bring help, looked like it was working, but wasn't doing anything. Nope, not going to bet my life on a piece of electronics. Would I have one handy, yes. Not going to build my survival kit around it.

[@steveolson4584]

Well that's why I have 2 EPIRBs, 2 PLBs, a Spot device, SSB, multiple VHF radios, and will also have an IridiumGO soon.

[@svbarryduckworth628]

EPRIBS are pretty robust. They are not like a cheap hiker's Spot device. If kept up to date on services for battery replacement and are stored properly so they can do their self-tests without depletion they last for years between services and have a very good performance record. The number of EPIRBS that have failed when deployed are very small.

[@stimpsonjcat67]

There are things you just don't go cheap on. When I go blue water I will follow you lead.

[@Dbealerful]

Hey Nick...... I think I'll just live in the marina and fucck sailing lol.

[@robandnikki1]

Add red tridium rods. They emit light for more than 15 years. Attach them to life rafts and life jackets. They can be seen with Night Vision Googles of rescue parties if they are red or orange. NVGs will not see the lights if they are blue or green color.

[@firstlast1047]

Great video. I have listed the other videos that have information pertinent to my needs.I do not know if you will cover "Retrieval of an overboard person.". I have had two occasions to participate in the rescue of one individual and 73 individuals. The salient point is it was nigh impossible with me and my deckhand assisting to get the one individual back a board a power boat (Easier to maneuver) with only a 3 foot freeboard. The 73 individuals were hauled aboard utilizing a necessary three men to haul a line with a bight.Your stricture that when underway, all individuals in the cockpit are clipped on. I know of one boat that has a standing rule that a lone watchstander, if they have to leave the cockpit, to go forward, even if clipped on. has to call another individual to standby or assist.

[@pwijland]

Great video. But have you seen the news of the tragedy in the Clipper around the world race?

[@KickStandsandKeyboards]

Love how OCD Nick is and has so much redundancy in his gear. I'm sure there is a cleaning kit somewhere on that boat.

[@petesheppard1709]

Two is one, and one is none. (Allow for equipment damage/failure/loss)

[@SailingTaranto]

Cool

[@rogermace4516]

Where is the Vegemite for Terysa ? :-)

[@elohansen8971]

Beware your signal whistle; this are both your good friend, and your worst enemy. The same, with a signal mirrow. If your must be saved, are this a friend. But are you on run from a enemy, and your uses whistle - are your finish.