Whether you’re a seasoned sailor or a novice navigator, having a custom made boat safety kit is essential for your vessel in case an emergency happens. To navigate the waves with confidence and peace of mind, equipping yourself with essential safety gear is non-negotiable. Let’s delve into the essential safety equipment every boater should have, ensuring smooth sailing and peace of mind on every voyage. We’ve compiled a guide to some of the best boating safety essentials available to ensure you’re fully equipped in the event of an emergency.

These four essential products we’ve selected are packed with innovative features that can help you survive even the most dire emergencies.

EPIRB Boat Safety Kits

For boaters embarking on extended journeys or venturing into remote waters, an EPIRB safety kit offers a comprehensive solution to ensure preparedness for any eventuality. These kits typically include a combination of essential safety equipment tailored to maritime adventures, including provisions such as an EPIRB or Emergency Position-Indicating Radio Beacon, abandon ship bag or sometimes called a ditch bag, and signaling devices like strobe lights, whistles, and signal mirrors. Investing in a quality boating safety kit tailored to your specific needs can provide invaluable peace of mind and readiness for the unexpected.

These survival kits bundle key safety gear into one convenient package. Shop various pre-packaged kits and find one that meets your boating requirements.

Personal Locator Beacons (PLBs)

A personal locator beacon is a safety equipment innovation that uses satellite networks to communicate with rescue authorities when you are in danger. When a personal locator beacon is activated, the device sends your current location to local search and rescue teams via satellite distress messages. The ResQLink AIS is the only PLB that also can transmit a distress AIS signal to nearby vessels alerting them of your emergency and location to within 10 meters.

Our ResQLink AIS Personal Locator Beacon, for example, uses the Cospas-Sarsat satellite system to send your distress signal to emergency personnel.  Thanks to the built-in return link service (RLS), you’ll be notified when rescue teams have received your emergency signal, providing reassurance that help is on the way.

Because they use satellite communication, PLBs can operate even in the most remote areas with no cell service, rather than only in coastal waters like other devices. Most of our PLB devices have infrared strobe lights to help rescue teams find you in low-visibility areas.

ACR ResQLink AIS personal locator beacons boast excellent battery life and can be completely managed using an intuitive cell phone app. From deep sea adventures to a coastal fishing trip, a personal locator beacon is an absolutely essential item to include in your emergency kit on your next outdoor adventure.

Boat Flares

An effective flare is perhaps one of the most essential items to have onboard your boat. However, using traditional boating pyrotechnic flares can be problematic and they are known for being unreliable and dangerous.
The ACR ResQFlare has been designed as an alternative to regular boat flares and is certified to meet Coast Guard requirements as a replacement to traditional pyrotechnic hand flares or flare guns.

Our electronic flare includes a high-intensity LED light that provides 360-degree visibility for over six miles. Additionally, unlike similar devices, our efficient design allows a burn time of over 20 hours.

Traditional flares must be replaced regularly and disposed of correctly. However, ResQFlare negates this inconvenience with a user-replaceable power source that provides years of service.

The ResQFlare is approved for night signals and can also be used for day signals. 

Additionally, each ResQFlare comes with a distress flag that can either be attached to a mast or hoisted at the vessel’s highest possible point. This orange flag provides an added means of attracting attention when you need emergency assistance.

Ditch Bags

Last but not least on our list of safety equipment essentials is a ditch bag. This bag is typically waterproof and can float in water.

The purpose of a ditch bag is to keep all your safety items organized and stored safely.

Our RapidDitch Bag has been specifically designed with boating emergencies in mind. We wanted to manufacture a product that doesn’t just carry your boating safety essentials, but that can also physically assist you in emergencies. 

This is why we’ve included a unique feature: the shoulder strap of the bag can be unhooked and transformed into two four-foot safety harnesses that can be clipped onto life jackets to keep your crew connected while in the water. 

Ensure Your Next Boating Adventure Is a Safe One

Embarking on a boating adventure is a thrilling experience filled with boundless possibilities. However, amidst the excitement, it’s crucial never to compromise on safety. By equipping yourself with essential survival equipment and staying prepared with a boat safety kit tailored to your specific maritime adventures, you can navigate the waves with confidence and peace of mind.

So, set sail with confidence, knowing that you’re well-equipped to handle whatever the open waters may bring.

Shop the best boating safety equipment on our website.