A crab bag, also known as a “crab gear bag,” is crucial to your yacht’s safety and survival equipment. It’s a bag containing items for dealing with emergencies and essential supplies. Here’s a comprehensive list of items to include in a crab-bag on your yacht:

1. Safety and Emergency Gear

• Life Jackets: Ensure each crew member has a properly fitting life jacket, preferably with a whistle and light.
• Flare Kit: Include hand flares, parachute flares, and smoke signals.
• Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon (EPIRB): For automatic distress signalling.
• Personal Locator Beacons (PLB): For each crew member, if possible.
• First-Aid Kit: A comprehensive kit with bandages, antiseptics, pain relievers, and necessary prescription medications.
• Fire Extinguisher: Ensure it is suitable for marine use and properly maintained.

2. Survival Gear

• Emergency Food and Water: Non-perishable, high-energy food items and water rations. Consider including a water purification system or tablets.
• Survival Blanket: Compact and designed to retain body heat.
• Multitool or Knife: Useful for a variety of tasks and emergencies.
• Emergency Radio: A battery-powered or hand-cranked radio for weather updates and emergency communication.

3. Navigation and Signaling Equipment

• Compass: Essential for navigation if other systems fail.
• Signal Mirror: For signalling aircraft or ships.
• Whistle: For audible signalling.
• Marine GPS: Portable or hand-held GPS for location tracking.

4. Clothing and Shelter

• Waterproof Clothing: Including a waterproof jacket and pants.
• Warm Clothing: Insulated layers, thermal socks, and gloves.
• Dry Bags: To keep clothing and other essentials dry.

5. Tools and Maintenance Supplies

• Duct Tape and Repair Kits: Quick fixes to equipment or the boat.
• Bailing Device: A bucket or pump for removing water from the boat.
• Rope or Line: Useful for various tasks, including tying off and securing items.

6. Personal Items

• Identification and Important Documents: Copies of identification, insurance information, and important contact details.
• Cash: Small amount of cash in local currency for emergencies.
• Mini grab bag: You can store these personal items in a separate “mini” grab bag near your emergency safety equipment.

7. Miscellaneous Items

• Insect Repellent: If sailing in areas where insects are a concern.
• Sunscreen: To protect against sunburn, especially during extended periods at sea.
• Binoculars: For spotting distant objects or vessels.
• Hand Warmers: These are useful to keep hands warm in cold weather.

Organisation and Accessibility

• Waterproof Bag: Ensure the crab-bag itself is waterproof to keep its contents dry.
• Easy Access: Store the crab-bag in a location that is easily accessible but secured to prevent it from moving around or being lost.

Summary Checklist

Life jackets for each person

Flare kit (hand flares, parachute flares, smoke signals)

EPIRB and PLBs

First-aid kit

Fire extinguisher

Emergency food and water

Survival blanket

Multitool or knife

Emergency radio

Compass

Signal mirror

Whistle

Marine GPS

Waterproof clothing and warm layers

Dry bags

Duct tape and repair kits

Bailing device

Rope or line

Identification, essential documents, and cash

Insect repellent and sunscreen

Binoculars and hand warmers

A well-stocked crab-bag on your yacht ensures you are prepared for emergencies and can handle unexpected situations effectively. Please check and update the contents regularly to ensure everything is in good condition and up to date.