Pancho and Sombrero in Ditch Bag ?

[Boracay]

With the discussion about exposure being the one of the main hazards if forced to abandon ship I've been wondering if having a poncho and sombrero (or two+) in the ditch bag might be a good idea.

Something like this, though maybe not sunproof enough for prolonged exposure.

Cheap straw sombreros seem to pop up from time to time.

[delmarrey]

Originally Posted by Boracay

With the discussion about exposure being the one of the main hazards if forced to abandon ship I've been wondering if having a poncho and sombrero (or two+) in the ditch bag might be a good idea.

Something like this, though maybe not sunproof enough for prolonged exposure.

Cheap straw sombreros seem to pop up from time to time.

A straw hat wouldn't last you but 30 minutes in a storm situation. As for poncho's, most liferaft's are covered. I think I would rather have a wet suit to keep warm rather then dry, which would be impossible in a storm.

If the boat sinks in a doldrum the poncho could be used to evap water to drink. And a pair of sunglasses might be good. But with a SPOT and/or an EBIRP you shouldn't be out there that long.

[gjordan]

Sun block, the gooey non washable kind with a very high SPF. Six hours in the sun can burn you so bad that you will have a hard time making decisions, six days can turn you into a future cancer patient. Sailor hats with chin straps are a good idea. ____Grant.

[rusky]

We have 2 broadbrimmed cloth hats with chin straps in ours.

[Hud3]

Throw a few of those metalized mylar exposure blankets in the bag. They come folded in a package about the size of a pack of cigarettes and cost a couple of bucks apiece.

[mrohr]

Sombrero? Might as well throw in a mule too,make sure he can swim while you ride him to safety.
Once had new crew show up wearing cowboy boots and cowboy hat. He was a good chap though.

[callmecrazy]

I'd second the mylar emergency blankets. They can reflect the sun and keep you cool, keep you dry, or turn the reflective side around and it will keep you warm.

Standard survival training is usually based around the rule of 3's:
a Human can survive 3 minutes without air, 3 hours without shelter (in extreme conditions), 3 days without water, and 3 weeks without food.

Some type of exposure protection is more important than water!

[David_Old_Jersey]

Originally Posted by Boracay

With the discussion about exposure being the one of the main hazards if forced to abandon ship I've been wondering if having a poncho and sombrero (or two+) in the ditch bag might be a good idea.

Something like this, though maybe not sunproof enough for prolonged exposure.

Cheap straw sombreros seem to pop up from time to time.

Seems you might also need a moustache......



I have seen plenty of the old style Hollywood documentaries

.............or one of these?



osCommerce

£85! (I always thought that stuff only came in high spec - and high prices).

Specification:
Immersion suit standards ISO 15027-1 compliant
Flotation garment EN393 compliant
Solas/UCG reflectors (400cm/sq)
Seals against water entry legs, sleeves and thighs
Neoprene inner-cuffs
CE 394 Approved Whistle
Insulated Hood and Collar
7 Pockets (2 fleece lined)
Hi Vis Fluorescent Colours
Double stitched water-tigth seams

Probably wouldn't survive long working on an Oil rig etc..........not sure how long (many times?) you are intending to be in a liferaft.

[psneeld]

Originally Posted by callmecrazy

I'd second the mylar emergency blankets. They can reflect the sun and keep you cool, keep you dry, or turn the reflective side around and it will keep you warm.

Standard survival training is usually based around the rule of 3's:
a Human can survive 3 minutes without air, 3 hours without shelter (in extreme conditions), 3 days without water, and 3 weeks without food.

Some type of exposure protection is more important than water!

Not sure if they are making the mylar space blankets differently now...but when I went through the Air Force Sea Survival Training course...the salt water took the coating off in an hour or two...so all I had was a clear piece of mylar as a wind break...

make sure you get better quality or marine rated ones.

But in reality...if your raft has a cover then an immersion suit or wet suit would be of more use than mylar blankets.

[CharlesFCook]

Also these Thermal Protective Aid

[callmecrazy]

I didn't know about the mylar coming off, thanks for the tip.

They do make better ones with protective layers.
Amazon.com: Adventure Medical Kits Sol Survival Blanket, Two Person, 3.2-Ounce (pack Of 2): Health & Personal Care

Originally Posted by CharlesFCook

Also these Thermal Protective Aid

These too, and the 'Landshark' brand.. much more expensive than the Adventure medical ones, but As far as I can tell, they are the same. These are the type pilots carry in the 'over-the-water' ditch bag.

[callmecrazy]

Just curious, how big are your guys ditch bags? I can't see fitting an immersion suit, or a wetsuit, into one. I'm not sure I'd remember to grab the sombrero and serape

[delmarrey]

Originally Posted by CharlesFCook

Also these Thermal Protective Aid

I like that! Especially for up here in the <56º waters. I assume it folds up into a small package.

[S/V Alchemy]

Originally Posted by rusky

We have 2 broadbrimmed cloth hats with chin straps in ours.

As a sombrero would be hard to stick out the entrance to the liferaft, I would opt for these. The poncho would have to be made of Mylar, for heat retention. It's a myth that you can't die of cold exposure in the tropics: it just takes longer...

[JanetGroene]

Great suggestions here all. Strong, greasy sunblock is compact to carry but note use-by dates. I believe PABA of whatever the SPF ingredient has a fairly limited shelf life. You may need to replace yearly. Also, petroleum jelly is compact to carry and easy to spread on for salt water chafe and other abrasions. Wool is warm when wet, a better choice for a poncho that cotton.