Ditch Bags
What Is a Marine Ditch Bag?
A ditch bag — also called an abandon-ship bag or grab bag — is one of the most critical pieces of safety equipment any mariner can own. Ditch bags are emergency grab-and-go kits designed to support survival at sea if abandoning your vessel becomes necessary. Whether you're dealing with a fire, a collision, or a fast sinking, there may only be seconds to act — and a well-packed, purpose-built ditch bag ensures your survival essentials are always in one accessible location.
Why Every Boater Needs One
Life rafts are equipped with only minimal gear due to space and weight limitations, making a dedicated ditch bag an essential complement to any raft. A properly stocked bag gives you and your crew the tools needed to signal rescuers, stay hydrated, treat injuries, and maintain situational awareness while awaiting help. The contents you carry should be tailored to your type of boating — coastal cruisers may prioritize a handheld VHF radio and personal locator beacon (PLB), while offshore passages call for an EPIRB, emergency rations, and a water maker.
What to Look for in a Ditch Bag
Not all bags are created equal. A purpose-built marine ditch bag has several non-negotiable design features that set it apart from a standard dry bag or duffel:
- Positive flotation — the loaded bag must float, even when flooded
- Water resistance — tough, coated fabrics and corrosion-resistant zippers protect your gear from the marine environment
- High visibility — bright colors and reflective exterior material help search-and-rescue teams spot the bag quickly
- Organized storage — dedicated pockets for EPIRBs, strobe lights, flares, and personal documents keep critical items instantly accessible
- Tethering system — straps or harness attachments keep crew members connected to the bag and to each other in the water
Once you've chosen a bag, regular inspection is just as important as the initial purchase. Check contents at the start of each season, replace expired flares and batteries, and make sure every person on board knows exactly where the bag is stored.
Top Brands in Marine Ditch Bags
When it comes to abandon-ship preparedness, two trusted names stand out in this category:
ACR Electronics is the benchmark brand for marine ditch bags. Since 1956, ACR has built survival products trusted by the U.S. Coast Guard, the U.S. Military, and everyday mariners worldwide. Their flagship RapidDitch™ line features buoyant, water-resistant bags with reflective exteriors, corrosion-resistant hardware, and a signature shoulder-strap tethering system that converts into two four-foot safety harnesses — keeping your crew connected in the water when it matters most.
Onyx Outdoors is a well-regarded name in marine safety and watersports gear, known for practical, durable designs built for on-water use. Their safety gear bag offerings bring the same reliability found in their broader PFD and life jacket lineup to the ditch-bag category, making them a solid choice for boaters who want dependable emergency organization gear from a brand already trusted for personal flotation.