What’s in Your Ditch Bag?
Most responsible mariners stock an Emergency Bag (also called a “ditch bag”, “ditch kit”, or “grab bag”) with additional emergency supplies to take along in case of an abandonment. It needs to be stowed where it can quickly and easily be grabbed and thrown into a life raft. A ditch bag should be waterproof and […]
Vessel Traffic Services
If you ever wondered why British Columbia and Washington State Ferries or other commercial vessel didn’t respond to your call on channel 16, there’s a reason; Vessel Traffic Services, known more simply as VTS. Imagine yourself as the Master of a container vessel or tanker listening to the uninitiated pleasure boater make a dire warning […]