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marine first aid kits comparison, in stock
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How to choose a first aid kit for your boat
A kit from the house does not belong at sea: damp ruins gauze and cardboard boxes, and salt rusts scissors. To choose well, think about three things: where and how far you boat, how many people are aboard and how far you are from medical help.
The case
- Waterproof case or dry bag with an airtight seal and a bright color (red or orange) with a clear cross.
- Compartments or internal pouches that separate dressings, medication and tools, so you can find what you need with the boat moving.
- Handle or strap so you can carry and hold it without dropping it.
By type of boating
| Boating | What to carry |
|---|---|
| Day trips close to shore | Basic kit: adhesive bandages, gauze, wraps, antiseptic, gloves, scissors, tweezers, space blanket |
| Coastal cruising with overnights | Larger kit with common medications, burn and wound care, simple splinting |
| Passages, offshore or days far from shore | Full kit with trauma supplies, a cervical collar and splints, and a first aid manual |
The farther from shore you go, the more it matters to have someone aboard trained in first aid. A short course is worth more than any accessory.
Recommended basic contents
- Wounds: sterile dressings in several sizes, gauze, medical tape, waterproof adhesive bandages, elastic and gauze wraps, saline and antiseptic.
- Protection: disposable gloves, a CPR face shield and eye protection.
- Tools: blunt-tip scissors, tweezers, thermometer, safety pins and a small headlamp.
- Burns and sun: burn gel, sunscreen and lip balm with SPF.
- Cold exposure: an emergency thermal blanket, vital after a fall overboard.
- Immobilization: a triangular bandage or sling and an elastic wrap.
Medications and seasickness
Take special care here. What medication to carry depends on the person, so talk to your doctor or pharmacist, especially if there are allergies, chronic conditions or children aboard.
- A common pain reliever and anti-inflammatory.
- An antihistamine for stings or mild allergic reactions.
- A seasickness remedy, taken before you leave the dock, not once symptoms start.
- Oral rehydration salts and sun protection.
- Each crew member's personal medication, with dose and instructions.
Warning: do not use expired medication or share prescription drugs. Check expiry dates at least once a year and again before every long passage.
Upkeep and checks
- Before the season: open the kit, make sure it is dry and go through the expiry dates.
- After each use: restock what you used before heading out again, not "next time."
- After a wet trip: if water or damp got in, replace the dressings and sterile supplies affected.
- Keep a contents list inside the lid so you can see what is missing at a glance.
Tip: keep the kit where you can reach it quickly, not at the bottom of a locker, and make sure every crew member knows where it is. A copy of each person's medical details (allergies, medications, blood type) can save valuable time.
What to do in an emergency
A kit treats the injury but does not replace professional help. In a serious emergency, call for help on VHF channel 16 and follow instructions. The US Coast Guard monitors channel 16, and many coastal authorities offer medical advice by radio; find out how to reach them in your cruising area.
- Say clearly what happened, how many people are aboard and where you are.
- Do not pull out objects embedded in deep wounds.
- Keep anyone who fell in the water warm and out of contact with cold surfaces.
Common mistakes
- Carrying a car or home kit without a waterproof seal.
- Skipping expiry checks or restocking after use.
- Locking it away or storing it where nobody can reach it.
- Carrying supplies nobody knows how to use.
- Forgetting your own medication on a long trip.
A first aid kit is a core part of your safety gear. Pair it with fire extinguishers, a waterproof flashlight and inflatable life jackets for the whole crew. For required equipment, check the current US Coast Guard and state rules for your boat.
Frequently asked questions
What should a marine first aid kit contain?
Dressings, gauze, wraps, tape, antiseptic, saline, gloves, blunt-tip scissors, tweezers, a space blanket and basic medication agreed with your doctor. The farther you cruise, the more complete it should be.
Is a first aid kit required on a boat?
It depends on the boat and where you operate. Check current US Coast Guard and state rules. Even where it is not required, carrying one is the sensible choice.
How often should I check my first aid kit?
At least once a year and before every long passage: check expiry dates, damp and missing items. Restock what you used as soon as you are back at the dock.
What seasickness medication should I carry?
Ask your doctor or pharmacist, as it depends on the person, allergies and other treatments. And take it before you leave the dock, not once symptoms have started.
