Safety equipment BRE

[tcave]

Just wondering what safety equipment other Coastal BRe sailors carry. Personally I take.
DSC VHF (and show all aboard how to use it)
Waterproof mobile
Small anchor
Harness lines
Life jackets
Safety knife and big shackle spanner.
Big torch / nav lights

I don't take
Flares. - used to, but can't imaging using them.
Big second anchor with 15m warp/chain.

The rationale is that given two independent methods of power and steering (ie sail, rudder and outboard). Gear failure is unlikely to leave me incapacitated. I don't have a stove (thermos is better), and sail in eyesight of the massive coastguard ariel on the Isle of Wight.

Just wondering what others do.
Cheers toby BRe 42 Keyhaven

[Sea Simon]

In addition to the items mentioned above....

I used to have a "trade" source for distress  flares, both acquiring and disposing of them.
Both have now dried up, and conventional pyrotechnics have become a right pita, on both respects.

So, I've recently bought an OREO LED "laser flare", and was so impressed by its performance, that i bought another!
I have the bigger  version mounted on the cabin bulkhead, the smaller  fits in a LJ/BA pocket. About £75?
If you carry nav lights, it's probably prudent to carry a visual distress signal for use in darkness? These flares are programmed to send a red SOS signal, as well as flickering to simulate a flame/conventional flare.
Good reviews in PBO etc.

I would also highly recommend a GMDSS Personal Locator Beacon PLB in addition to the VHF/mobile. £200?
In fairness, I guess the DSC VHF might fulfill a similar function?
However, here in Cornwall and, for example in the W Highlands, VHF coverage can be patchy. COSPAS-SARSAT GMDSS is supposed to solve this.
I'm sure you'll be OK in the Solent, or thereabouts...

I'm also slightly paranoid about bilges, and so have fiitted an additional (double-acting) bilge pump.