Anyone thinking about what they should carry in their PFD or how much you can fit in a vaikobi PFD? Read on…

I use the vaikobi … While it’s not designed especially for expeditions, I like its lightweight build and the freedom of movement it gives you. It’s not too bulky but it still managed to carry all these essentials:

On the shoulder strap:

• PLB (personal locator beacon) – should I go unconscious, this will still be out of the water and secure.
• Whistle on a string

In the front pockets:

• Energy gels for hypo treatment (I only use these for a hypo, my snacks are inside my deck bag)
• Glucagon hypo kit
• Insulin
• Allen key for the epic rudder system (I’ve never had to use this at sea, but I always know it’s here rather than buried somewhere in my boat)
• Hand Flare
• Watch for navigation timing
• Suncream
• Lip salve loose on a string for quick access, stops the sun and wind cracking those lips!
• Go-pro camera – ready to whip out and record a whale breaching (hopefully)
• Mobile phone in waterproof bag for communication, navigation and photos

In the back pocket:

• Diabetes kit containing: an energy gel, Accu-chek mobile blood monitor, glucagon pen, insulin novorapid and levemir, needles. (Only for use in the event I’m separated from my boat and wash up on some beach)
• VHF radio in an waterproof bag

It’s important to keep all this safety gear on you – it’s no use having a PLB on your boat if you become detached from the boat.