Of all the safety gear that you need to bring with you out on the water on a sailing adventure, a First Aid kit should be at the top of that list. Whether you’re going out for a cruise around the harbor, a day trip a bit farther afield, or a multi-day, overnight expedition, it’s important to be prepared for any unforeseen circumstances that may arise. With bandages, injury reference guides, waterproof compartments, and warming blankets, a first aid kit can be the first line of defense in the event of an emergency aboard your boat. We’ve put together this guide to help you choose between the best marine first aid kits so that you can head out on the high seas having taken as many safety precautions as possible. See you out there!
For more of our top sailing gear recommendations, check out the Best Life Jackets for Sailing.
Quick Answer - The Best Marine First Aid Kits
- Adventure Medical Kits Marine 600 With Dry Box
- Coleman Sportsman Waterproof
- Cuda Offshore First Aid Kit
- Surviveware Travel First Aid Kit
- Orion Cruiser First Aid Kit
Comparison Table - Best Marine First Aid Kits
For the best experience turn your device horizontally| Name | Best Use | First Aid Instruction Booklet Included | Warranty | Price | Rating | Review |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Adventure Medical Kits Marine 600 With Dry Box | Coastal waters for vessels carrying up to six people | Yes | 1 year | $$$ | 4.9 | Read Review |
| Coleman Sportsman Waterproof | Day Use, Boating | No | N/A | $ | 4.7 | Read Review |
| Cuda Offshore First Aid Kit | Offshore trips on salt water | No | N/A | $$ | 4.6 | Read Review |
| Surviveware Travel First Aid Kit | Offshore trips on salt water | Yes | Yes | $$$ | 4.5 | Read Review |
| Orion Cruiser First Aid Kit | Minor wound treatments for 1-6 people | Yes | 1 year | $$ | 4.8 | Read Review |
| Name | Best Use | First Aid Instruction Booklet Included | Warranty | Price | Rating | Review |
Reviews - The Best Marine First Aid Kits
Adventure Medical Kits Marine 600 With Dry Box
Specs
- Best Use: Coastal waters for vessels carrying up to six people
- Dimensions: 11 13/16” L x 10 ⅝” W x 5 ⅞” H
- Warranty: 1 year
- Number of Pieces: 150
- Case Material: Waterproof floating dry box case
- First Aid Instruction Booklet Included: Yes
Features
- Easily Accessible Waterproof Pockets Hold All Of The First Aid Materials
- Includes Easy Reference Injury Cards For Quick Triage Diagnosis
- Set Up To Treat Basic And Advanced Illnesses And Trauma
BEST FOR: LONGER EXPEDITIONS
Adventure Medical Kits’ Marine 600 first aid kit has everything you need and more for a longer expedition out on the water. In addition to basic bandages and dressings for wound care, it also includes treatments for burns and blisters as well as splints and wraps for fractures and sprains.
Anything can happen out on the water, particularly when you’re dealing with inclement weather. The waterproof, floating carrying case ensures that your first aid supplies won’t be compromised in rain or storm conditions and that your medication stays dry and safe.
Finally, this kit also contains easy-to-use injury treatment reference cards and a booklet called “Marine Medicine: A Comprehensive Guide” so that when a more serious emergency does arise, you can flip to the appropriate treatment and follow the protocol. If you’re headed out on a slightly longer expedition, this first aid kit is a great addition to your safety supplies.
Coleman Sportsman Waterproof
Specs
- Best Use: Day Use, Boating
- Dimensions: N/A
- Warranty: N/A
- Number of Pieces: 100
- Case Material: Waterproof floating case
- First Aid Instruction Booklet Included: No
Features
- Waterproof Floating Case Glows In The Dark In The Event That You Need To Find It At Night Or In The Cabin
- Case Is Crush-Proof To Protect Contents Inside
- Portable Size For Easy Storage And Carrying
BEST FOR: MINOR FIRST AID & WOUND CARE
If you’re in need of a comprehensive, compact first aid kit to deal with minor abrasions and minor first aid, then this kit will be perfect for you. It’s packed full of bandages, gauze, antiseptic wipes, antibiotic ointment, and adhesive tape to help treat someone in the event of a minor cut, scrape, or abrasion.
While the kit isn’t equipped for more serious injuries like broken bones, it should fulfill your needs for a mellow day trip out on the water. And if you do find yourself out after sunset and a minor emergency occurs, then the case glows in the dark so that it’ll be easier to find (though we do recommend adding a flashlight to your boating supply list as well!).
Cuda Offshore First Aid Kit
Specs
- Best Use: Offshore trips on salt water
- Dimensions: N/A
- Warranty: N/A
- Number of Pieces: 28
- Case Material: Water resistant carrying case
- First Aid Instruction Booklet Included: No
Features
- Carrying Case Designed With A Strap For Easy Carrying And Packing Aboard
- Includes Burn Cream Packages In The Event Of An Unplanned Engine Fire Or Other Emergency
- CPR Instruction Sheet And Bleeding Wounds Instruction Sheet Included
BEST FOR: SUPPLEMENTING A BASIC FIRST AID KIT
Though this Cuda Offshore First Aid kit isn’t as comprehensive as most, it does have quite a bit of basic materials to help you in the event of an unforeseen emergency while at sea or aboard your sail boat. The case itself is water resistant and includes a carrying strap for convenience as you’re loading and unloading the boat.
It also contains an extensive amount of gauze and sterile pads and creams that’ll help for cuts, abrasions, and bleeding. Though this kit isn’t as comprehensive as most, it’s perfect as a back-up or secondary kit to have in addition to your other first aid kit and supplies.
Surviveware Travel First Aid Kit
Specs
- Best Use: Offshore trips on salt water
- Dimensions: N/A
- Warranty: Yes
- Number of Pieces: 200
- Case Material: Water resistant polyester carrying case
- First Aid Instruction Booklet Included: Yes
Features
- FDA Approved First Aid Kit Package
- Comes With 200 Basic Essential Life-Saving Items With Extra Space To Add Your Own Supplies
- Includes Built-In Compartments To Organize Your Supplies
BEST FOR: COMPREHENSIVE SAFETY
The Surviveware Large first aid kit is a comprehensive option that will help you handle any emergency while you’re out on the water until you can get to shore and professional help. The kit comes with 200 pieces of basic first aid supplies and the carrying case is designed with extra space so you can add your own medication or supplies as needed.
It also comes with a mini 50-piece first aid kit that you can stash in a different part of the boat for better accessibility. Finally, it is normal to panic during an emergency, so the kit comes with an advanced guide to help you through basic first aid. And Surviveware will even send you an ebook via email with your purchase to help you study up on basic first aid before you head out on your expedition.
Orion Cruiser First Aid Kit
Specs
- Best Use: Minor wound treatments for 1-6 people
- Dimensions: 7” x 10” x 3”
- Warranty: 1 year
- Number of Pieces: 58
- Case Material: Water resistant gasketed plastic case
- First Aid Instruction Booklet Included: Yes
Features
- In Addition To Basic Wound Care First Aid Supplies, This Kit Also Includes Supplies For More Serious Emergencies Like A CPR Mask And Eye Pads
- Motion Sickness Tablets Are Included In This Kit
- Burn Gel, Sting Treatment, And Sunscreen Are Included For Injury Prevention And Treatment On The Skin
BEST FOR: WEEKEND CRUISERS
Headed out from your home port for a weekend cruising up the coast? This kit has you covered not only for your basic first aid needs and treatments but also for some more serious injuries as well. Should you need to administer CPR, there’s a mask included for that, and if someone bumps their head or other appendages on a piece of gear, the cold pack should help with the swelling until you can make it to your next port.
If all you’re dealing with is some minor sea sickness from your less-experienced guests, then this kit has you covered with motion sickness tablets already included. Finally, the first aid instruction booklet is a great added feature. Emergencies make us all anxious and nervous, so having a reference guide for when you need to deal with an emergency can help get you through.
THINGS TO CONSIDER WHEN BUYING MARINE FIRST AID KITS
COST
As with all outdoor gear, you have to find the best balance for you between performance and economy. It is important, however, to remember that a first aid kit is all about safety and dealing effectively with an emergency. Once you make your first aid kit purchase, make sure that it’s stocked with all of the essential items every time you head out onto the water so that you’re not stuck in a bind in the event of an emergency.
TYPE OF EXCURSION
When choosing a first aid kit, think about the types of excursions you enjoy. Are you a day tripper that likes to cruise around a lake? Do you regularly head out on weekend trips up the coast of the Atlantic? Or do you cruise for a week or more in the Caribbean? You want to make sure that the amount of first aid supplies match the length of your excursion. For more information about safety and planning, check out this resource from US Sailing on first aid and safety best practices.
NUMBER OF SAILORS
You should also consider the number of sailors that you regularly have aboard when purchasing your first aid kit. If your boat only accommodates two sailors, you may only need enough supplies to patch up two of you in the event of an emergency. If you’re on a larger cruising vessel that needs a crew, be sure to stock your first aid kit with enough supplies for all the crew members.
MARINE SAFETY BEST PRACTICES
It may sound obvious, but you’ve got to know marine safety best practices before you head out onto the water. You may even want to consider taking a CPR and first aid course before heading out on a longer excursion. Visit GoCoastGuard.com for more information about basic marine safety and best practices.
FEATURES EXPLAINED
DRY BOX
This terms refers to the First Aid kit carrying case. Dry box is a specific type of construction that doesn’t allow water into the interior.
INSTRUCTION BOOKLET
First aid kits often come with a CPR or basic essential first aid booklet to help you properly deal with basic injuries while under pressure or the stress of an emergency.
ABRASION
An abrasion is a cut or injury that breaks the skin and causes bleeding. You’ll want to wash the cut and then apply a bandage to help stem the bleeding.
CPR
This is an acronym for cardiopulmonary resuscitation. The process involves mouth-to-mouth breathing and chest compressions. Classes and certifications are available.
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