While there are a lot of items that mariners should have on their boats before they set sail, there’s one thing is an absolute must, no matter what type of vessel you sail or your reason for doing so: a first aid kit.
You never know when you or someone else could become ill or sustain an injury when you’re sailing. Since you’ll be out on the water, in the event that something does go wrong, accessing the necessary care will be difficult. As such, preparing for the unexpected by making sure that you have a first aid kit on-board is highly recommended; in fact, not only is it recommended, but in some locations, having a first aid kit on-board is a legal requirement.
Because they are so important, there’s a boatload (pun intended) of marine first aid kits on the market. If this is your first time shopping for one, trying to select the right one for your specific needs can be a bit of a daunting task.
In order to help you on your quest, we’ve taken the liberty of doing the research for you. Based on our assessments, we narrowed down the options to what we think are the best of the best.
In this guide, you’ll find a list of our top marine first aid kits. You’ll also find a detailed buyer’s guide and answers to some of your frequently asked questions.
Our Top Picks
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- The Best Overall First Aid Kits – Well-Strong Waterproof First Aid Kit Roll Top Boat Emergency Kit
- The Best Premium Kit First Aid Kits – Surviveware Waterproof Premium First Aid Kit
- The Best Budget Pick First Aid Kits – DeftGet 163 Piece First Aid Kit
Marine First Aid Kit Reviews
Best Overall First Aid Kit – Well-Strong Waterproof First Aid Kit
Topping our list as the best overall first aid kit for boats is this option from Well-Strong. Not only does it contain all of the vital first aid essentials, but it’s also durably constructed, waterproof, durable, and affordable.
The kit was constructed of waterproof fabric using hot-pressing technology to ensure extremely durability and to prevent water penetration. The roll-top closure design ensure that the items stored inside will remain dry – even if the bag falls in the water!
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The bag has a 2.5 liter capacity, so it’s large enough to hold all of the essentials with ease, yet it’s compact enough to stow in your backpack or to tuck into your kayak or canoe without having to worry about taking up too much room.
The first aid supplies that this kit comes with are manufactured from modern, highly reputably facilities, so you can be sure that they are reliable. Examples of some of the first aid items that you’ll find tucked in the Well-Strong Waterproof First Aid Kit include:
- Adhesive bandages of varying sizes
- Gauze pads
- Gauze tape
- Medical scissors
- Tweezers
- Antibiotic ointment
- Safety pins
- A whistle
- Abdominal pads
- Alcohol pads
- Burn dressing
- Cooling patches
- Cotton swabs
- Emergency blanket
- A compass
The first aid kit bag is uniquely designed. It featured buckles at the top, so it’s easy to transport; you can carry it in your hand or hook it onto your backpack or around a pole in your vessel with ease. Measuring just 2.36 inches by 3.74 inches by 10.24 inches and weighing just 12 ounces, it’s so lightweight and compact, you’ll barely even notice it’s there – but if something goes wrong, you’ll have instant access to pretty much anything you need in a jam.
What We Liked
- Waterproof bag constructed of durable waterproof fabric
- Compact, lightweight design allows for easy transport and storage
- Filled with a total of 104 essential first aid items
- D-buckle closure at the top of the bag allows for easy carrying
- Thoughtfully designed
- All first aid products are manufactured in state-of-the-art, premium-quality facilities
- Affordably priced
Premium Kit First Aid Kit –Surviveware Waterproof Premium First Aid Kit
We selected the Surviveware Waterproof Premium First Aid Kit as our top pick for the best premium mariner first aid kit for good reason; it’s very thoughtfully designed, exceptionally constructed, and it has everything you could possibly need in the even that you find yourself in an emergency situation when you’re out on the water – or anywhere else where accessing medical care would be a challenge.
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The first aid kit, which measures 7.5 inches by 5.5 inches by 3.5 inches and weighs just 2.25 pounds, so it’s pretty compact and lightweight. It’s constructed of 100 percent waterproof material that has an IPX7 rating, the seams are welded, not stitched, and it’s equipped with waterproof zippers, so you can feel confident knowing that the contents within the bag will remain dry, even if the entire kit falls into the water. In fact, it can be kept underwater for up to 30 minutes at a depth of up to 1 meter and still remain dry!
Inside the Surviveware Waterproof Premium First Aid Kit, you’ll find everything you could need in the event that you or someone else sustains an injury or an emergency arises. There’s a total of 200 items, a small sampling of which include:
- An assortment of adhesive bandages
- 6 inch medical shears
- Combine dressing
- Conforming bandages
- Eye pads
- An emergency blanket
- Non-adhesive dressing
- Personal laminate baggies
- Pressure bandages
- Safety pins
- Splinter probes
- Wound strip closures
- Tweezers
- A whistle
- Medical gloves
- A first aid handbook
Equipped with MOLLE compatible straps, this first aid kit is ideal when you’re on the go, as you can easily strap it onto your backpack, a belt, or even an EDC bag, and have emergency medical supplies right at your fingertips. To ensure ease of use, the compartments inside this first aid kit are well-organized and clearly labeled, and there’s even extra space where you can store any additional supplies and gear that you might want to add. With the Surviveware Waterproof Premium First Aid Kit, you’ll really be ready to take on pretty much any emergency that may come your way when you’re out on the water.
What We Liked
- Constructed of IPX7-rated waterproof materials
- Welded seams
- Waterproof zippers
- Can be submerged under 1 meter of water for up to 30 minutes and still remain dry
- Lightweight and compact design
- Contains 200 first aid items, all of which are well-designed and made in top-quality, trusted facilities
- Inner compartments are labeled and organized
- Additional space to store additional items
- MOLLE compatible straps can be attached to a backpack or back for easy transport
Budget Pick First Aid Kit – DeftGet 163 Piece First Aid Waterproof Kit
If you’re looking for a reliable first aid kit for your boat that has all of the essentials but won’t break the bank, the DeftGet 163 Pieces First Aid Waterproof Kit is a great option to choose. Upgraded in 2021, it’s the most recent first aid kit from DefGet, and all of the alterations were based on the feedback from customers.
This kit is equipped with a total of 163 high-quality medical grade products that were made with the finest equipment in modern approved facilities. The bag, which measures 8.2 inches by 5.1 inches by 2 inches, is constructed of durable, yet lightweight materials, and is compact enough to easily toss in a backpack or at the helm of your canoe or kayak, yet it’s spacious enough to accommodate all of the essential medical supplies and survival tools.
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The following is a small sampling of the items that you’ll find in this kit:
- Assorted sizes of Band Aids and bandages
- Prep pads
- An emergency blanket
- Pain relief pads
- Non-woven adhesive tape
- Stainless steel tweezers
- Stainless steel scissors
- Compressed towel
- A whistle
- Safety pins
- A flashlight
- Saber cards
- Cotton sticks
Of course, it’s great for more than just boats; it’s the ideal size to toss in the glove box of your car or truck, in kid’s backpacks, to pack with your camping gear, and to place in a grab-and-go emergency pack. This first aid kit for boats is backed by a 100 percent money back guarantee and a 100 percent satisfaction guarantee, too. If for any reason you are not completely satisfied, just contact the manufacturer and they will issue you a full, no questions asked refund. Of course, because it’s our best budget pick, it’s also very affordably priced.
What We Liked
- Newly upgraded with all of the essential emergency medical supplies
- Contains 163 emergency products
- All items are the finest quality and are made in a modern, approved facility
- Durably constructed, compact, and lightweight storage case
- Backed by a 100 percent money back and satisfaction guarantee
- Very affordably priced
Everlit 250 Piece Survival First Aid Kit
Next on our list of the best first aid kits for boats is this option from Everlit. It’s equipped with 250 pieces of the highest quality medical and emergency products and supplies. It was customized by US military veterans and field-tested by a former army Sargent, so you know that this first aid kit really does contain everything that you could possibly need and that it is very thoughtfully designed. The amount of gear packed into this first aid kit are more than enough to treat a single family or a group of friends.
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The first aid kit is a military grade EMT bag, and it’s constructed of 1000D water-resistant nylon. Inside, there are three large compartments and lots of room to include your own gear. The bag measures 8 inches by 6.5 inches by 5 inches, and it weighs just 1.9 pounds. MOLLE compatible straps on the back of the kit allow you to secure it to other gear, such as a backpack, or a belt, so taking it along with you is a breeze. Examples of some of the gear that you’ll find in this top-quality first aid kit for boats include the following:
- Alcohol pads
- Adhesive bandages in an assortment of sizes
- Adhesive wound dressing
- Sting relief pads
- Antiseptic wipes
- Burn dressing
- Disposable PVC gloves
- First aid tape
- Emergency Mylar blanket
- Scissors
- Metal tweezers
- CPR mask
- Safety pins
- Cotton tips
- Cotton balls
- Disposable poncho
- Glow sticks
- Pocket knife
- Saber card
- Fire starter
- Paracord bracelet
- High lumen tactical flashlight
With the Everlit 250 Pieces Survival First Aid Kit, you can feel confident knowing that you will have all of the safety gear you need when you hit the open waters. Of course, you can also use it for any other outdoor activity, such as camping, hiking, or even just toss it in your car.
What We Liked
- Customized by US military veterans and tested by a former army sergent
- Features 241 first aid supplies and 9 survival tools
- Military-grade EMT bag made of 1000D water-resistant nylon
- Bag is compact and lightweight, yet spacious enough to hold all included gear and additional items
- Backed by a 1 year satisfaction warranty
- Available in 6 color options
Surviveware Comprehensive Premium First Aid Kit Emergency Medical Kit
The Surviveware Comprehensive Premium First Aid Kit is another top-of-the-line kit that would be ideal to stow on your boat. It’s equipped with 100 high-quality first aid supplies and emergency essentials that will allow you to provide proper care for minor wounds, scrapes, cuts, and burns.
The gear is stored in a water-resistant and tear-resistant 600D polyester, so you can feel confident knowing that your gear will be well-protected in harsh conditions. The kit measures 10 inches by 7.5 inches by 5 inches, and it weighs 3.25 pounds, making it one of the heavier mariner first aid kits on our list. The removable MOLLE straps, snaps, and advanced mounting system make it super-easy to transport.
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There’s an array of items stored inside this Surviveware emergency kit, examples of which include:
- Shears
- A splint
- Adhesive bandages in an assortment of sizes
- Cold pack
- Ear buds
- An emergency blanket
- Eye pads
- First aid handbook
- Hydro gel
- Non-adhesive tape
- Laminate baggies
- Refuse bag
- Pressure bandages
- Safety pins
- Splinter probes
- Strip closures
- Tweezers
- A whistle
- Wound dressing
Designed by adventurers for adventurers, with the Surviveware first aid kit on-board your boat, you can have peace of mind when you set sail on the open seas (or even a small lake).
What We Liked
- First aid kit is made of 600D rip- and water-resistant polyester
- Clearly labeled first aid compartments inside
- Contains more than 200 high-quality emergency essentials and survivor supplies
- Durable, portable, and lightweight design
- Designed by adventurers, for adventurers
- MOLLE compatible straps can be attached to a various types of gear
Always Prepared Waterproof Boat Emergency Kit
With the Always Prepared Waterproof Boat Emergency Kit, you’ll have everything you need to feel safe if an emergency arises when you’re out on the open water. It contains all of the survival and medical gear that you could possibly need in the event that a minor medical emergency arises.
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All of the gear is stored in a waterproof, watertight kit that measures 10.25 inches by 7.25 inches by 4 inches, so you can be certain that anything tucked inside of it will remain dry. This Marine Kit comes complete with all of the basic essential first aid supplies, including:
- Adhesive and non-adhesive bandages
- Disposable gloves
- Q-tips
- Antiseptic
- Alcohol pads
- Iodine pads
- Paper tape roll
There’s plenty of room inside to tuck any important documents that you don’t want to get wet in the case. Survival gear included in this kit includes the following:
- A compass
- An adjustable wrench
- A whistle
- A bungee cord
- An emergency blanket
- A motion-sickness patch
- A distress flag
- Rain ponchos
- Self-powered flashlights
Just as the name suggests, with the Always Prepared first aid kit, you really will have all of the emergency and safety/ survival items you could need in the event that unforeseen circumstances do arise.
What We Liked
- Watertight, waterproof survival kit ensures included and additional gear stored inside remains dry
- The kit measures 10.25 by 7.25 by 4 inches and is equipped with a handle for easy transport
- Specially designed for marine emergencies, as it contains specialized items for boating emergencies.
- Compact design allows for easy storage
Other Best Selling Options
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Best First Aid Kits for Boats: A Buyer’s Guide
Now that we’ve gone over our top picks for the best first aid kits for boats, unless you want to purchase all of them, you’re probably wondering which one to choose. Choosing a mariner first aid kit really does require careful consideration, as you want to be certain that it will be reliable and that it will truly meet your needs – and the needs of anyone who may be traveling with you.
In an effort to help you decide which first aid kit to choose, below, you’ll find a list of some essential features that you should take into consideration before you start shopping, as these factors will help you determine which kit will best suit your needs.
The Type of Marine First Aid Kit
First, you’re going to want to consider what type of first aid kit you’ll want for your boat. There are several different types of marine first aid kits on the market, and they’re categorized by the size of the vessels they are intended for. Why is that? Well, because different vessels are used in different settings and for different purposes. The following is a general overview of the different types of first aid kits for boats:
- Inshore first aid kits
This is the type of first aid kit that is recommended for small water vessels that are used for inshore boating activities; vessels that typically do not go any more than 60 nautical miles from shore or will not be away from medical help for more than 6 hours, such as kayaks and canoes. Typically, inshore first aid kits contain the basic first aid supplies, such as bandages, dressings, adhesive tapes, etc. - Coastal first aid kits
This type of first aid kits for boats would be ideal for watercrafts that usually travel no more than 150 nautical miles from the shore or are no more than 12 to 24 hours away from medical help. These kits contain more supplies, and the supplies are intended to treat less-severe injuries and illnesses.
In addition to the basic medical supplies, such as bandages, dressings, and the like, coastal first aid kits usually contain medications that can ease digestive upset and allergy symptoms, as well as tools that can be used for resuscitation. - Ocean and offshore first aid kits
These marine first aid kits are specifically designed to be used for off-shore rescue services. They contain the tools and equipment that would be needed to treat more severe medical emergencies when a vessel is far from shore and would take a long period of time to receive help from a medical professional.
Typically, ocean and offshore vessels travel 150 nautical miles or more from shore or they are further away than an emergency helicopter would be able to reach; a yacht, for example. Ocean and offshore first aid kits are compliant with the stringent requirements that have been established for ocean-going vessels, such as commercial crafts and life rafts.
In addition to basic medical supplies, medications, and tools that can be used for resuscitation, they usually contain items that can be used to treat serious injuries, such as fractures and burns, and they may even contain an oxygen kit. Ocean and offshore first aid kits contain two separate bags: one that contains items that can be used for daily medical treatment, and one that can be used to attend to emergencies.
When trying to decide which type of first aid kit would be ideal for your boat, consider the type of boat you have, the number of people it can accommodate, and what your intended uses will be.
Intended Use
Speaking of intended use, that’s another key factor that you’re going to want to consideration before you choose a first aid kit for your vessel; take the time to think about some possible scenarios could arise that would require medical care; for example, an unexpected lightning storm could arise, you could run into unusually large waves – whether singularly or numerous – or your vessel could capsized, for example. You’ll also want to think about the type of situations you could get into while you’re engaging in activities that you enjoy. For instance, if you’re a fisherman, you’ll want a first aid kit that contains gear you can use to remove fish hooks that may get trapped in your skin.
Contents of the Kit
To ensure that you and your crew will have access to all of the safety and/or survival gear that will be needed in the event that an emergency arises, you’ll want to put a lot of thought into the content that the kit should contain so that all parties can get the medical care they need. Examples of some of the key items that medical first aid kits could contain, including:
- Adhesive bandages in an assortment of types and sizes
- Cotton swabs
- Gauze pads
- Scissors/shears
- Tweezers
- Cold packs
- Pain reliever (acetaminophen, Aspirin, etc.)
- Adhesive tape
- Scissors
- Tweezers
- Emergency blankets
- Flashlight
The above are just some of the items that mariner first aid kits will provide.
The Type of Container
Just as important as the contents of the first aid kit is the type of container the contents are stored in. It’s imperative that the supplies maintain their medical integrity; therefore, the interior of the kit must remain dry, and ideally, it should be kept in a temperate climate. If moisture gets into the container, the supplies will get wet, and will be rendered not only ineffective, but will be hazardous to use.
Make sure that the first aid kit that you select for your boat is comprised of a container that is durably constructed; that is moisture-resistant, corrosion-resistant, and even tear-resistant. The best containers are tear-resistant, too, and they are thoughtfully designed so as to allow for proper organization and easy access.
Price
Last but certainly not least, you should also consider the cost of the first aid kit. As you can see from our list, the cost of first aid kits for boats can vary widely. Typically, the more robust – that is, the more durably constructed and the more items the kit contains – the more expensive it will be. It’s important to note that when you’re considering the cost, it may be tempting to purchase the least expensive option, and while you certainly don’t want to spend more than you can afford, you also don’t want to compromise your health.
First Aid Kit FAQs
It’s likely that you some questions about first aid kits for boats – especially if this is the first time you’re purchasing one. In an effort to assist you with purchasing the very best option to suit your needs and to ensure your health and safety, we’ve compiled a list of the most frequently asked questions that boaters have about first aid kits, and have provided the answers to those questions.
Q: Do I really need a first aid kit?
A: Yes, you really should have a first aid kit. Even if you’re using an offshore vessel and you don’t intend on going very far from shore, and will only be out on the water for short periods of time, you never know when an emergency can arise. In the event that you suffer an injury, you’ll want to be able to access the medical supplies that you need. For instance, if you developed a gash that resulted in bleeding, you need to be able to treat it right away, otherwise, there’s a chance that the injury will worsen and would need more complex medical care; you could develop an infection, for example.
Q: Where should I store a first aid kit?
A: It depends on the type of vessel. With that said, you’ll want to keep it within arm’s reach and in a location where it can be kept dry and won’t be exposed to extreme temperatures and harsh sun.
Q: Do first aid kits have an expiration date?
A: Technically, no; however, some of the contents may expire and will need to be replaced if they do. For example, over-the-counter medications can expire, and bandages and dressings can become dried out or they can become damp, and their integrity will be compromised.
Q: Are there any regulations for first aid kits for boats?
A: It depends and will vary from the type of vessel and the intended use of that vessel. Check with your local jurisdiction to find out if there are any regulations that you need to be aware of so that you can ensure you are compliant with any existing laws, and even more importantly, so that you can be sure you have the first aid products and supplies that you may need.
Q: Do I need to inspect my first aid kit?
A: Yes! You’ll want to check the contents of your first aid kit on a regular basis to ensure that all of the items are dry, sealed, and safe to use. If you find that any components have become damaged or have expired, you’ll want to replace them right away.
Q: Do I really need survival gear?
A: It depends on your specific needs. What will you be using the kit for? What’s the intended purpose? Are you going to be out on the water for a long period of time? Will you be going far from shore? Will you be sailing in areas where the water is known to be choppy or where there are known obstacles? If you answered “yes” to any of these questions (or similar questions), then yes, survival gear would be helpful.
Conclusion
When it comes to boating, safety must always be a top priority. With the information presented in this guide, you should be able to find a high-quality, reliable kit that will keep you and anyone that you’re sailing with safe and protected.
