Lost At Sea: Expert Ranking

When you’re stranded in the middle of the ocean, it’s not about finding your way to land—it’s about staying alive and getting spotted. According to the Coast Guard, the most critical items are those that: • Attract attention (hello, mirror signal!) • Support survival until help arrives Navigation tools? Not so useful. A life raft won’t get you 1,000 miles, and there’s no way to carry enough food and water to make the trip. Without ways to signal for help, you’re basically invisible.

1. Shaving Mirror: Of all the items, the mirror is absolutely critical. It is the most powerful tool you have for communicating your presence. In sunlight, a simple mirror can generate five to seven million candlepower of light. The reflected sunbeam can even be seen beyond the horizon.
2. 10 liter can of Oil/Petrol mixture: 2nd most critical item for signaling. The mixture will float on water & can be ignited using the matches.
3. 25 liter container of Water: Vital to restore fluids lost through perspiration. Quantity will supply rations for your group for several days.
4. Case of Army Rations: This is your basic food intake.
5. 20 sq. ft. Plastic Tarp: Can be used to collect rain water & shelter from wind & waves.
6. 2 boxes of Chocolate Bars: Your reserve food supply.
7. An ocean Fishing Kit & Pole: Ranked lower than chocolate as there is no guarantee you’ll catch fish. Pole could be used as a tent pole.
8. 15 ft. of Nylon Rope: Could be used to lash people or equipment together to prevent being washed overboard. There are a variety of other uses but non high on the list for survival.
9. Floating Seat Cushion: Useful as a life preserver if someone fell overboard.
10. Can of Shark Repellent: Obvious!
11. One bottle of Rubbing Alcohol: Can be used as an antiseptic for any injuries. Not to be ingested as it will cause dehydration.
12. Small Transistor Radio: You would be out of range of any radio station.
13. Maps of the Pacific Ocean: Worthless without navigation equipment.
14. Mosquito Netting: There are NO mosquitos in the middle of the ocean.
15. Sextant: Useless without the relevant tables & a chronometer.