First aid kits are one of the most under-discussed topics in boating. Everyone talks about lifejackets, VHF radios, and flares—but the medical supplies that live quietly in a locker often go ignored for years. That’s a problem, because bandages get damp, adhesives lose their stick, gloves perish, and medicines quietly expire.
Before you launch into the summer season, give your kit the attention it deserves.
Step one: audit what you have
Start by emptying your kit on the saloon table and checking every item.
- Expired medications: Pain relief, sunscreen, seasickness tablets and antiseptic cream all have use-by dates. Burnsco stocks replacements, including sunscreen and First Aid Restock packs.
- Packaging integrity: Any torn or damp sterile dressings should be replaced. Burnsco’s sterile gauze pads and adhesive bandage packs make it easy to top up.
- Condition of gear: Gloves and elastic bandages often degrade. Keep a supply of Burnsco nitrile gloves and crepe bandages sealed in bags for reliability.
Tip: Tape a checklist to the inside lid of your kit and mark when items were last checked.
What every onboard kit should include
Experienced marine medics, and Maritime NZ guidelines agree on a core set of essentials.
At minimum, carry:
- Sterile dressings and adhesive bandages
- Antiseptic wipes and ointments
- Triangular bandages and crepe bandages
- Burn dressings and gel
- Tape, scissors, tweezers, safety pins
- Nitrile gloves and a CPR mask
- Thermal survival blanket — Burnsco’s compact survival blankets are lightweight and easy to stow.
For offshore cruising, consider upgrading to the Burnsco Offshore First Aid Kit which adds more advanced dressings, and space for additional medications.
Smart extras for Kiwi conditions
New Zealand boaters also face specific risks:
- Sunburn — always pack SPF50+ marine sunscreen.
- Insect bites — a small bottle of insect repellent belongs in every kit.
- Fishing accidents — consider a dedicated hook cutter or multitool. Being able to snip a hook barb can save a painful and risky trip ashore.
Kits made for boating
Burnsco makes it easy to match your kit to your boating style:
- Grab ’n’ Go First Aid Kit – compact and perfect for day trips or dinghy runs.
- Coastal First Aid Kit – covers most injuries you’ll encounter on weekend cruises.
- Offshore First Aid Kit – marine-grade and waterproof, suited for longer bluewater passages.
Storage and maintenance
Where you keep your kit is as important as what’s in it. If your container is cracked or no longer watertight, replace it with a Burnsco waterproof first aid box. Store it somewhere accessible, clearly marked, and known to all crew.
Make kit checks part of your annual cycle: once before summer, once mid-season. Add it to your log alongside engine service, safety gear, and antifoul.
A final thought
Boating is an incredibly safe pastime in New Zealand, but accidents still happen. Whether it’s a fishing hook, a burn from the BBQ, or a sprained ankle on a slippery deck, a well-stocked first aid kit can make all the difference.
None of us plan to need one, but when something goes wrong on the water you’ll be glad it’s there. With Burnsco’s range of marine-grade kits, refills, and waterproof storage solutions, you can be confident your boat is ready for the unexpected this summer.
