Marine safety

Even though the seas near me (Bay Area) area pretty safe.
I know that the ocean, bay, big boats can be treacherous.
(I would know , do crew in much smaller, yet faster boats.)
What do you need as a safety kit?
A marine compass, GPS, and radio.
I am on a tight budget.
thank you!!!

I'ed get a VHF radio first, VHF with gps would be better. A waterproof and floating one would be the best.

Like this?
http://www.amazon.com/Cobra-Compact-Waterproof-Handheld-Channels/dp/B00126K8BM/ref=sr_1_1?s=sporting-goods&ie=UTF8&qid=1333514600&sr=1-1

after that what would you advise?

http://www.amazon.com/Standard-Horizon-HX751-Floating-VHF/dp/B0034VP6ME/ref=pd_sbs_sg_1

More like this, the radio you posted is only 3 watts, you want at least 5. Remember this could be the difference between making it home or not. Save up for a good radio.

OK thanks for that good advice.

what about this?
Would I need a power source for this?
also I could not find if it is water proof or not.
thanks

Id recomemd you get the entry level Standard Horizon handheld vhf. Standard horizon handhelds are the most rugged brand available. The entry level ( 280s, I think is the model no) is small and light. This is VERY important as it MUST be attached to your pfd AT ALL TIMES (so it doesn't have to float). floating models are bulkier and can get hung up while climbing back aboard when you eventually fall off.
Get a tiny waterproof gps and keep it in your pfd.
Get a compass.
Get pocket flares.
Stuff your yak with pool noodles.
Get immersion gear. A wetsuit or dry gear.
Scour the "Safety First" threads.

A floating one is nice, but u can get by with a waterproof one that does not float- cheaper at areound $100.  I bought a floating one but have yet to take it out of the box bc my existing $100 radio won't die after all these years and it hasn't been dropped into the ocean.

If u use the search function, lot's of threads on minimum/necessary safety gear.  If u have a pfd and radio, it's a good start. Post something in the classified section of what u want to buy, and chances are, you'll find a seller.  I have bought many many gear used from ncka bros.  Wttm and feel free to post questions- but if u show up to an event, you'll get thousands of questions answered and fish with us.

Peace 2 U

How far does five watts reach?
I need it to reach atleast seven miles.
can five watts do that?

Get a good whistle and attach to the shoulder strap of your pfd. Also, I don't know if this was already suggested but a plain old compass is a must on the ocean. First aid kits are good to have as well.

I think 7 miles is unrealistic for a handheld but maybe someone else on the forum has a better idea.  I seem to remember some advertising on my five watt I-com saying five miles, and I know it won't do that.  Sharky's list is some of the best advice you can get.  It is great when things float, just remember in rough seas and currents and winds, you can watch everything that floats ---float away from you!

I think 7 miles is unrealistic for a handheld but maybe someone else on the forum has a better idea.  I seem to remember some advertising on my five watt I-com saying five miles, and I know it won't do that.  Sharky's list is some of the best advice you can get.  It is great when things float, just remember in rough seas and currents and winds, you can watch everything that floats ---float away from you!

Oh ok
I was just thinking that the bay is seven miles across.
But if I was in the bay, I could contact either the west or east bay.
thanks for your advise.
 

Id recomemd you get the entry level Standard Horizon handheld vhf. Standard horizon handhelds are the most rugged brand available. The entry level ( 280s, I think is the model no) is small and light. This is VERY important as it MUST be attached to your pfd AT ALL TIMES (so it doesn't have to float). floating models are bulkier and can get hung up while climbing back aboard when you eventually fall off.
Get a tiny waterproof gps and keep it in your pfd.
Get a compass.
Get pocket flares.
Stuff your yak with pool noodles.
Get immersion gear. A wetsuit or dry gear.
Scour the "Safety First" threads.

I found this and thinking of buying it,
but some of those small compasses don't work.
what do you think?
http://www.amazon.com/Rothco-Super-Whistle-Compass-Thermometer/dp/B00168LCE8/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_S_T1?ie=UTF8&coliid=I3IPEOBG2I7WBR&colid=3NIGI7HEWJ0EZ

I think 7 miles is unrealistic for a handheld but maybe someone else on the forum has a better idea.  I seem to remember some advertising on my five watt I-com saying five miles, and I know it won't do that.  Sharky's list is some of the best advice you can get.  It is great when things float, just remember in rough seas and currents and winds, you can watch everything that floats ---float away from you!

Oh ok
I was just thinking that the bay is seven miles across.
But if I was in the bay, I could contact either the west or east bay.
thanks for your advise.

I think the distance rating for VHF's are more like Handheld to Handheld distance, like when your out with a group of yakers fishing together.  Coast guard/Rescue has powerful antennas and should be able to hear you if you need to call for distress.

Speaking of fishing together, it's one of the best ways to be safe out there on the water    And as long as you have a VHF, there is a good change others will be carrying additional safety equipment that you can radio for assistance without having to rely on the coast guard.

I carry a silva ranger compass from my forestry gear. It has a sighting mirror that makes a great signal mirror.
Totally waterproof and easy to carry in a small PFD pocket. Any compass that does not let you set the declination (the difference between true north and magnetic north,which changes depending on where you are but can mean over a 20 degree difference in direction) is not a real compass IMHO.  Do not rely solely on battery powered stuff. Learn how to use the low tech as well. 
Don't go too cheap with the big safety items like PFD and immersion gear.  These folks on this site are awesome for great advice.   The absolute best advice on safety for me from these guys is: never go alone   The best part for a newbie like me is everyone I go with has more experience than me and its great learning from them.
Good luck shopping.