Thanks for your post John. As I often dive in high current / waves offshore, I carry a deep water kit that consists of:
1. ACR MicroFix EPIRB with GPS
2. ACR Strobe
3. Rescue Laser (all in a sealed case)
4. Emergency water
5. Emergency Ration Bars
Assuming that my suit is intact/dry, this will keep me alive for up to 48 hours. The water in the North Atlantic is cold (presently 33.1 degrees F), so I have a chance to live that long on the outside, but if SAR doesn't get me by then, it wont matter.
Thanks for the list. You also make a good point that the dive enviroment needs to be considered. In Asia exposure protection from the sun needs to be considered and I would think emergency water would be more important since survival beyond 48 hours is a strong possibility.
I can not imagine being able to survive 48 hours in 33F water in a Drysuit. That would truly be a horrible experience.
John