I'd have to preface this with saying that I do mostly inland water paddling around the greater Seattle Area.

However, Here's what I have on my PFD:
- I keep my handy rape whistle at the ready, you know, frisky seals, etc.... Or in case I happen to be in the water and wanna get someone's attention to help me out.

- I have an Old Dive knife that is secured, Handle down on the inside left of the PFD.

- Typically, I keep my cell phone and a cheapo digital camera in a water proof bag in the upper left pocket.

- There is a lower right front Pocket on my PFD where a keep a signal mirror, nail clippers, as well as a couple of power bar (uggg gel aka goop) packets.


This is a subject I've not put too much thought into. However, I would imagine a light, personal locator beacon and a portable VHF would be good things to think about as well.