I think there are some very good tips above but I am getting concerned with how much we carry in a pfd or vest which is really not designed for it.

Maybe a survival bag tethered to yourself stowed above or below deck it has the following features as a start it floats bright coloured multi pocketed designed to give easy access to the survival gear you need now (radio flares mirror etc) and gear you hope you wont need later matches food etc.

If its on deck then a rapid deploy system that releases from the deck if you pull on it in the event of a capsize/exit or secured between your legs or under your spray deck. This option has some draw backs you would still need to carry some gear in your pfd because you probably don't want to pull back your spray deck to get to something. Always tethered to you with a quick saftey/release.

Just some thoughts

Cheers

Bill