What type of safety gear is required for water ditching procedures?

The required safety gear for water ditching procedures is a life vest or flotation device, as it provides essential buoyancy and helps keep the wearer afloat in situations where aircraft accidents occur over water. This equipment is crucial for ensuring that aircrew members can survive in the water until rescue or assistance arrives, reducing the risk of drowning in an emergency.

While helmets and oxygen masks are important pieces of safety equipment in certain flying conditions, they are not specifically designed for use upon water immersion or in the event of a water ditching scenario. Survival suits might provide thermal protection in cold water, but their primary function is not flotation assistance. Therefore, the life vest or flotation device stands out as the most vital piece of gear specifically tailored to enhance chances of survival during water-related emergencies.