If you are a seafarer who is about to join a vessel, you might be wondering what to pack in your luggage. Packing for a sea voyage can be challenging, as you have to consider the climate, the duration, the space, and the weight of your belongings. You also have to make sure that you have everything you need for your work and your personal comfort. To help you out, we have compiled a list of tips and a checklist of the recommended items to pack for your next sea voyage.
Tips for Packing for a Sea Voyage
- Check with your crewing company the navigational area of your future vessel so as to pack your clothes based on the climatic zone in which you will be working. If you will be sailing in a hot climate, pack more T-shirts, shorts, and swimming trunks. If you will be facing a cold winter, pack thermal clothes, boots, cap, scarf, gloves, and a warm jacket.
- Divide your clothes into two categories: smart and working. Smart clothes are for going out and socializing, while working clothes are for your daily duties on board. You can pack one or two outfits for each category, depending on the length of your voyage and the availability of laundry facilities on board.
- Pack comfortable and sturdy shoes that are suitable for your work and leisure activities. Avoid step-in shoes, as they are prohibited on board for safety reasons. You can also pack rubber slippers for showering and relaxing in your cabin.
- Pack a hat or a bandana to protect your head from the sun and the wind. A panama or a rag back is recommended for seafarers working on the deck, as they are less likely to be blown away by the wind than a baseball cap.
- Pack some personal hygiene items, such as toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, shampoo, deodorant, razor, etc. You can also pack some extra items that you prefer or need, such as moisturizer, sunscreen, lip balm, etc. However, do not overpack these items, as they can take up a lot of space and weight in your luggage. You can always buy more at the ports or from the ship’s store.
- Pack some entertainment items, such as books, magazines, music players, headphones, games, etc. These items can help you pass the time and relax during your free time on board. You can also pack some items that reflect your hobbies or interests, such as a camera, a sketchbook, a musical instrument, etc.
- Pack some electronic devices, such as a mobile phone, a laptop, a tablet, etc. These devices can help you stay connected with your family and friends, as well as access information and entertainment online. However, be aware of the availability and cost of internet access on board. You might want to download some offline content before you join the vessel.
- Pack some accessories that can make your life easier on board, such as an external battery pack, a power adapter, a flashlight, a travel pillow, etc. You can also pack some tools that you find useful or necessary for your work, such as a screwdriver, a wrench, a tape measure, etc.
- Pack some documents that are essential for your travel and work, such as your passport, visa (if required), seaman’s book (if required), contract letter (if required), medical certificate (if required), vaccination certificate (if required), etc. You should also pack some copies of these documents in case of loss or damage.
- Pack some cash in different currencies that are accepted at the ports that you will visit. You might need cash for buying souvenirs or services at the ports or for tipping the port workers or agents. You can also pack some credit cards or debit cards that are compatible with international transactions.
Checklist of Recommended Items to Pack for a Sea Voyage
Here is a checklist of the recommended items to pack for your next sea voyage. You can adjust the quantity and variety of these items according to your personal preference and needs.
Clothes
- T-shirts: 5 – 10
- Shorts: 2 – 4
- Pants: 2 – 4
- Underwear: 5 – 10
- Socks: 5 – 10
- Sweater: 1 – 2
- Jacket: 1 – 2
- Swimming trunks: 1 – 2
- Shoes: 2 – 3 pairs
- Slippers: 1 pair
- Hat or bandana: 1 – 2
Personal Hygiene Items
- Toothbrush: 1 – 2
- Toothpaste: 1 – 2 tubes
- Soap: 1 – 2 bars
- Shampoo: 1 – 2 bottles
- Deodorant: 1 – 2 sticks
- Razor: 1 – 2
- Shaving cream: 1 – 2 cans
- Moisturizer: 1 – 2 bottles
- Sunscreen: 1 – 2 bottles
- Lip balm: 1 – 2 sticks
Entertainment Items
- Books: 2 – 4
- Magazines: 2 – 4
- Music player: 1
- Headphones: 1 pair
- Games: 1 – 2
- Camera: 1
- Sketchbook: 1
- Musical instrument: 1
Electronic Devices
- Mobile phone: 1
- Laptop: 1
- Tablet: 1
- External battery pack: 1
- Power adapter: 1
- Flashlight: 1
Accessories
- Travel pillow: 1
- Sunglasses: 1 pair
- Watch: 1
- Wallet: 1
- Screwdriver: 1
- Wrench: 1
- Tape measure: 1
Documents
- Passport: 1 + copies
- Visa (if required): 1 + copies
- Seaman’s book (if required): 1 + copies
- Contract letter (if required): 1 + copies
- Medical certificate (if required): 1 + copies
- STCW Certificates
- Vaccination certificate (if required): 1 + copies
Cash and Cards
- Cash in different currencies: as much as you need or can afford
- Credit cards or debit cards: as many as you need or can use
We hope that this guide and checklist will help you pack for your next sea voyage. Remember to pack light, pack smart, and pack according to your needs. Have a safe and enjoyable voyage!
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