What should I take with me on the ship? The time of the first embarkation is approaching for many young cadets, and the questions are logical. What do I need? How many kilos should I take? What is useful and what is unnecessary? In this guide, you will find detailed advice, based on experience, to confidently start your life at sea.
The truth is that in the era we are going through, many things have changed. Nevertheless, there are many young people who are boarding for the first time and do not know exactly what to take with them, and either take unnecessary things or do not take some that they will definitely need.
For the young people preparing for this new beginning in their lives and wondering, “What should I take with me on the ship?” we would like to suggest some things that may prove useful.
The weight of the luggage plays a very big role, and it is very important not to exceed the permitted kilos. For sailors, the permitted weight is 40 kilos for the total of their luggage, but be careful that one suitcase does not exceed (depends on the airline)!
Once you find out where you are going and with which airline, it would be good to contact them or visit their site and get informed before you are faced with surprises.
Here, we will suggest some things based on experience, so that you take the essentials and do not exceed the permitted kilos.
Of course, if you are an experienced sailor, what we will write is obvious to you, but for a new cadet boarding for the first time, I am sure it will be quite useful.
What should I take with me on the ship: See below for some suggestions
1. CLOTHES: Clothes are the first thing we all think about. It is good not to take a whole wardrobe with you because you will surely carry them for nothing, and you may also have a problem with the kilos at the airport. For example, do not take 5-6 pairs of jeans or 7-8 shirts! My advice is 2 pairs of pants, 3 long-sleeved shirts, 4-5 short-sleeved shirts, 8-10 white T-shirts (for work under the uniform), 2 tracksuits, 1 sweater (always needed), a jacket, shoes, slippers, and of course underwear. Also, something I consider very important for a sailor to take with them is safety shoes. The company provides safety shoes to everyone, but their quality is usually very poor, so buying them will benefit you and your feet…
2. BOOKS: Nowadays, with the digitalization that exists, someone taking books with them on the ship tends to be a bit rare. Nevertheless, a cadet—and not only—must have some digital books with them that will help. I understand that young people have learned that they need to “Google it,” but you should keep in mind that you will neither have unlimited internet on the ship nor are the information we often find online always correct. A book is always more reliable. However, to avoid confusion, I should mention that the ship has almost everything regarding the information you will need.
3. SHOWER GEL-SHAMPOO: It would be good to take with you 2 shampoos and 1 large-sized shower gel. Many may wonder why 2 shampoos and 1 shower gel. I could tell you to take 2 and 2 or 3 and 3, but as we said, we want to save space and weight, so you take the absolute essentials, and when you reach a port, you buy from there.
If for some reason you don’t immediately reach a port, in case of necessity, you can shower and simultaneously use shampoo as shower gel if you’ve run out of the latter. We said, only in case of necessity. If you took a shampoo and it ran out, it wouldn’t be ideal to shower with shower gel…. On the other hand, if the ship you’re boarding is large (e.g., a VLCC), you might need to take an extra shampoo to be sure. Also, don’t forget toothbrushes and toothpaste! We usually need one toothbrush every 3 months.
4. **Laptop and hard drives:** In this day and age, I understand it’s unlikely for someone to board without a laptop. I mention it, however, to emphasize something very important for those who don’t know. The laptop, like any other electronic device (tablet, etc.), should be kept with you in a backpack or small carry-on bag you take on the plane. It is prohibited to place them in checked luggage. Hard drives can be placed in your suitcase and don’t need to be carried. I mentioned hard drives because they’ll prove very useful for storing movies or series to watch on the ship.
**5. MEDICINES and VITAMINS:** If you have a health condition requiring long-term medication, take enough to last, if not the entire 6 months, at least 3–4 months. Basic medicines are available on board, but it’s not a bad idea to bring, for example, an antibiotic (some may have dental issues), some painkillers, and a muscle-relaxing ointment. Due to the somewhat complex diet on board, where there may be periods without access to the fruits and vegetables your body needs, it’s very important—if not mandatory—to bring vitamins and dietary supplements.
**Small but important**
There are also some small items that are quite significant. These could be a razor or razor blades, a nail clipper (not so insignificant!), a brush, a multi-plug adapter which might come in handy. If you smoke, if you have a second phone charger, take it. Also, if you have headphones for your laptop, bring those too. The ship has cigarettes on board.
If you smoke a specific type of tobacco or something particular and want to bring it with you, be aware that some countries, like Singapore, are very strict about transporting tobacco products—even e-cigarettes. The fines are severe, so you must be especially careful.
**Closing**
One last very important thing! Always keep all your certificates (seaman’s book, safety certificates, passport, etc.) and money in your carry-on! Don’t put them in checked luggage—they might get lost!
I hope I didn’t forget anything, though I think I’ve covered the most important things for you.
What I told you is my personal opinion on what is important and what will make your journey and carrying easier for you.
Some others might suggest some other things that will be equally correct.
And one more very important thing… Take PATIENCE with you!!!
Good journeys to all the young colleagues and a good start!
Read also:
Five things you should know before choosing a career at sea
First time as a sub-lieutenant: Useful tips
