OfficerCadet.com - What should I pack?
  • What should I pack?

    Are you heading on your first trip to sea and unsure what to take? Let us help.


    Let's talk suitcases
    It is recommended that any suitcase you pick should have wheels. This makes it much easier to transport between planes/trains/ships.
    Depending on how much stuff you are taking this could be one larger case or two smaller ones.

    Seafarers Baggage Allowance - 40kg total, 23kg max single bag.


    Let's talk hand luggage
    Usually limited to a single piece, 22"x18"x10".
    All important documents, ENG1, Discharge book etc should be packed here.


    Forget these and you're going home
    Discharge book/ENG1 - Lose these and you're not joining your ship.
    Passport - pretty handy for travelling between countries.


    Forget these and you'll wish you were home
    Laptop/External HDD - Your few DVDs bought in the airport won't last forever, remember to pack your movies HDD.


    Nice to have for Deckies
    A nice leatherman/multi-tool.
    Sunglasses.


    Nice to have for Clankys
    A good quality small shifter (adjustable spanner).
    A rugged small torch (LED recommended).


    The Essentials
    Don't forget your Uniform. This is not normally provided onboard, although it is advisable to contact your ship prior to joining for a recommended uniform list.

    Cabin clothing - This is your own space, take a small selection of your favourite clothes, especially comfy shoes/slippers.

    Cabin equipment - Take a multi-plug gang socket. Alarm clock (battery). Some stationary.

    Going ashore - Take a few smart shirts/trousers for when you go up the road.
    Beach towel.

    Gym onboard? - You might want to take some sports kit if you like to train regularly.

    Finally, don't forget to take your toiletries.


    Note
    This list is not exhaustive, and may vary depending on where you are travelling.
    Comments 7 Comments
    1. Lewisscott22's Avatar
      Lewisscott22 -
      For suitcases, could I ask what would be a good size? in litres?
    1. GuinnessMan's Avatar
      GuinnessMan -
      One that you can carry around and lift easily. For instance, having something the size of a house isn't easy to haul up a gangway.
    1. Clanky's Avatar
      Clanky -
      If you go to somewhere like BHS and look at the luggage sets they have, get 1 of the big sized ones - with wheels and handle.
    1. CharlieDelta's Avatar
      CharlieDelta -
      I've got one of these. http://www.amazon.co.uk/Eastpak-Unis...7823281&sr=8-2

      140 litres of goodness. Could fit a small elephant inside if you wanted to. Folds flat, not too cumbersome and good quality. I pack pretty light so even with a mountain of uniform, I survive with that and a 40-odd litre cabin bag.
    1. Ducki52's Avatar
      Ducki52 -
      Quote Originally Posted by The H View Post
      Got to say, if you don't mind looking like a serviceman/woman, these are the nuts. I've had mine nearly 4 years and they're still going strong, they're actually quite well built and designed for something that the MOD issue.
    1. The H's Avatar
      The H -
      I'm RFA and this is what we get issued.
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