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.