Type of suitcase / holdall to take to sea ?

[DaveThePlumber]

Any specific guide lines on this. Was looking at getting one of the newer style large 33" holdalls which have a trolley pulls out bottom of them. Seem to have more room and compartments than suitcases plus also have advantage of storing flat for extra space ! Any regulations on colours ? Was going to get a red or brown one so it's easier to spot than the usual plains black !

[Chiefy]

tis the Merchant Navy, no restrictions other than you have to be able to carry it yourself and not be embarrassed by it...so no little trunkie for you

I have a hard case Samsonite that is doing good service, though has developed a squeaky wheel I ought to lube prior to pay off

[ETwhat?]

I have a hard case Samsonite that is doing good service, though has developed a squeaky wheel I ought to lube prior to pay off

now dont leave it till the last minute to start big jobs like that, what would your relief say if he arrived to find you with it in bits all over the cabin?

[chris]

well I'm not in the habit of correcting Chiefy but camouflage style clothing and apparently luggage is illegal in certain countries, such as Barbados.

[Chiefy]

Not sure I understand, however always willing to learn, but from an MN point of view there are no limits (which was what the OP was asking), why anyone would want a camouflaged bag or wear clothing of that ilk to join a ship I really dont know However I suppose some people might

Got to admit when on AHTS we all seemed to wear cargo pants, #1 all over hair Cuts and dark glasses joining and leaving in Equatorial Guinea I guess we could have looked a bit military (non of us was small!), however the Point Star hold-alls where a clue as Pointy Star havent actually taken over any countries......yet

Which reminds me, depends which ship type you are joining on an off shore boat you may want a collapsible soft hold all style bag, just cos it's easier to stash while not in use as space is more limited than on big old lego boats.

My relief always joins to find the cabin immaculate and the paperwork all filled in the right folders, admittedly sometimes I am still replacing the folders as he walks in but meh ....you'll find lots of chief's tend to think of their desk as a universal in tray that only gets sorted properly IF they hear of visitors coming or handover day, a clean desk is the sign of a disturbed mind.

*writes note on back of hand to bring up wd40 or equivalent after FWE

[Steve]

Got to admit when on AHTS we all seemed to wear cargo pants, #1 all over hair Cuts and dark glasses joining and leaving in Equatorial Guinea I guess we could have looked a bit military (non of us was small!), however the Point Star hold-alls where a clue as Pointy Star havent actually taken over any countries......yet

You got pretty close though: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2004_Eq...%A9tat_attempt

[chris]

camouflage and Barbadian law

"You should be aware that it is an offence for anyone, including children, to dress in camouflage clothing."

http://www.fco.gov.uk/en/travel-and-living-abroad/travel-advice-by-country/north-central-america/antigua-barbuda

Someone was telling me this extends to luggage as well.

[Ducki52]

camouflage and Barbadian law

http://www.hobotraveler.com/2006/02/...-barbados.html on some other websites too

It hurt my eyes to read that.

[Chiefy]

and again every days a school day, however never been there so never been told about it....guess who forgot the wd40...tomorrows job then

[DaveThePlumber]

*Bump*

so guys my first sea phase is in march and need a decent holdall. I bought the one as mentioned above and low and behold the handle snapped first time in airport haha. Need something over 30" with trolley and shoulder straps. Nothing that's goina break like 5cities one anyone any recommendations ?

[ETwhat?]

I have a burghaus one about 100L it has wheels but becasue it is long has no frame so it rolls up, can be but on as a rucksack and has a reasonable amount of handles for other things, not cheap but then in maybe 6 or 7 years of joining vessels all over the place it has never had any issues.

[DaveThePlumber]

Where did you get this from ?

[ETwhat?]

I think belfast from these guys http://www.jackson-sports.com/

[chris]

Im looking at getting some new luggage for going to sea so thought I'd bring up this old thread, unless theres a more recent one I missed.


How much do these 100 litre trolley bags approx weigh if you fill them with clothes and normal seagoing stuff? Wouldn't want to go over the individual bag weight limit etc.

[laura]

North Face duffel bags are amazing and really last, wheels are a definite advantage but it depends on how much weight is an issue. No wheels means less bulky and easier to throw over your shoulder/ wear like a bagpack- handy for steep gangways!

I have an eastpak europa soft pak at the moment- it's the same size as a cabin bag but not a hard case so there's never any hassle takng it onboard a plane- it's got a lifetime guarantee and is good for carry on as well as putting in the hold due to it's size, like it's suitable for both. Can be worn across the shoulder or as a rucksack.

Going offshore? Take a small bag, you'll get away with a bigger holdall/ bag as a cadet but even then you'll get strange looks. Unlikely to need uniform offshore- take a shirt just in case, otherwise one set of good going ashore gear, then trousers/ shorts and working t-shirts of choice (jeans or joggies are the norm) and trainers/ flip flops (depending on your company) for inside the accommodation- any extra clothes I'd say thermals for North Sea and a couple of decent thick working socks, good jumpers and a beanie hat as well as magic gloves for under your working ones. Otherwise just take essentials and keep it to a minimum.

Small bag means it meets helicopter limits and so forth. Working in West Africa everyone takes hand luggage and nothing else- again sometimes it's helicopters or surfer boats to join a ship and the main reason are that things less likely to go missing/ get stolen if they turn up at all and less hassle with 'officials'...