Things to Carry on a Ship While Joining: Complete Checklist for Seafarers

Introduction

Joining a ship for the first time is both exciting and overwhelming. For students stepping into their first contract or seasoned professionals preparing for another voyage, knowing what to carry on a ship can make or break the experience. With contracts lasting months, the right preparation ensures comfort, safety, and peace of mind onboard.

This blog offers a practical ship joining checklist, blending essentials with lived experiences from seafarers who’ve learned what really matters.

Why Packing Right Matters for Seafarers

Life onboard is very different from life ashore. Stores aren’t always accessible, and getting small personal items at sea can be nearly impossible. Packing carefully not only avoids last-minute stress but also helps you settle smoothly once onboard. The goal is to carry enough to be self-sufficient without overloading your baggage.

Essential Things to Carry on a Ship While Joining

Documentation

Documents are the backbone of a seafarer’s career. Employers provide a checklist, but you must double-check everything. Key items include:

• Passport with minimum 12 months validity.
• Relevant visas as per ship’s trading route.
• Continuous Discharge Certificate (CDC) with at least a year left.
• Vaccination records (Yellow Fever, Cholera, etc.).
• STCW 2010 certificates (basic or advanced).
• Dangerous cargo endorsement if applicable.
• Medical certificate approved by DG Shipping doctor.
• Signed employment contract and terms.
• Emergency contact details and beneficiary registration.

A smart move is to keep photocopies at home and a digital copy in cloud storage.

Clothes and Medicines

Overpacking clothes is a common mistake. Ships provide laundry facilities, so carry practical quantities:

• 5–6 T-shirts, 2–3 casual shirts, 1–2 formal shirts.
• 2–3 jeans/trousers, 1–2 formal pants.
• 6–8 vests, 10–12 pairs of socks, 6–8 underwear.
• 2–3 pajamas/lowers, 3–4 shorts.
• 1–2 jackets/sweatshirts.
• Towels and handkerchiefs.

For medicines:

• A basic first aid kit, bandages, and antiseptics.
• Prescription drugs with doctor’s note.
• General items like painkillers, cold medicines, or hot water bags.

Personal Care Items

Life onboard demands self-reliance in personal care. Essentials include:

• Toothbrush, toothpaste, face wash.
• Shaving kit or trimmer.
• Shampoo, oil, moisturizer.
• Deodorant and talcum powder.
• Sanitizers and nail cutter.
• Waterproof watch, torch, detergent sachets.
• Formal shoes, casual shoes, sandals.
  

Stationery Items

While ships provide basic stationery, having your own saves time. Pack:

• Pocket diary and notebook.
• Pens, pencils, markers.
• Ruler, eraser, sharpener.
• Paper cutter with blades.

These are small but handy for note-taking, logs, or personal journaling.

Also Read: How to Apply for Dangerous Cargo Certificate: Complete Guide for Seafarers

Eatables

Food onboard can feel repetitive, so small snacks from home provide comfort. Dry fruits, biscuits, homemade sweets, and packaged snacks are great morale boosters. Pack smartly to avoid spoilage.

Forex Exchange & International Cards

Since you’ll travel through multiple countries, carrying forex or an international debit/credit card is crucial. It ensures financial flexibility without relying on shipmates.

Emergency Contacts and Copies of Documents

Keep a printed list of emergency contacts and give a copy of your key documents to family at home. If anything happens, they’ll be able to act quickly.

International SIM & Calling Apps

Staying in touch is vital. Options include:

• International SIM cards.
• Apps like WhatsApp, Skype, IMO, or Nymgo.

Always check internet availability on your vessel.

Official Documents and Packages

Sometimes, you may be asked to carry sealed documents or equipment packages for the company. Treat these with utmost care and confirm all details before travel.

Additional Tips for First-Time Seafarers

Share Bank Details with Family

Ensure your family has your bank details for smooth transactions during your absence.

Research Local Conditions and Laws

Before joining, read about the port country’s customs and rules. Missteps can cause unnecessary trouble.

Keep Valuables at Home

Ships aren’t the best place for gold jewelry or expensive gadgets. Carry only what you need.

Pack Extra Warm Clothes

Even tropical voyages can bring cold nights. A couple of warm layers are essential.

Travel Light

Remember, you’ll have to carry your own luggage through airports, ports, and gangways. Traveling light means less stress.

Common Mistakes to Avoid While Packing

• Carrying too many clothes and shoes.
• Forgetting important documents.
• Overloading with snacks that spoil quickly.
• Packing valuables unnecessarily.
• Ignoring weather conditions of the vessel’s route.
  

Final Thoughts

Preparing to join a vessel is a milestone in every seafarer’s life. A well-thought-out ship joining checklist ensures you’re confident, comfortable, and ready for the contract ahead. Whether it’s your first trip or your tenth, the essentials remain the same: documents, practicality, and a touch of home in your bag.

The sea teaches adaptability, but preparation makes that lesson smoother. Carry wisely, travel light, and focus on the adventure waiting at the horizon.