Dutch flagged tanker captain here. Thats the reason why I always carry an ample amount of tylenol and advil when coming on board. Cost me a few dollar per trip and saves a lot of hassle.
@@marcelreeuwijk7295 ja we worden jaarlijks extern getest, maandelijks aan boord op alcohol en 2x per jaar komen ze aan boord voor een niet aangekondigde drugstest.
@@moorshound3243 I believe you have to join one of the unions and then they have jobs that come up though you have to make sure you're staying active with communication and whatnot at the union. I'm pretty sure there is at least a basic computerized test to make sure you have the necessary skills for what would be expected on the job though there are places at the SIU that offer free training if you can get there. And I think you can even join as a helper in the kitchen without some of the other testing.
I would always recommend a good multi tool you can stick on your belt, a pair of eyeshades/eye mask and an extra pair of shoelaces for your work boots/sneakers or any other shoes with laces. They always break at the exact wrong time and you never have access to a decent replacement. Two things I always keep on me, everyday, everywhere is a small flashlight (120 lumen ThruNite Ti2) and a Gerber Dime multi tool that fits in my jeans watch pocket. The flashlight is small enough to keep out of the way, can hold it in your mouth for two hand tasks and puts out a very good amount of light. The Gerber Dime, small knife, pliers, package opener, bottle opener and either tweezers or toothpick.
If you hold a flashlight in your mouth a lot a good trick is to put a couple wraps of electrical tape around the back of it so your teeth don't have to grate on aluminum.
I'll never forget when my younger cousin took his first job working on a drilling rig in the Gulf of Mex. His assignment was for 14 days on and 14 off. So he packed 14 paints, T-Shirts, underwater socks...... everything. He didn't know they had washer and dryers on the rig!
Thank you SO much for showing me a lifestyle SO far removed from here - an old town in England , nowhere near the sea where old people play croquet and bridge - I can escape in my head ! thank you the vids are brill
On the boat we carried a flashlight on our belt and multi-tool. A good knife in pocket. Head lamp for night stuff. Add 1 small container of sea sick pills and some ear plugs.
I traveled for work for 25+ years and was constantly exposed to new people and their local bugs. I found that rinsing my sinuses with NeilMed saline twice daily to be my best preventative treatment. Also keeping my flu shots and other vaccinations up to date of course. As always, I enjoyed your vlog today.
I did a contract on a cruise ship as the sound guy in the entertainment department. (Just one. While I LOVED it, it wasn't a long term solution for me.) I completely overpacked. While I still only had one case and a backpack, I used only about 2/3 of what I brought. Great list!
Couldn't do what you do in a million years, but love watching the slice of life view into your world, always makes my couch feel that much better. Keep at it brother, wind at your back!
Regarding your paperwork. It’s critical in case of injury or some dispute regarding your service or assignment. My dad spent 30 years in the army and, like you, kept every piece of paper relating to his service. It helped me put together a chronology of his service as well as helped getting my mom some VA benefits due her for his service.
Dude been binge watching your channel last couple days, no particular interest in seafaring but really enjoy the great story telling and videography. Top notch work.
Depending on the vessel you sail, bring your own laundry detergent. If the vessel has self-serve laundry, they don't always provide detergent. Pods or the dried detergent sheets are great when traveling.
Ah yeah! Joe has new content! Always entertaining! FAA technician here, never been on a large ship, but have enjoyed the whole ride from the first video on your channel to now!
@@williams-wr5lg on a tanker every area outside within 100ft/.30m from the cargo area is considered a gas zone. The use of non ATEX approved equipment is prohibited due to the risk of explosions. No phones, no smart watches, no mp3 players, only approved porto’s lights.
Joe, as a welder for the last 25 years, a couple of decent welding caps are a bit more comfortable than a bandanna. Just a thought. Glad to see you up on here. If you ever get through southeastern NC and want a place to chill in the RV, I have 56 acres about 10 minutes off I95. Much love to you.
I served on a US Navy Ohio Class Submerine, Gold Team Back in the 80's. I used to pack 60 cans of chew in my sea bag. Back then a can was 28 cents. I sure miss those days at sea, love your channel wishing I was young again.
I've been a desert dweller most of my life - so lived the life near, or on the water vicariously through books as a child, now through UA-cam videos. I like yours because it's about working life on the oceans or the great lakes and gives a view of how ports work. Thank you for all of your efforts to share these videos, so glad I found your channel!
As an engineer working on gov't contract ships, I'm stuck bringing my own coveralls. That's about a third of the bulk. I tend to bring two pairs of work boots. If one pair gets soaked I still have something to wear while the 1st pair dries out. I buy most of my shampoo from the slop chest. That might be an option on MSC contract ships if your not fussy. Ditto on soap since the ship provides it.
Love your videos! I’ve only sailed on the Great Lakes, but I would ALWAYS have 2 pairs of work boots. I’ve gone in the drink a couple times handling lines from a work boat, and having a pair of dry shoes is a life saver! Also the boats have rain gear, but it sucks, I got my own pair to use for washing the tunnels, and deck.
Thanks Joe, another great job. From one Jersey guy to another, glad to see you posting again. I’ve never had a sea bag but I did use to deploy for 2-3 week wildfire fighting details, so the packing has a lot of similarities. We obviously didn’t move around geographically as much as you do aboard a ship, but a lot of people would be surprised at the diurnal temperature changes that can be encountered in the mountains, even in the middle of summer. Keep up the good work and looking forward to your next posting.
One thing I personally always have is a couple of notebooks and if there's any trainees or cadets even if your school don't tell you to bring one you do it anyways you never know when someone let's slip something useful
One day too late! Just put my son on a plane to Quebec to board his first cargo ship. I believe they are heading to the Arctic. I watched many of your previous videos looking for hints about what to pack. So thankful to have found your channel! Overall, I think we did ok. Now I anxiously await his return!
Navy sailor here, we have tons of PPE that we have to carry around. a good thermos for coffee on the bridge/on watch is a lifesaver, and those that smoke bring tons of cigarettes too.
I would add that an embarkation checklist with your packing items and then bringing a disembarkation checklist to go through so you don't forget anything on the ship. Relying on memory is an error trap you can avoid. In addition to the clippers, I'd pack a fingernail file as well as you're bound to get one roughed up working on deck or below deck and nothing is more annoying.
Not a sailor but the list is practically identical to what I pack as a travel nurse when going to a new contract, usually staying away for 2-3 months at a time. Great video and interesting channel.
It was a little different for me. I was in the Navy. Love the video. Not sure what you do need to watch more videos, but looks like you get a stateroom. I have to live in a compartment with about 30 personally. And I was on a much smaller ship. Adam's class destroyer.
I started following you when I started bridge watch in port hawkesbury Nova Scotia, just so happens you were leaving the port at the gravel pit. Thanks for your tips and tricks, I would of never knew about the boots on airplanes now I know thanks to you. By the way I am half way done my cadet time.
I don’t work on ships. But I do work for the railroad, and it’s similar in that we work in all weather, all day, everyday. And where I’m at it’s not uncommon for it to be 70 degrees one hour, and drop down to 50 the next. Especially in spring or fall. And our winters here are brutal. So working in cold wet environments I would recommend wool. Bare minimum wool base layer, wool socks, wool hat and glove liners, a wool sweater OR wool jacket. The socks and glove liners are cheap, but the wool long John’s and sweater or jacket and be a lot more expensive, but they are very durable and will last along time, especially if you wear them under your normal work jacket or coveralls. There’s a reason why wool has been the staple for sailors since the beginning. And it’s anti microbial so if you miss laundry day, it won’t be as smelly as week old dirty cotton socks. And if there’s a muster alarm and a chance of an evacuation, throwing on wool can really save your life. The the sole survivor of the sinking of the Daniel J Morrel likely only survived because he was the only one wearing wool, amongst 2 others in the life raft
Interesting topic what to carry, what to bring.. I traveled for a living all over the US. ..One week out, one week in the office (I hated in the office weeks ..too much back stabbing from people I hardly knew). Okay my point.. I got by with only two bags as well.. an over-the-shoulder soft walled Samsonite (heavy duty) nylon bag, and a much smaller over-the-shoulder catch all bag (similar in size to a backpack). If I were doing it today I'd choose a backpack for the smaller bag like you do. Here's the thing.. flying several planes and types of aircraft each week, I had to deal with lost luggage too (it happened on my first trip out). I learned right off: NEVER check your bags. Both my bags, similar in size to yours, could fit quite nicely into the overhead compartments on just about any aircraft type except for very small tiny planes. I once flew on a bush type plane, where I was given a restaurant type recipe check as my ticket and boarding pass. The pilot came around to announce the flight as "kamikaze airlines"; no lie. It's just very logical when traveling by air each week, several different aircraft and remotest places, to simply never check your bags. Losing one is a great inconvenience lasting for a protracted time span even if only for one week.
Glad you are back, Joe. If there is a sea fairing community here it is because of your good nature and interesting content. Hope this is a good contract for you. Calm seas, from New York.
I see many of the same things on camp jobs. We have some limits on luggage when we fly charters. But I always carry a flash light and a leatherman. I use a small back pack to carry pens, ear plugs, head lamps, usb power banks, water bottles, asprin, tylenol and lunches. Easy to carry one handed. Never have worn it as a backpack as it's almost child sized.
I served in the Navy ( aircraft carrier duty ) so I can relate to the video. It is a lifestyle not for anyone for sure. Many reasons why people choose this lifestyle. For me, avoid cottons and go with other fabrics as cotton does not ventilate and they retain body odor. Also motion sickness pills. Even the biggest ships can rock and roll😮😢
I did 30 years in the Canadian military but I often wondered what it was be like to go to sea thanks for these videos my friend. Unfortunately I am too old now at 56 to work on a ship maybe on a cruise ship being a dance partner thanks for the videos
Great job, Dude, another fun video. This was profoundly fascinating and provided insight into the real-life trial and error of what to bring/have on the ship. I will watch it multiple times, as it is akin to the gear/gadgets/food a wild camper or a bush crafter would bring on a days-long forest trip. Since I'm an old guy and drinking good black coffee is the high point of my daily life, the thermal coffee mug would be my prized possession. ☕
Thank you so much for these videos! I know I’m not the typical demographic but I’ve been considering an able seaman career for a while now. I’m gonna apply to SIU by this Fall! Thanks again for all the amazing work you do.
Joe, I really really enjoy your video's, they put a human face to the ships I see here in Vancouver. Ever been here on a ship? Anyway, my questions are, who is responsible for the bedding in your cabin? Also is it up to you, when signing off, to make the bed, with clean sheets, clean the cabin and bathroom? If you need new sheets or blankets, do you or the company buy them? Is there much engine noisy in your cabin? And, is it hard to sleep when you first join a ship? Have you ever been on a ship, that you absolutely hated because of your cabin? Finally, who decides which cabin you get? Do all cabins have windows? Sorry for this being so long, but might as well ask while I've got the chance eh? If you're ever in Vancouver I'll buy you lunch at my favorite pub. Cheers!!
You get whatever cabin is available. When I worked on a cruise ship around Hawaii I shared a cabin with 2 other people which wasnt fun. Having your own cabin is optimal.
I have to say, as a professional photographer travelling for a living my list is actually very similar (just more climbing gear). The only real difference is I swear by roller bags (to be specific the Ogio 9800 as the thing is bombproof!) just for ease of transport. You can shoulder them if you need to, but they make like easier everywhere else!
Just subscribed to your channel mate ,very interesting.My late uncle was in the British Royal Marines commandos for Ten years,went all over with them saw action in a few places ,and when he came out he joined the Merchant Navy 5 years of that ,came out and worked in a Scottish whisky distillery,the young lads at work used to mock him for going in a caravan for his holidays ,little did they know he had been round the world 3 times with the marines and Merchant Navy .great videos mate .Cheers From Scotland 🏴.
I remember on my first passenger ship as an OS, I only brought a small suitcase that can be hand carried, hygiene stuff, some tools, and more importantly - emergency stuff. When I signed off, got my small and cute suitcase out of my cabin with my lucky backpack. Everybody was so surprised because I have the smallest suitcase, and they were laughing at me, while everybody is bringing their whole house. I mean c'mon, 2 gigantic suitcases with god knows what's inside them. I mean am not judging, it's their decision though.
Absolutely brilliant can’t think of anything you have missed. I am well retired, so don’t need this intelligence. However, I can absolutely gel with the info in this UA-cam. I hope the newbies take note.
Dutch flagged tanker captain here. Thats the reason why I always carry an ample amount of tylenol and advil when coming on board. Cost me a few dollar per trip and saves a lot of hassle.
Hoi Bas , worden jullie ook getest op drugs ?
@@marcelreeuwijk7295 ja we worden jaarlijks extern getest, maandelijks aan boord op alcohol en 2x per jaar komen ze aan boord voor een niet aangekondigde drugstest.
Hello Sir how does one go about getting work on a ship? Not much work on online job sites for ship work that I have seen?
@@moorshound3243 have look for specialised agencies, go get all your required schoolings, training and start at the bottom of the totem pole.
@@moorshound3243 I believe you have to join one of the unions and then they have jobs that come up though you have to make sure you're staying active with communication and whatnot at the union. I'm pretty sure there is at least a basic computerized test to make sure you have the necessary skills for what would be expected on the job though there are places at the SIU that offer free training if you can get there. And I think you can even join as a helper in the kitchen without some of the other testing.
I would always recommend a good multi tool you can stick on your belt, a pair of eyeshades/eye mask and an extra pair of shoelaces for your work boots/sneakers or any other shoes with laces. They always break at the exact wrong time and you never have access to a decent replacement.
Two things I always keep on me, everyday, everywhere is a small flashlight (120 lumen ThruNite Ti2) and a Gerber Dime multi tool that fits in my jeans watch pocket. The flashlight is small enough to keep out of the way, can hold it in your mouth for two hand tasks and puts out a very good amount of light. The Gerber Dime, small knife, pliers, package opener, bottle opener and either tweezers or toothpick.
Great comment!
If you hold a flashlight in your mouth a lot a good trick is to put a couple wraps of electrical tape around the back of it so your teeth don't have to grate on aluminum.
I am a farmer and I LOVE your channel Joe. I can live vicariously thru you!
I’m a NJ-based retiree and live the sea life through Joe
Thanks! Great to see this on Day of the Seafarer 2024. Grateful for what you and all the other seafarers do!
Wow! I am grateful for this Anthony!
I'll never forget when my younger cousin took his first job working on a drilling rig in the Gulf of Mex. His assignment was for 14 days on and 14 off. So he packed 14 paints, T-Shirts, underwater socks...... everything. He didn't know they had washer and dryers on the rig!
We’re his paints watercolours or oils?
@@heli-crewhgs5285😂😂😂😂
@@heli-crewhgs5285😂😂😂😂😂 well said
Great pickup line. "Want to see what's in my seabag?"
I raised an eyebrow at him boasting about having a “pretty good head (apparel) game” 😉
Your tone and narration is so calm and relaxed, whilst also keeping things interesting. It's good to have you back making content.
One thing I never go on the ship without is travel adaptor for plug sockets.
7:48 that's some magic chapstick!
I have missed your videos I am so happy you are back.
Thank you SO much for showing me a lifestyle SO far removed from here - an old town in England , nowhere near the sea where old people play croquet and bridge - I can escape in my head ! thank you the vids are brill
Yep that's me as well, only the old people are all old hippys and the young are all lgbtzx59f's
I sincerely appreciate how concisely your content is written. Good writing is hard work! Well done!
Your comedy and sincerity in sharing these details got me laughing, smiling and hitting that Subscribe button. Cheers mate!
On the boat we carried a flashlight on our belt and multi-tool. A good knife in pocket. Head lamp for night stuff. Add 1 small container of sea sick pills and some ear plugs.
I enjoyed watching the roll of the ship by looking at the picture on the wall. Fair seas.
Yes that pic rolling on the wall caught my eye too
I traveled for work for 25+ years and was constantly exposed to new people and their local bugs. I found that rinsing my sinuses with NeilMed saline twice daily to be my best preventative treatment. Also keeping my flu shots and other vaccinations up to date of course. As always, I enjoyed your vlog today.
Where have you been, my friend? I've been looking for your videos.
Same here 👍
He’s been at sea!
On a boot, I guess!
Actually he only posts videos when he is on a ship. When he isn’t he is cruising in an RV in the states
@@nickkercheval2704 is there a UA-cam channel for that?
This is a great video! My son is at USMMA. He’s going out for his first sail. I just sent this to him. Thank you so much!
My son is at uSMMA as well
I did a contract on a cruise ship as the sound guy in the entertainment department. (Just one. While I LOVED it, it wasn't a long term solution for me.) I completely overpacked. While I still only had one case and a backpack, I used only about 2/3 of what I brought. Great list!
Bring half the clothes and twice the money.
Heck, 2/3 usage seems ok for a merchant marine vessel.
Couldn't do what you do in a million years, but love watching the slice of life view into your world, always makes my couch feel that much better. Keep at it brother, wind at your back!
Regarding your paperwork. It’s critical in case of injury or some dispute regarding your service or assignment. My dad spent 30 years in the army and, like you, kept every piece of paper relating to his service. It helped me put together a chronology of his service as well as helped getting my mom some VA benefits due her for his service.
Pro tip - use your phone to take a photo of every peice of paper you get.
Pro tip - use your phone to take a photo of every peice of paper you get.
Pro tip - use your phone to take a photo of every peice of paper you get.
Nice packing Joe! I always bring a nice little notebook and some colored pencils. I can take notes about the ship and color code stuff that way
I remember your book Hardtop!
Dude been binge watching your channel last couple days, no particular interest in seafaring but really enjoy the great story telling and videography. Top notch work.
Depending on the vessel you sail, bring your own laundry detergent. If the vessel has self-serve laundry, they don't always provide detergent. Pods or the dried detergent sheets are great when traveling.
I can't stop staring @ the picture swaying on the wall.
London
Now I can't either😂
Nice to see the channel growth. 125k. Awesome
Very thoughtful video. Every rookie sailer would benefit from this for sure.
Glad you think so!
The world needs moore vids from Joe and every week😍
I *_cannot believe_* you left a rug, a plant, and a bathmat off the list. Do you even watch your own material?!? :-)
Good to see you back online.
Ah yeah! Joe has new content! Always entertaining! FAA technician here, never been on a large ship, but have enjoyed the whole ride from the first video on your channel to now!
I would add a Nitecore USB rechargeable head lamp, very light weight, very durable.
@@DyrewulfNV same, rechargeable USB headlamp has been a must-have in my seabag since I found a good one. Gotta have that red light mode too
Till you go to a tanker and they will more or less kill you when using it on deck or the engine room.
@@bas6983 oh yeah for sure not on bravo flag ships. Got a pelican handy then
@@bas6983 why?
@@williams-wr5lg on a tanker every area outside within 100ft/.30m from the cargo area is considered a gas zone. The use of non ATEX approved equipment is prohibited due to the risk of explosions. No phones, no smart watches, no mp3 players, only approved porto’s lights.
A flashlight that has a white and red light. need the red light filter for the bridge watches in the middle of the night.
Blue painters tape or red eclectictrical tape over the lens at night works great.
Joe, as a welder for the last 25 years, a couple of decent welding caps are a bit more comfortable than a bandanna. Just a thought. Glad to see you up on here. If you ever get through southeastern NC and want a place to chill in the RV, I have 56 acres about 10 minutes off I95. Much love to you.
I served on a US Navy Ohio Class Submerine, Gold Team Back in the 80's. I used to pack 60 cans of chew in my sea bag. Back then a can was 28 cents. I sure miss those days at sea, love your channel wishing I was young again.
Rechargeable headlamps are nice, also a fabric laundry bag is a must.
I've been a desert dweller most of my life - so lived the life near, or on the water vicariously through books as a child, now through UA-cam videos.
I like yours because it's about working life on the oceans or the great lakes and gives a view of how ports work.
Thank you for all of your efforts to share these videos, so glad I found your channel!
As an engineer working on gov't contract ships, I'm stuck bringing my own coveralls. That's about a third of the bulk.
I tend to bring two pairs of work boots. If one pair gets soaked I still have something to wear while the 1st pair dries out.
I buy most of my shampoo from the slop chest. That might be an option on MSC contract ships if your not fussy. Ditto on soap since the ship provides it.
I do the same with my boots.
Love your videos!
I’ve only sailed on the Great Lakes, but I would ALWAYS have 2 pairs of work boots. I’ve gone in the drink a couple times handling lines from a work boat, and having a pair of dry shoes is a life saver! Also the boats have rain gear, but it sucks, I got my own pair to use for washing the tunnels, and deck.
Only thing I would add is that your sea bag should be soft sided. Not always good to have to store a hard sided suitcase.
Honey! Get the kids, Joe posted!!
Thanks Joe, another great job. From one Jersey guy to another, glad to see you posting again. I’ve never had a sea bag but I did use to deploy for 2-3 week wildfire fighting details, so the packing has a lot of similarities. We obviously didn’t move around geographically as much as you do aboard a ship, but a lot of people would be surprised at the diurnal temperature changes that can be encountered in the mountains, even in the middle of summer. Keep up the good work and looking forward to your next posting.
One thing I personally always have is a couple of notebooks and if there's any trainees or cadets even if your school don't tell you to bring one you do it anyways you never know when someone let's slip something useful
Hello Joe. it"s goo to see you back. i'm looking forward to mopre new vidios from you. Thanks and keep them coming. LT
More to come!
One day too late! Just put my son on a plane to Quebec to board his first cargo ship. I believe they are heading to the Arctic. I watched many of your previous videos looking for hints about what to pack. So thankful to have found your channel! Overall, I think we did ok. Now I anxiously await his return!
USMMA mom here about to do the same.
Starlink mini is a must.
I was wondering if the ships had any sort of internet connection.
Navy sailor here, we have tons of PPE that we have to carry around. a good thermos for coffee on the bridge/on watch is a lifesaver, and those that smoke bring tons of cigarettes too.
Great video. Took me a couple of minutes to notice the picture on the wall moving back and forth with the roll of the ship! Thanks for sharing!
I would add that an embarkation checklist with your packing items and then bringing a disembarkation checklist to go through so you don't forget anything on the ship. Relying on memory is an error trap you can avoid. In addition to the clippers, I'd pack a fingernail file as well as you're bound to get one roughed up working on deck or below deck and nothing is more annoying.
Not a sailor but the list is practically identical to what I pack as a travel nurse when going to a new contract, usually staying away for 2-3 months at a time. Great video and interesting channel.
I always took my own quilt with me and would vacuum bag it down to tiny and not much weight
It was a little different for me. I was in the Navy. Love the video. Not sure what you do need to watch more videos, but looks like you get a stateroom. I have to live in a compartment with about 30 personally. And I was on a much smaller ship. Adam's class destroyer.
Awesome content! Travel safely
As always thanks so much Uncertainzee!
I started following you when I started bridge watch in port hawkesbury Nova Scotia, just so happens you were leaving the port at the gravel pit. Thanks for your tips and tricks, I would of never knew about the boots on airplanes now I know thanks to you. By the way I am half way done my cadet time.
Thanks man.
Just found your channel a couple of weeks ago and binged it all. Happy dance for the new drop! 💃
Joe good to see you! Stay safe
I don’t work on ships. But I do work for the railroad, and it’s similar in that we work in all weather, all day, everyday. And where I’m at it’s not uncommon for it to be 70 degrees one hour, and drop down to 50 the next. Especially in spring or fall. And our winters here are brutal. So working in cold wet environments I would recommend wool. Bare minimum wool base layer, wool socks, wool hat and glove liners, a wool sweater OR wool jacket. The socks and glove liners are cheap, but the wool long John’s and sweater or jacket and be a lot more expensive, but they are very durable and will last along time, especially if you wear them under your normal work jacket or coveralls. There’s a reason why wool has been the staple for sailors since the beginning. And it’s anti microbial so if you miss laundry day, it won’t be as smelly as week old dirty cotton socks. And if there’s a muster alarm and a chance of an evacuation, throwing on wool can really save your life. The the sole survivor of the sinking of the Daniel J Morrel likely only survived because he was the only one wearing wool, amongst 2 others in the life raft
Thanks for all your videos, great stuff. Not a seafarer but I would add 2 more items: baby wipes, and a swimsuit!?
Interesting topic what to carry, what to bring..
I traveled for a living all over the US. ..One week out, one week in the office (I hated in the office weeks ..too much back stabbing from people I hardly knew).
Okay my point.. I got by with only two bags as well.. an over-the-shoulder soft walled Samsonite (heavy duty) nylon bag, and a much smaller over-the-shoulder catch all bag (similar in size to a backpack). If I were doing it today I'd choose a backpack for the smaller bag like you do.
Here's the thing.. flying several planes and types of aircraft each week, I had to deal with lost luggage too (it happened on my first trip out). I learned right off: NEVER check your bags. Both my bags, similar in size to yours, could fit quite nicely into the overhead compartments on just about any aircraft type except for very small tiny planes. I once flew on a bush type plane, where I was given a restaurant type recipe check as my ticket and boarding pass. The pilot came around to announce the flight as "kamikaze airlines"; no lie.
It's just very logical when traveling by air each week, several different aircraft and remotest places, to simply never check your bags. Losing one is a great inconvenience lasting for a protracted time span even if only for one week.
Well done, I wish someone would have had a list like this all those years ago. It took four full underway cycles before I dailed it in.
Glad you are back, Joe. If there is a sea fairing community here it is because of your good nature and interesting content. Hope this is a good contract for you. Calm seas, from New York.
Joe, can we get another day in the life video of a merchant mariner?
I see many of the same things on camp jobs. We have some limits on luggage when we fly charters. But I always carry a flash light and a leatherman. I use a small back pack to carry pens, ear plugs, head lamps, usb power banks, water bottles, asprin, tylenol and lunches. Easy to carry one handed. Never have worn it as a backpack as it's almost child sized.
Great video again thanks. Is it possible you could do a video on how to decode the job board at hall to choose best options ?
That is a definitely on the list of videos to make.
I second this.
With my knife, I always have one with an awl included. They are great for loosening shackles and making eye splices.
This video was most interesting. Thanks for the information.
Like Joe, I have kept every piece of paper, the Army ever gave me! You never know, when you might need something.!
Depending on your hair: comb or brush. If long enough to need them: hair elastics. Tarred 9 strand works in a pinch
Full face respirator, extra filters, and regular respirator.
I served in the Navy ( aircraft carrier duty ) so I can relate to the video.
It is a lifestyle not for anyone for sure. Many reasons why people choose this lifestyle. For me, avoid cottons and go with other fabrics as cotton does not ventilate and they retain body odor. Also motion sickness pills. Even the biggest ships can rock and roll😮😢
Welcome back , let’s go traveling.
I'm loving watching the picture in the background move with the roll of the waves...😅😅
I put extra shoe laces. Spare phone charger cables.
I did 30 years in the Canadian military but I often wondered what it was be like to go to sea thanks for these videos my friend. Unfortunately I am too old now at 56 to work on a ship maybe on a cruise ship being a dance partner thanks for the videos
I was wondering about this lol. Good video.
Well now you know! As always thanks again Dean!
Great job, Dude, another fun video. This was profoundly fascinating and provided insight into the real-life trial and error of what to bring/have on the ship. I will watch it multiple times, as it is akin to the gear/gadgets/food a wild camper or a bush crafter would bring on a days-long forest trip.
Since I'm an old guy and drinking good black coffee is the high point of my daily life, the thermal coffee mug would be my prized possession. ☕
I agree it is similar to packing for wilderness backpacking trips!
First ship was great. Looking forward to my phase 4 ship.
Good luck!
Thanks!
Thank you Sleepy.84!!!
Joe it’s been a minute. Good to sea you’re well.
Thank you so much for these videos! I know I’m not the typical demographic but I’ve been considering an able seaman career for a while now. I’m gonna apply to SIU by this Fall! Thanks again for all the amazing work you do.
Go for it! The career is male dominated but theres a decent percentage of women (deck officers and galley being most common places i've seen).
Joe, I really really enjoy your video's, they put a human face to the ships I see here in Vancouver. Ever been here on a ship? Anyway, my questions are, who is responsible for the bedding in your cabin? Also
is it up to you, when signing off, to make the bed, with clean sheets, clean the cabin and bathroom?
If you need new sheets or blankets, do you or the company buy them? Is there much engine noisy in your cabin? And, is it hard to sleep when you first join a ship? Have you ever been on a ship, that you absolutely hated because of your cabin? Finally, who decides which cabin you get? Do all cabins have windows? Sorry for this being so long, but might as well ask while I've got the chance eh? If you're ever in Vancouver I'll buy you lunch at my favorite pub. Cheers!!
You get whatever cabin is available. When I worked on a cruise ship around Hawaii I shared a cabin with 2 other people which wasnt fun. Having your own cabin is optimal.
I have to say, as a professional photographer travelling for a living my list is actually very similar (just more climbing gear). The only real difference is I swear by roller bags (to be specific the Ogio 9800 as the thing is bombproof!) just for ease of transport. You can shoulder them if you need to, but they make like easier everywhere else!
Just subscribed to your channel mate ,very interesting.My late uncle was in the British Royal Marines commandos for Ten years,went all over with them saw action in a few places ,and when he came out he joined the Merchant Navy 5 years of that ,came out and worked in a Scottish whisky distillery,the young lads at work used to mock him for going in a caravan for his holidays ,little did they know he had been round the world 3 times with the marines and Merchant Navy .great videos mate .Cheers From Scotland 🏴.
Sunscreen, GPS enabled Personal Locator Beacon and Satellite Telephone would be My 3 extras.
welcome back! i've been waiting for new videos from you!
Headlamp, rechargeable.
Good advice for any traveler.
You've been working on your game while you've been off. Very smooth delivery. Glad to see you back.
A more minimalist approach probably reflects well on a ship owner aka an employer's view of your experience!
I remember on my first passenger ship as an OS, I only brought a small suitcase that can be hand carried, hygiene stuff, some tools, and more importantly - emergency stuff. When I signed off, got my small and cute suitcase out of my cabin with my lucky backpack. Everybody was so surprised because I have the smallest suitcase, and they were laughing at me, while everybody is bringing their whole house. I mean c'mon, 2 gigantic suitcases with god knows what's inside them. I mean am not judging, it's their decision though.
Regarding lack of hair Joe, 'Grass doesn't grow on a busy street'
Nice informative video thanks for posting.
Pete
Cool, cool, cool, good advice, ship, cruise, bug out.
funny, I asked for this info about 8 months ago. Happy to view it. You're looking great, glad to follow.
From one Jersey guy to another, love this channel!
Always cool to see your stuff. I would carry some drawing things and an Instrument. What about a guitar ?
Plenty of sailors bring supplies for their hobbies. My hobby is making these videos so I bring equipment for that!
It’s a great day when Joe uploads
Glad to have you back.
so funny that i find this channel as i start looking into how to join the merchant marines
Absolutely brilliant can’t think of anything you have missed. I am well retired, so don’t need this intelligence. However, I can absolutely gel with the info in this UA-cam. I hope the newbies take note.
Very helpful sir, thank you !
scheduled to bord 1st ship early January 2025. excited
Thanks! 👍👍 Be well🌞