The Complete First-Timer's Packing Guide for Merchant Navy Freshers
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A practical checklist before you sail your first voyage
Joining the merchant navy for the first time is exciting — and a little overwhelming. You're about to spend months at sea, far from home, without the luxury of running to a store. This checklist covers everything you need to pack smart, stay comfortable, and start your career on the right foot.
Golden rule: Pack smart, not heavy. Cabin space is limited. Only bring what you truly need — you can buy extras at port stops or ships Bonded store.
Documents & Certifications
- Continuous Discharge Certificate (CDC)
- Passport (valid for at least 6 months beyond contract end)
- STCW basic safety training certificates
- Valid Medical fitness certificate.
- Yellow fever vaccination card (if sailing to Africa/South America)
-
Seaman's Book / Seafarer Identity Document
- Certificate of Competency (COC)
- Company joining letter & contract copy
- Bank account details & emergency contact forms
- Educational certificates (originals + photocopies)
- Passport-size photographs.
Clothing & Uniforms
Work Wear
- Boiler suits / coveralls (3–4 pairs)
- Company uniform shirts & trousers (as specified)
- Steel-toed safety boots
- Deck shoes / non-slip shoes
- Safety helmet / hard hat
- Reflective vest
-
Chemical-resistant gloves & work gloves
- Ear protection / earplugs
- Good quality Personal safety glasses
- 3M Dust mask.
- Knife
Work wear and safety equipment companies will provide during joining or on board. - Check with company as if you are getting it while joining. In that case keep aside 10 KG as the bag containing the above will weight approximately that much.
Casual & Off-Duty
- T-shirts (5–6), casual trousers / jeans (2)
- Shorts (3–4 pairs)
- Underwear & socks (8–10 pairs each)
- Warm jacket / fleece (for cold weather ports)
- Sleepwear / pyjamas
- Comfortable sandals / flip-flops (for cabin use)
- Bandana's - if you sweat a lot !
- Old T-shirts - To wear as innerwear with your boiler suits.
- Deck/Eng Cadets: Handkerchief's - for your uniform attire.
- Sun shades.
Cadets and Freshers, you are going to move around a lot. Keep extra socks/underwear/west if you sweat a lot. - Pro tip: Fresh set for every day of the week.
Personal Care & Hygiene
- Toothbrush, toothpaste & mouthwash (6-month supply) - 2 Large tubes will be good for 6 months. Extra is available on board.
- Shampoo & conditioner
- Soap / body wash - A decent brand soap is provided on board every month.
- Shaving kit / trimmer with multi-voltage adapter
- Deodorant / antiperspirant / Perfume
- Sunscreen (SPF 50+) — you'll be on deck a lot
- Lip balm with SPF
- Moisturiser (sea air is drying)
- Coconut Oil - Hair Oil
- Nail clippers, comb/brush, cotton buds, dental floss,
- Towels (2–3, quick-dry preferred)
Medicines & First Aid
- Basic painkillers (paracetamol, ibuprofen)
- Antacids / digestion tablets
- Antihistamines (for allergies)
- Vitamin C & multivitamin supplements
- Prescription medicines (with doctor's letter, 6-month stock)
- Oral rehydration salts
- Band-aids, antiseptic cream, bandages, burnol
- Eye drops (for dry or dusty conditions), if you are not used to a lot of screen time.
Note: Ships have a medical officer and a well-stocked medical room. Your personal kit is for minor day-to-day needs only — don't overpack medicines.
Some ports and airports may ask for the prescription, keep them safe and handy.
-Pro Trip: Buy all medication for ship separate batch, so while purchasing you can add your name as the Patient and Dr's Name. Preferer not to use the stock you have at home as it may have a eariler expiry date.
- Do Not carry any medication near expiry date.
Electronics & Gadgets
- Laptop / tablet (for studies, entertainment, and communication)
- Smartphone and another back up phone with minimum Whatsapp function.
- Universal travel adapter (multi-voltage)
- Power bank (high capacity)
- Headphones or earphones
- USB hub / extension cord (limited cabin outlets)
- Hard drives / pen drives loaded with movies, music, books
- E-reader (Kindle) — great for long voyages.
- Portable Bluetooth speaker.
- Camera / GoPro (optional, but the views are incredible)
- Small Table top Fan - Link Provided below
Stationery & Study Materials
- Logbooks & training record books
- Pens, pencils, highlighters, thin permanent marker.
- Notebook / diary
- Reference books relevant to your rank/role
- Calculator (scientific)
- Wall mounting adhesive hooks.
- Portable luggage weighing machine.
Food & Snacks
- Your favourite Indian snacks & namkeen (ship mess may not have them)
- Instant noodles - Masala packets or taste add-ons
- Your favorite Tea/coffee sachets, protein powder
- Dry fruits & nuts (long shelf life, nutritious)
- Pickle / chutneys (sealed jars)
- Reusable water bottle
When flying with food items, it is a must that the food or edible item you are carrying should have a brand or at least factory sealed. Airports can some times be very strict and may even hold you aside for question on a suspicious food item or masala packet.
- There is a story behind this- Coming soon!
Pro tip: Indian ships usually have a mess that serves Indian food. On foreign-flagged vessels, you may miss home-cooked flavours — pack accordingly.
Miscellaneous (but Important!)
- Laundry bag & detergent - Carry a good detergent for some occasional good washes.
- Sewing kit (for small repairs)
- Ziplock bags - Size A4 (waterproofing your documents at sea is a must)
- Torch + headlamp (with spare batteries)
- Small cash in USD (for port stops, signon - off)
- Playing cards, chess, or other compact games.
-
Small photo frame (makes the cabin feel like home)
What NOT to Pack
- Alcohol (prohibited on most vessels)
- Bulky or expensive jewellery or expensive watches.
- Too many shoes — Safety Shoes, casual Shoes, Slip-on's - Cabin use, Gym Shoes.
- Excess clothing — you'll do your own laundry on board
- Anything fragile that can't survive rolling seas
My Father too was a sailor and he guided me by telling me what to take and what not to. - In simple terms take how much you can carry comfortably.
The same set of check list and my personal check list from the time i've join ship will be attached in a PDF File available for download.
Ready to set sail?
Print this checklist, tick each item as you pack, and sign on with confidence. Your first voyage is the beginning of an extraordinary life at sea. Fair winds and following seas!