The Merchant Marine Express

I first wrote a list of some of the items I should buy at Target or any of the discount department stores. I decided to buy a small folder or binder upon which to gather and store my paperwork for employment. For Officers, we are obligated to carry our License, STCW Certificate, Passport, various identification cards, and other paperwork necessary for signing on a vessel with us. Over the years, my certificates from government courses I was obligated to attend, had been compounding within this binder. I also kept a copy of a check so the ship could send me my biweekly checks in Direct Deposit format.

As my bags needed to be packed, I asked the crewing coordinator at the company of the ship about its intended trips. In the case of government vessels, sometimes, the whereabouts or her future missions may not be divulged or known. Therefore, a guesstimate of what to expect due to the approaching seasons was the only way to determine such a duffel.

I raided the local department store of extra shoe laces, multi-vitamins, batteries, and cheap sunglasses. I’ve broken good pairs of Raybans in past, and wished I had the ten dollar variety, instead. I would think about what I would want while stranded on a deserted island; Determine what importance each and every item I packed would deem useful, and what would just add non-meaningful weight.

Looking back, I would try and buy a good pair of steel-toed shoes that I could wear and break-in, a week before I shipped out. I had my whole living room sectioned like a search maze on a map. In some cases, it would appear to some that the local authorities had rummaged through my belongings like a impromptu search of my house just by the look of the mayhem with close and items, strewn about.

Be logical, about packing for your first ship! Don’t bring a suitcase you may not want to damage or get dirty. In certain situations, my suitcases had been damaged in route to the ship, and I hadn’t any time to fill out a claim. In addition, pack your MOST PERSONAL ITEMS and paperwork with you, in your carry-on. Pack a set of clothes just to be certain you have something to change into, if your bags missed your intended final destination. Make sure your suitcase or bag weighs less than the required standard weight that the airline which you are flying, has set in their guidelines. Also, keep receipts from a Taxi to and from the airport, both from your “home port” and at the final destination.

After the first few minutes of placing your bags in your stateroom, you will be carrying your physical, and other documents as the captain is waiting for you to report to his office, immediately.

Most of the items that will be required at time of signing on are: Mariners Document or Z-Card, TWIC card, Passport, License and STCW, GMDSS card, Physical, and copy of check for direct deposit, if desired. A Drug card is now required and the union or company may help with conducting a pre-sailing screening. On oil or product Tankers, a benzene card and a PFT card showing you have been checked, will be required to show to the captain, as well.

Once, cleared by the captain, he will give you a safety checklist or a ship orientation form to be checked off with a designated deck officer and or engineer. This list may be required to be completed upon sailing or within a few days of signing on.

Lastly, inspect where you are bunking. Locate your survival suit, personal flotation device or PFD, Emergency Escape Breathing Device or EEBD, and read your ‘bunk card’ or emergency card as this will identify where you muster in case of an emergency such as fire or abandonship. The bunk card will be located near your bed or ‘rack’.

With all the excitement expected in my very first shipping job, I still tried to keep a level head. I also tried to call upon friends whom may have sailed on the same kinds of ship that I was soon to work aboard. I asked for any additional information such as possible ports of calls, and what were the names of various crewmembers and officers.

I continued to think positive yet adjusted to any changes which may have developed due to scheduling or missed opportunities.

Remember, you are on your own! But You are a Merchant Marine! Therefore, You know how to travel the world and work alongside anyone, anywhere! Not too many others know what you do or how you do it!

Good Luck to those who may be leaving for sea, soon! Have a great day, otherwise!

Tags: Michigan – Home Port