Preparing for a seafarer's first voyage: useful tips

We recommend starting with preparing all the necessary paperwork. Once everything is in order, you will definitely breathe a sigh of relief — most of the job will be done. To make it easier to get organized, we have compiled a list of mandatory documents for a seafarer's first voyage:

• seafarer's identity document (seaman's passport);
• seaman's book with up-to-date entries;
• Ukrainian citizen passport and TIN;
• international passport;
• certificate with the results of the pre-voyage medical examination;
• working diploma with endorsement or qualification certificate;
• military registration document;
• permission from the TRC or reservation (deferral);
• certificate confirming employment;
• STCW certificates for the first voyage;
• Ship Security Awareness certificate.

We recommend scanning all documents and saving them electronically, for example in the cloud. That way, as a precaution, you will have access to them in case you lose the originals.

Having collected all the necessary documents, you will definitely make it on board. So what else should a seafarer take on their first voyage? The comfort of your stay on board directly depends on the right answer to this question. When choosing clothes, consider the weather conditions both in the sailing region and at the airports of departure and arrival. The list of items is always individual. But experienced seafarers recommend packing the following set:

• 10 pairs of underwear and socks;
• several t-shirts and tank tops;
• a cap;
• a tracksuit;
• shorts;
• jeans;
• a hoodie;
• sneakers;
• shower slippers.

What if your departure is in summer but you will be working in winter climate conditions? Of course, take a warm jacket, hat, scarf, winter boots, and gloves. Keep in mind that most shipping companies provide the entire crew with work clothes. Your personal items will be needed for formal port outings.

In addition, you cannot do without personal hygiene products. Prepare at least 2 toothbrushes, toothpaste, everything needed for shaving, shower gel, bar soap, and shampoo. Put together a first-aid kit: buy painkillers, fever reducers, sleeping pills, pills for seasickness, diarrhea, and stomach cramps in advance.

Adaptation on board during the first voyage may not be easy. To overcome temporary difficulties more quickly, download new films, books, or self-development materials onto a USB stick. Hobbies in your free time will help you switch off and relax your mind. A favorite chocolate bar will lift your mood.

A must-have is, of course, a smartphone, charger, adapters, a laptop, and headphones. Everyday essentials can also come in handy: a folding knife, a flashlight, sunglasses, a needle, and spools of black and white thread.

To avoid unforeseen issues, consult experienced seafarers on how to prepare for your first voyage — and have a safe trip! One of the main rules: do not take too many things! If you are heading to Africa, a wool sweater is unlikely to come in useful. And if you plan to work in the North Sea, sunscreen will definitely be superfluous.

Quality training at the AVANT center will help you go through your first voyage with confidence and without stress.