# Bag Packing / Go Bag / First Time Deck Hands **URL:** \ **Category:** Maritime Employment\ **Created:** [October 2, 2012, 6:22am UTC](https://forum.gcaptain.com/t/bag-packing-go-bag-first-time-deck-hands/8613 "2012-10-02T06:22:46Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Mullet\_Farm](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/f14d63/32.png) [@Mullet\_Farm](https://forum.gcaptain.com/u/Mullet_Farm)\ **Post date:** [October 2, 2012, 6:22am UTC](https://forum.gcaptain.com/t/bag-packing-go-bag-first-time-deck-hands/8613/1 "2012-10-02T06:22:46Z")
What should I have packed and ready to go for a first time tug voyage (40 days) in NY in fall/winter? What do I need? What will I really want to make life a bit easier? Many thanks. ---
**Author:** ![Capt\_Ryan](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/9fc29f/32.png) [@Capt\_Ryan](https://forum.gcaptain.com/u/Capt_Ryan)\ **Post date:** [October 2, 2012, 8:50am UTC](https://forum.gcaptain.com/t/bag-packing-go-bag-first-time-deck-hands/8613/2 "2012-10-02T08:50:44Z")
You know, someone on here ought to write a post to all the new guys about what to expect. They could include tips on what to pack in their seabag, what to expect, help in interviewing…etc. they could call it “read this first”. That would really help all the guys looking for tips. Let’s get that going guys, huh? ---
**Author:** ![Slick\_Cam](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/f475e1/32.png) [@Slick\_Cam](https://forum.gcaptain.com/u/Slick_Cam)\ **Post date:** [October 2, 2012, 9:06am UTC](https://forum.gcaptain.com/t/bag-packing-go-bag-first-time-deck-hands/8613/3 "2012-10-02T09:06:26Z")
I have found this website to be helpful in getting the right supplies needed for going to sea. > **[Gear](https://towmasters.wordpress.com/gear/)** > > Greenhorn deckhands, some veteran deckhands, and even a few of the more senior mariners are often terribly unprepared to function effectively in all weather conditions. Given the job description, t… ---
**Author:** ![Mullet\_Farm](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/f14d63/32.png) [@Mullet\_Farm](https://forum.gcaptain.com/u/Mullet_Farm)\ **Post date:** [October 2, 2012, 6:48pm UTC](https://forum.gcaptain.com/t/bag-packing-go-bag-first-time-deck-hands/8613/4 "2012-10-02T18:48:11Z")
Thanks. “I always have binos, an extension cord, sirius radio, camera, & laptop” “NY Harbor in the winter SUCKS, layer up” “I went with half as many socks as I should have” “polarized glasses (and back up pair)” ---
**Author:** ![water](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex016/user_avatar/forum.gcaptain.com/water/32/131_2.png) [@water](https://forum.gcaptain.com/u/water)\ **Post date:** [October 3, 2012, 12:41pm UTC](https://forum.gcaptain.com/t/bag-packing-go-bag-first-time-deck-hands/8613/5 "2012-10-03T12:41:23Z")
[QUOTE=Mullet Farm;84444]What should I have packed and ready to go for a first time tug voyage (40 days) in NY in fall/winter? What do I need? What will I really want to make life a bit easier? Many thanks.[/QUOTE] Using the venerable search function in the upper right hand corner returned 10 pages of results. After sorting through a few of them, this one popped up: > **[gCaptain Forum](http://forum.gcaptain.com)** > > A forum for the maritime and offshore industries. There may be more, too. ---
**Author:** ![Mullet\_Farm](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/f14d63/32.png) [@Mullet\_Farm](https://forum.gcaptain.com/u/Mullet_Farm)\ **Post date:** [October 8, 2012, 7:20am UTC](https://forum.gcaptain.com/t/bag-packing-go-bag-first-time-deck-hands/8613/6 "2012-10-08T07:20:24Z")
[QUOTE=water;84576]Using the venerable search function in the upper right hand corner returned 10 pages of results. After sorting through a few of them, this one popped up: > **[gCaptain Forum](http://forum.gcaptain.com)** > > A forum for the maritime and offshore industries. There may be more, too.[/QUOTE] Thank you all. Bag is packed. Back ups of several critical items (sunglasses/lights/gloves) were an excellent idea. ---
**Author:** ![Mullet\_Farm](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/f14d63/32.png) [@Mullet\_Farm](https://forum.gcaptain.com/u/Mullet_Farm)\ **Post date:** [October 18, 2012, 2:58pm UTC](https://forum.gcaptain.com/t/bag-packing-go-bag-first-time-deck-hands/8613/7 "2012-10-18T14:58:15Z")
After some thought and feedback I’ve compiled a 2 week go-bag/kit as a first time deckhand/OS for New York Harbor in Autumn (pictured laid out as well [http://s10.postimage.org/v5q81j9gp/photo\_37.jpg](http://s10.postimage.org/v5q81j9gp/photo_37.jpg)). I believe it to be reasonably complete and hopefully saves someone else a lot of time: steel toed boots (used/broken in) slippers/Crocs handheld VHF/charger AM/FM radio/batteries extension cord/power strip primary + back up sunglasses primary + back up flashlight (charger/batteries) work gloves (3 pair, different weight) sharpened lock blade/clip rubber gloves/dust mask documents (z-card, TWIC, passport, CPR/AED First Aid certificates, etc.) wipes paperback binoculars heat pad energy shots towel/sheets 5 pair high quality well fitting non-cotton socks quick drying underwear hoodie feece vest coveralls work jeans (Dickies) rain gear wool cap baseball cap water bottle/coffee thermos to-go 5 used t-shirts from Goodwill 1 lb Snickers 1 sack of Florida oranges laptop/iPhone/back up prepaid cell phone (different carrier) waterproof wheeled duffle \*anything I didn’t already own I found used or via eBay, saved a lot this way ---
**Author:** ![Tugted](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/7ab992/32.png) [@Tugted](https://forum.gcaptain.com/u/Tugted)\ **Post date:** [October 18, 2012, 3:46pm UTC](https://forum.gcaptain.com/t/bag-packing-go-bag-first-time-deck-hands/8613/8 "2012-10-18T15:46:50Z")
Don’t bring a VHF. Use the boats. ---
**Author:** ![water](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex016/user_avatar/forum.gcaptain.com/water/32/131_2.png) [@water](https://forum.gcaptain.com/u/water)\ **Post date:** [October 18, 2012, 11:52pm UTC](https://forum.gcaptain.com/t/bag-packing-go-bag-first-time-deck-hands/8613/9 "2012-10-18T23:52:15Z")
[QUOTE=Tugted;86018]Don’t bring a VHF. Use the boats.[/QUOTE] I bring my own so I know what I have, where it is, what kind of condition it is in, and I don’t have to share… I have started leaving my good binocs at home, but frequently regret it when I have to use the cheap ones in the wheelhouse. ---
**Author:** ![rshrew](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex016/user_avatar/forum.gcaptain.com/rshrew/32/107_2.png) [@rshrew](https://forum.gcaptain.com/u/rshrew)\ **Post date:** [October 19, 2012, 7:39am UTC](https://forum.gcaptain.com/t/bag-packing-go-bag-first-time-deck-hands/8613/10 "2012-10-19T07:39:45Z")
> [@"Mullet Farm"](#): > > After some thought and feedback I’ve compiled a 2 week go-bag/kit as a first time deckhand/OS for New York Harbor in Autumn (pictured laid out as well [http://s10.postimage.org/v5q81j9gp/photo\_37.jpg](http://s10.postimage.org/v5q81j9gp/photo_37.jpg)). I believe it to be reasonably complete and hopefully saves someone else a lot of time: > > steel toed boots (used/broken in) > slippers/Crocs > handheld VHF/charger > AM/FM radio/batteries > extension cord/power strip > primary + back up sunglasses > primary + back up flashlight (charger/batteries) > work gloves (3 pair, different weight) > sharpened lock blade/clip > rubber gloves/dust mask > documents (z-card, TWIC, passport, CPR/AED First Aid certificates, etc.) > wipes > paperback > binoculars > heat pad > energy shots > towel/sheets > 5 pair high quality well fitting non-cotton socks > quick drying underwear > hoodie > feece vest > coveralls > work jeans (Dickies) > rain gear > wool cap > baseball cap > water bottle/coffee thermos to-go > 5 used t-shirts from Goodwill > 1 lb Snickers > 1 sack of Florida oranges > laptop/iPhone/back up prepaid cell phone (different carrier) > waterproof wheeled duffle > > \*anything I didn’t already own I found used or via eBay, saved a lot this way You must have a huge room to put all this stuff. ---
**Author:** ![Pikuptruk](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/b5a626/32.png) [@Pikuptruk](https://forum.gcaptain.com/u/Pikuptruk)\ **Post date:** [October 20, 2012, 7:56am UTC](https://forum.gcaptain.com/t/bag-packing-go-bag-first-time-deck-hands/8613/11 "2012-10-20T07:56:51Z")
> [@"rshrew"](#): > > You must have a huge room to put all this stuff. The sack of oranges is the size of a seabag itself lol…don’t forget to bring a 40" TV with all of your surround sound speakers too… Heh ---
**Author:** ![Slowsailor45](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/d6d6ee/32.png) [@Slowsailor45](https://forum.gcaptain.com/u/Slowsailor45)\ **Post date:** [October 20, 2012, 1:18pm UTC](https://forum.gcaptain.com/t/bag-packing-go-bag-first-time-deck-hands/8613/12 "2012-10-20T13:18:46Z")
I take less stuff than that to a 3 month hitch in Antarctica. Note to self: I should really try getting a sack of oranges through customs in Chile. ---
**Author:** ![RubberRhib888](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/76d3ee/32.png) [@RubberRhib888](https://forum.gcaptain.com/u/RubberRhib888)\ **Post date:** [October 23, 2012, 2:29am UTC](https://forum.gcaptain.com/t/bag-packing-go-bag-first-time-deck-hands/8613/13 "2012-10-23T02:29:56Z")
> [@"Mullet Farm"](#): > > After some thought and feedback I’ve compiled a 2 week go-bag/kit as a first time deckhand/OS for New York Harbor in Autumn (pictured laid out as well [http://s10.postimage.org/v5q81j9gp/photo\_37.jpg](http://s10.postimage.org/v5q81j9gp/photo_37.jpg)). I believe it to be reasonably complete and hopefully saves someone else a lot of time: > > steel toed boots (used/broken in) > slippers/Crocs > handheld VHF/charger > AM/FM radio/batteries > extension cord/power strip > primary + back up sunglasses > primary + back up flashlight (charger/batteries) > work gloves (3 pair, different weight) > sharpened lock blade/clip > rubber gloves/dust mask > documents (z-card, TWIC, passport, CPR/AED First Aid certificates, etc.) > wipes > paperback > binoculars > heat pad > energy shots > towel/sheets > 5 pair high quality well fitting non-cotton socks > quick drying underwear > hoodie > feece vest > coveralls > work jeans (Dickies) > rain gear > wool cap > baseball cap > water bottle/coffee thermos to-go > 5 used t-shirts from Goodwill > 1 lb Snickers > 1 sack of Florida oranges > laptop/iPhone/back up prepaid cell phone (different carrier) > waterproof wheeled duffle > > \*anything I didn’t already own I found used or via eBay, saved a lot this way You have a good seabag going. I’m up in Albany now and it’s starting to get cold. Be sure you have layers for the really cold nights. It’s been raining on and off for the last 2 weeks. I have a pair of Carhartt coveralls that are worth their weight in gold. Stay warm my friend. ---
**Author:** ![EbbTide](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/ad7895/32.png) [@EbbTide](https://forum.gcaptain.com/u/EbbTide)\ **Post date:** [October 23, 2012, 5:25pm UTC](https://forum.gcaptain.com/t/bag-packing-go-bag-first-time-deck-hands/8613/14 "2012-10-23T17:25:54Z")
Mullet Farm, you’re off to a great start. I agree with anything Carhartt. Love the Carhartt insulated hooded zipper sweatshirts. You can zip or unzip them. The hood keeps your neck protected and of course the head. I’m a big fan of long underwear tops, not so much the bottoms.Underwear tops, get the next size up from what you might normally wear on shore, gives you room to move and they shrink. After a few trips you’ll add or subtract. A small MP3 player with FM radio might give you something for the off hours. Be humble, do what your told, when you’re not sure about an order or instructions, don’t be afraid to ask for further clarification. If something looks unsafe or your not sure you can do something safely ask for help or guidance. Your goal should be to return to your home and family uninjured and healthy after every trip. If this means you pack heavy the first couple of trips, that’s cool. ---
**Author:** ![Too\_bad\_steam\_is\_gon](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/c89c15/32.png) [@Too\_bad\_steam\_is\_gon](https://forum.gcaptain.com/u/Too_bad_steam_is_gon)\ **Post date:** [October 27, 2012, 4:57pm UTC](https://forum.gcaptain.com/t/bag-packing-go-bag-first-time-deck-hands/8613/15 "2012-10-27T16:57:20Z")
I pack pretty much what Mullet Farm does without the vhf, binoculars, and oranges. As an engineer I bring 3 flashlights with batteries. E-readers take up less room than paperbacks too. I usually pack my oldest worn out clothes(not socks) then toss them after a 90 day hitch, except what I travel home in. Makes coming home easier when you are tired and don’t feel like lugging a lot. I work in the gulf now and have to pack 28 days of shampoo, toothpaste, deodorant, floss as sometimes we are out 28 days and stores are few and far between here in Fourchon, La. ---
**Author:** ![Mullet\_Farm](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/f14d63/32.png) [@Mullet\_Farm](https://forum.gcaptain.com/u/Mullet_Farm)\ **Post date:** [December 17, 2012, 7:00am UTC](https://forum.gcaptain.com/t/bag-packing-go-bag-first-time-deck-hands/8613/16 "2012-12-17T07:00:17Z")
Update: VHF was redundant, I replaced steel toed boots with steel toed boat/work shoes in dry weather/empty barges, several hoodies from Goodwill, instant hot pack hand Warner’s, and MOST IMPORTANTLY: “Henri Lloyd Winter Sailing Gloves”. (neoprene). Staying comfy in NY Harbor/LI Sound/Albany. No complaints. ---
**Author:** ![Smooth\_Sailor](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/5f8ce5/32.png) [@Smooth\_Sailor](https://forum.gcaptain.com/u/Smooth_Sailor)\ **Post date:** [December 17, 2012, 4:12pm UTC](https://forum.gcaptain.com/t/bag-packing-go-bag-first-time-deck-hands/8613/17 "2012-12-17T16:12:09Z")
If company mentions “safety toed boot” do not go with steel toed in winter, get a pair of composite toed. Had both in AK / WC & NE winters. Once that steel is cold, it stays cold, & don’t put too many socks on, that will restrict circulation. ---
**Author:** ![coolb43](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/82dd89/32.png) [@coolb43](https://forum.gcaptain.com/u/coolb43)\ **Post date:** [December 17, 2012, 6:41pm UTC](https://forum.gcaptain.com/t/bag-packing-go-bag-first-time-deck-hands/8613/18 "2012-12-17T18:41:58Z")
> [@"Mullet Farm"](#): > > Update: VHF was redundant, I replaced steel toed boots with steel toed boat/work shoes in dry weather/empty barges, several hoodies from Goodwill, instant hot pack hand Warner’s, and MOST IMPORTANTLY: “Henri Lloyd Winter Sailing Gloves”. (neoprene). Staying comfy in NY Harbor/LI Sound/Albany. No complaints. The winter so far up here has not been too cold at all. What company in NY are you going to? ---
**Author:** ![Pikuptruk](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/b5a626/32.png) [@Pikuptruk](https://forum.gcaptain.com/u/Pikuptruk)\ **Post date:** [December 18, 2012, 1:24pm UTC](https://forum.gcaptain.com/t/bag-packing-go-bag-first-time-deck-hands/8613/19 "2012-12-18T13:24:48Z")
> [@"Smooth Sailor"](#): > > If company mentions “safety toed boot” do not go with steel toed in winter, get a pair of composite toed. Had both in AK / WC & NE winters. Once that steel is cold, it stays cold, & don’t put too many socks on, that will restrict circulation. If the company even lets you use composite toe ---
**Author:** ![New3M](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex016/user_avatar/forum.gcaptain.com/new3m/32/394_2.png) [@New3M](https://forum.gcaptain.com/u/New3M)\ **Post date:** [December 18, 2012, 4:03pm UTC](https://forum.gcaptain.com/t/bag-packing-go-bag-first-time-deck-hands/8613/20 "2012-12-18T16:03:37Z")
> [@"Pikuptruk"](#): > > If the company even lets you use composite toe That’s all I wear now. So much lighter. [Next page](https://forum.gcaptain.com/t/bag-packing-go-bag-first-time-deck-hands/8613.md?page=2)