AB special on ocean-going tugs out of Seattle (Foss). Just got this job and will start soon, not sure what to pack in regards to clothes (how much), and other gear. Here is what I’ve thought of so far:
Never worked for Foss but you won’t need the binoculars there will be plenty on the Bridge.
Make sure to bring extra charging block and cord for your phone or iPad.
Medications, shampoo, soap, toothpaste, floss picks and other toiletry items you will need.
Extra pair of glasses if you wear them.
Definitely to confirm I would bring my own linens, at the very least pillow cases and a towel(s)
It’s common for local boats with short hitches where almost everyone drives to work to require the crew to bring their own linens.
Foss is a good company, but it’s union. I do not know what they do. Any half-decent tugboat doing outside towing and long hitches should have a linen locker full of linens, blankets and towels in good condition.
These days it costs too much in extra baggage fees to fly that stuff around.
Once in awhile I see a contract or employee handbook from some company that says “bring your own linens.” To me that’s a red flag; a hallmark of crappy company that cuts a lot of other corners , a place where I shouldn’t be working.
Really depends on where you’re going and how long. 20 days up and back to Whittier is different than an open-ended gig to Western AK or a trip out to Hawaii. Your list is good, but don’t forget seasick meds if you’re inclined that way and a hard drive full of Netflix. Your own sheets and towel is nice if you can manage, but as others have said, they’ll likely have stuff on board. It’s in the contract. Noise cancelling earbuds or headphones are great. Good luck.
You don’t have it on your list but I’m sure you’d bring a toiletry kit anyways. The more compact the better, something that zips close & has a hook to hang up. Don’t bring jumbo bottles shampoo & conditioner. (When traveling, I use 18-in-1 Dr. Bronner btw.) I don’t know about the safety/paperwork culture at foss but some companies want an accident/illness report anytime anything is taken from the medicine cabinet. So I carry a small assortment of first aid stuff in my toiletry kit. Tylenol, triple antibiotic, a few band-aids, cough drops etc. I’ve had coworkers who religiously carried Theraflu & EnergiziaC with them for colds & flus. If you’ll be on a small, old tug with a common shower, bring a closable soap dish if you use bar soap. Also, the cheapest, thinest pair of showers shoes/flip flops that you can find. Just throw them away after each trip because its nasty to stow damp shower shoes until your next hitch imo. I never brought 2 pair of work boots unless one was work boots & the other near knee high water boots. Same for the exercise bands, you can use shackles or other heavy stuff on board. On your first hitch you want to keep your head down, don’t draw any unneeded attention to yourself until you find out if you are working with assholes or not. Being on the back deck or in the galley with exercise bands is easy target for possible bullies. About the flashlight & headlamp. Go rechargeable if you can.
If you’re not sure about a towel as mentioned above & concerned about space, consider a hiking towel sold in the camping sections at Walmarts. While not fluffy like you’re used to, they roll up into the size of your fist, has a little baggy, drys fast & cost under 10 bucks. If you’re going to a small old tug, maybe a few of those pine tree air fresheners that hang from your rear view mirrors? I used to carry a $1.99 tiny travel sewing kit & the small tube kit that has the tiny screwdriver for my glasses. The tiny eye glass repair kit also has a few tiny screws. If your tug is old, make sure your cellphone charging cable is long, maybe 6’. I worked on old tugs where I had to get out of my rack to silence my alarm because of too few, badly placed outlets.
Ditto about what is said above about the binoculars & linens. If they don’t have linens, that company & captains have some serious employee relations & budget issues.