<p>I am glad to see some "physical" things pop up on the list and agree with every single one of them; however, I would like to add some "other" things to the list and then will add my ideas on things to bring.</p>
<p>1) Leave the ego at home (if you have on that is). The people at sea have been doing it a looong time and coming on the ship thinking you know everything is not a good way to start.</p>
<p>2) Bring a sense of humor. Be aware of who you can joke with and who you can't.</p>
<p>3) Bring an open mind. Many of those you will work with at sea have come up "through the hawse pipe" meaning they worked their way from the most junior position to where they are now. They may have a different view of the world than someone who comes from the background KP'ers do. As well you may see people originally from other countries around the world. Get to know them and their thoughts/beliefs. </p>
<p>4) Remember "work hard, play hard". At sea and when needed you may work very hard (depending on the ship) and work long hours. I've done more than my share of >24hr awake days at sea. However, when given the time off use it to explore places you will likely never go again. Working hard also applies to your sea project.</p>
<p>Okay, off the soap box. Now the best knives for sea in my opinion are made by Spyderco and a small knife by them is very handy. A leatherman as mentioned above is also handy. For flashlights I like the Pelican 1820 ( Pelican Products Pocket</a> Sabre 1820 Flashlight ) the best for working when a redlight is not necessary. If you need a redlight a small handheld one works fine (any brand). Oh almost forgot: Luggage: a sturdy rolling bag or bags as necessary is key. The bags get heavy with books, you don't want to have to carry it everywhere, because you will likely have to carry your baggage up the gangway and that is plenty. </p>
<p>Fun things: possibly a playstation portable or game boy or something of the sort. It can get boring at sea sometimes and these are great for those times when you have worked hard and completed your sea project early. Ipod or some other music source (I guess laptop could work here too). A travel book for the area your ship is going. And the most important: access to money. The cadets don't get paid much and some of these adventures can get expensive. Alot of times people will never return to the area again so this is the one chance to "see it." Not a ton of money, but enough to get them where they need to go. For example the Pyramids.</p>
<p>If your DS/DD is planning on using "Plastic Money" then be sure to call the number on the back of their card <strong><em>BEFORE</em></strong> leaving the US and let them know that you will be traveling. </p>
<p>Certain restrictions have gone into place especially in regards to debit cards and they may not work if you have not told the bank where you will be going. Make sure to tell them that you are traveling by MERCHANT Ship and do not know exact ports but generally you expect to be in this general vicinity (Asia, Middle East, Africa, Europe) and that they may expect to see activity from there.</p>
<p>My S said he wants "work socks", apparently they are waterproof? Does anyone have any information about that? Also, do the duffle bags in the NEX have wheels? </p>
<p>Also, is there any kind of laptop accessory that would prevent falling off a desk, i.e., like a magnetic placemat or something like that? </p>
<p>My s also wants CD or DVD/RW discs, to copy movies, etc. Also, movies and games. </p>
<p>He told me he wanted writing paper and envelopes. I said--yeah right, I'm still waiting for my first letter!!!</p>
<p>The laptop accessory to prevent it from falling off a desk is known as the floor. Seriously, the thing won't fall of a desk during normal sea operations; however, in foul weather it is prudent to either put it on the floor or in a drawer.</p>
<p>I am not sure on what is meant by "work socks." Not sure why someone would need waterproof socks as you can always go change your socks in your cabin if needed.</p>
<p>Care packages: I would not recommend sending anything of value through the mail to a ship. If your mid is on an established route then it could be pretty easy to get something to them through the ship's agent at the local port; however, if you don't know where they are going or are only going somewhere once it may be a bit tough. My best recommendation would be to not send anything to them unless absolutely necessary. The ship's agent is the local representation for the ship. This person is basically the contact person for the ship in a particular port. Usually the captain or the shoreside company people will know who the agent is for each particular port and then you can send anything needed to them and they will bring it to the ship. The problem becomes if the ship changes ports, leaves before the package gets there, or any number of other things.</p>
<p>Dear kathynp,
Regarding care packages, yes, you can send them. However, delivery policies vary between shipping companies and also vary between ports. In addition to the mailing address, your midshipman should find out if letters are treated differently than packages. Sometimes letters will be sent to more ports than just the homeport, but packages may be held for return to homeport. Also, pay attention to the ship's schedule, even though schedules can change. We have had some packages successfully reach our midshipman. Other packages reached the ship after he had completed his sea term and had to be forwarded at his expense.</p>
<p>Is2Day spent Christmas at sea last year (this year too). We sent his package to Matson's office in Oakland and they got it to him in Long Beach. We just called and they gave us the details. Not sure how other companies work it, but Matson was very helpful to us rookies.</p>
<p>something else that i don't think anyone else has mentioned on here is to bring a small medical kit. you typically don't want to have to rely on the "medical officer" unless it's truly necessary. this kit should include: bandaids, neosporin, peptobismol, hydrogen peroxide, advil, exlax, allergy meds, cold meds, etc...
it's far better to bring it with you than have the 2nd mate freak out and think you're dying when you only have an upset stomach.</p>
<p>I have never seen such a thing. Can anyone tell me a manufacturer of one or provide a link to look at? IS2Day you talk about taking less was best, would a light table be something you would make room for on a ship? Are there different sizes of tables and what is the smallest size that would be most beneficial?</p>
<p>Supportmom....there are a lot of manufactures of portable light tables...they range in price from $30-$300. My son got lucky and a graduating senior on his deck last year gave him his. Also, have your boy check with upperclass engineers about what templates he needs for drawing the sea project in addition to those issued. I'll send you an email with information. :D</p>
<p>you don't need to buy a light table. all you need is a piece of glass or plexiglass, and portable light, both of which can be found aboard ship.</p>
<p>I bought one for my niece for college in Walmart. It was a lap table with a light. I think it was around $30. Don't they have a desk in their cabin?</p>
<p>ok... dead camera is replaced w/waterproof one (thanks for all the suggestions, earlier)...
ok... dead phone is replaced... (thanks Ebay, since it was too early to upgrade without full-price replacement)</p>
<p>What's he got going on? An electronic Dampening field?
I don't want him touching MY computer before he leaves for sea!</p>