California Cooperative Oceanic Fisheries Investigations

  • Increase font size
  • Default font size
  • Decrease font size
Home Cruises Volunteering What to Bring

Suggestions on What to Bring to Sea

E-mail Print PDF

Most necessities are provided by the ship but a few amenities can make the cruise more comfortable:

Sea sickness medication If you know you are prone to seasickness, bring any medication you know works for you. Marezine, Meclizine, Bonine, Dramamine or Scopolamine anti-seasick medications are some examples – some work for some people; some have side effects; some dosages require a prescription. The ship can provide over-the-counter remedies but we suggest consulting your doctor or pharmacist & bringing your own. Summer and fall cruises are typically calm but the weather can get rough any time of year.
Clothes you can layer It is better to wear multiple layers than wear a heavy jacket since you will be moving in and out of the climate-controlled lab. Even summer cruises can be cool (even cold) so always bring long pants, a windbreaker, sweater or sweatshirt.
Boots Calf high rubber boots are a must-have.  The work area is usually swamped by seawater so your shoes will constantly be wet. Comfortable, waterproof boots are a necessity since you will be sampling from the CTD or washing nets. The more comfortable the better but even cheap ones are better than wet tennies. 'Loaners' may be provided upon request.
   
Hard hat NOAA & SIO vessels require hardhats during loading and while working on deck. The ship will provide one but bring one if you prefer your own.
Closed toed footwear These are mandatory while working on-deck and any general work areas. Steel-toed shoes/boots provide extra protection so are highly recommended.
Rain gear Foul-weather jacket and pants are worth taking along. We can provide a few pairs but sizes vary so if you have something waterproof, bring it.
Sun protection Sunglasses, a hat, sunscreen and Chap Stick – you can minimize your sun exposure but these are worth bringing.
Toiletries and medications The ship provides the necessities (linens, soap, etc) but bring your own personal hygiene products (decongestant, Advil, etc).. The ship is relatively small so consider bathing regularly a courtesy to other people.
Shower robe / shoes Makes getting to and from the head (bathroom) more convenient.
Workout clothes / gear A stationary bike, stair-stepper, mat, and bench/free weights are available.
Books /magazines / music The ship has a magazine & paperback library plus movies but the selection can vary.
Binoculars / camera Sightings of birds and marine mammals such as seals, whales or porpoises are common on CalCOFI.
Snacks and goodies Some ships provide lots of these but if you are particular, bring it. Midnight watch-standers often bring soups; canned tuna and staple food items since meals are not serve from 6pm to 730am. There are sandwich fixings, cereals, dinner leftovers or you can request a plate of food from dinner be saved. If you have any dietary restrictions (allegies or vegan) please let the volunteer coordinator & cooks know.
Clothes for a week or more Laundry facilities are available but you should bring enough clothes since the washing machine will be unavailable during rough weather.
Fishing pole Trolling for albacore is common, especially summer and fall, so if you like fishing and have a heavy pole with some jigs, bring them.
Soft luggage We recommend using soft luggage to stow your clothes and other personal gear such as a duffel bag or backpack since hard suitcases will not stow into your stateroom closet/locker.
Alarm clock Very useful especially if you are switching over to the midnight watch.

 

< Prev   Next >
Last Updated on Monday, 20 June 2011 09:03  

Newsflash

Next CalCOFI cruise is CalCOFI 1203SH - details are available here.