HOW TO PACK FOR SEA | WHATS IN A SAILORS SEA BAG

Need a packing list for your first time at sea? Below are some of the items I recommend in the video-
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JOE FRANTA'S SLOP CHEST (my store) slopchestsailorstore.com/
INSTAGRAM: / franta.joe
MY RV CHANNEL / @joefrantarv

[@HabitualButtonPusher]

I would always recommend a good multi tool you can stick on your belt, a pair of eyeshades/eye mask and an extra pair of shoelaces for your work boots/sneakers or any other shoes with laces. They always break at the exact wrong time and you never have access to a decent replacement. Two things I always keep on me, everyday, everywhere is a small flashlight (120 lumen ThruNite Ti2) and a Gerber Dime multi tool that fits in my jeans watch pocket. The flashlight is small enough to keep out of the way, can hold it in your mouth for two hand tasks and puts out a very good amount of light. The Gerber Dime, small knife, pliers, package opener, bottle opener and either tweezers or toothpick.

[@TahoeRealm]

Great comment!

[@allnamestakenlol]

Great pickup line. "Want to see what's in my seabag?"

[@bas6983]

Dutch flagged tanker captain here. Thats the reason why I always carry an ample amount of tylenol and advil when coming on board. Cost me a few dollar per trip and saves a lot of hassle.

[@anthonyroberts7987]

Thanks! Great to see this on Day of the Seafarer 2024. Grateful for what you and all the other seafarers do!

[@JoeFranta]

Wow! I am grateful for this Anthony!

[@jackietaylor6174]

I have missed your videos I am so happy you are back.

[@nickkercheval2704]

I am a farmer and I LOVE your channel Joe. I can live vicariously thru you!

[@BonesyTucson]

You live quite different lifestyles! :)

[@HazletNJ]

I’m a NJ-based retiree and live the sea life through Joe

[@jojogivens7475]

Where have you been, my friend? I've been looking for your videos.

[@jesstill7833]

Same here 👍

[@Xucaboa]

He’s been at sea!

[@Blasterxp]

On a boot, I guess!

[@nickkercheval2704]

Actually he only posts videos when he is on a ship. When he isn’t he is cruising in an RV in the states

[@jojogivens7475]

@@nickkercheval2704 is there a KZbin channel for that?

[@Chasing72]

Regarding your paperwork. It’s critical in case of injury or some dispute regarding your service or assignment. My dad spent 30 years in the army and, like you, kept every piece of paper relating to his service. It helped me put together a chronology of his service as well as helped getting my mom some VA benefits due her for his service.

[@paullandreville5394]

On the boat we carried a flashlight on our belt and multi-tool. A good knife in pocket. Head lamp for night stuff. Add 1 small container of sea sick pills and some ear plugs.

[@missamo80]

7:48 that's some magic chapstick!

[@brianbarney1885]

I traveled for work for 25+ years and was constantly exposed to new people and their local bugs. I found that rinsing my sinuses with NeilMed saline twice daily to be my best preventative treatment. Also keeping my flu shots and other vaccinations up to date of course. As always, I enjoyed your vlog today.

[@jfeussner4282]

A flashlight that has a white and red light. need the red light filter for the bridge watches in the middle of the night.

[@dennisshoffner5201]

I sincerely appreciate how concisely your content is written. Good writing is hard work! Well done!

[@zepe70]

Dude been binge watching your channel last couple days, no particular interest in seafaring but really enjoy the great story telling and videography. Top notch work.

[@rayoster2872]

I enjoyed watching the roll of the ship by looking at the picture on the wall. Fair seas.

[@BoogieMan568]

The world needs moore vids from Joe and every week😍

[@Xucaboa]

Nice packing Joe! I always bring a nice little notebook and some colored pencils. I can take notes about the ship and color code stuff that way

[@JoeFranta]

I remember your book Hardtop!

[@bobuncle8704]

Nice to see the channel growth. 125k. Awesome Very thoughtful video. Every rookie sailer would benefit from this for sure.

[@JoeFranta]

Glad you think so!

[@mattscotland]

One thing I never go on the ship without is travel adaptor for plug sockets.

[@alexandermg21]

Depending on the vessel you sail, bring your own laundry detergent. If the vessel has self-serve laundry, they don't always provide detergent. Pods or the dried detergent sheets are great when traveling.

[@DyrewulfNV]

I would add a Nitecore USB rechargeable head lamp, very light weight, very durable.

[@Xucaboa]

@@DyrewulfNV same, rechargeable USB headlamp has been a must-have in my seabag since I found a good one. Gotta have that red light mode too

[@bas6983]

Till you go to a tanker and they will more or less kill you when using it on deck or the engine room.

[@Xucaboa]

@@bas6983 oh yeah for sure not on bravo flag ships. Got a pelican handy then

[@williams-wr5lg]

@@bas6983 why?

[@bas6983]

@@williams-wr5lg on a tanker every area outside within 100ft/.30m from the cargo area is considered a gas zone. The use of non ATEX approved equipment is prohibited due to the risk of explosions. No phones, no smart watches, no mp3 players, only approved porto’s lights.

[@petergold1758]

As an engineer working on gov't contract ships, I'm stuck bringing my own coveralls. That's about a third of the bulk. I tend to bring two pairs of work boots. If one pair gets soaked I still have something to wear while the 1st pair dries out. I buy most of my shampoo from the slop chest. That might be an option on MSC contract ships if your not fussy. Ditto on soap since the ship provides it.

[@ThatDeltaBravo]

I did a contract on a cruise ship as the sound guy in the entertainment department. (Just one. While I LOVED it, it wasn't a long term solution for me.) I completely overpacked. While I still only had one case and a backpack, I used only about 2/3 of what I brought. Great list!

[@elcastorgrande]

Bring half the clothes and twice the money.

[@MesaperProductions]

Heck, 2/3 usage seems ok for a merchant marine vessel.

[@brianbarquin362]

Honey! Get the kids, Joe posted!!

[@ibbylancaster8981]

Joe, as a welder for the last 25 years, a couple of decent welding caps are a bit more comfortable than a bandanna. Just a thought. Glad to see you up on here. If you ever get through southeastern NC and want a place to chill in the RV, I have 56 acres about 10 minutes off I95. Much love to you.

[@treediddy]

Thanks Joe, another great job. From one Jersey guy to another, glad to see you posting again. I’ve never had a sea bag but I did use to deploy for 2-3 week wildfire fighting details, so the packing has a lot of similarities. We obviously didn’t move around geographically as much as you do aboard a ship, but a lot of people would be surprised at the diurnal temperature changes that can be encountered in the mountains, even in the middle of summer. Keep up the good work and looking forward to your next posting.

[@kirstyhutton5254]

Thank you SO much for showing me a lifestyle SO far removed from here - an old town in England , nowhere near the sea where old people play croquet and bridge - I can escape in my head ! thank you the vids are brill

[@johncooper3392]

I can't stop staring @ the picture swaying on the wall. London

[@charlesbaldo]

Now I can't either😂

[@RaceBanner_]

I *_cannot believe_* you left a rug, a plant, and a bathmat off the list. Do you even watch your own material?!? :-) Good to see you back online.

[@rackets001]

Ah yeah! Joe has new content! Always entertaining! FAA technician here, never been on a large ship, but have enjoyed the whole ride from the first video on your channel to now!

[@mikecoombs3972]

Only thing I would add is that your sea bag should be soft sided. Not always good to have to store a hard sided suitcase.

[@LNSMITH1010]

One day too late! Just put my son on a plane to Quebec to board his first cargo ship. I believe they are heading to the Arctic. I watched many of your previous videos looking for hints about what to pack. So thankful to have found your channel! Overall, I think we did ok. Now I anxiously await his return!

[@stevepotfora7461]

Glad you are back, Joe. If there is a sea fairing community here it is because of your good nature and interesting content. Hope this is a good contract for you. Calm seas, from New York.

[@brianperticari]

From one Jersey guy to another, love this channel!

[@mrid10t]

welcome back! i've been waiting for new videos from you!

[@JeffButera]

Glad to have you back.

[@KarlEBrand]

Cool! Thanks Joe!!

[@cookiesmith8545]

So glad your back! I’ve missed your videos! ❤

[@wrh7787]

I’m glad your back, your channel Is the best!

[@brucebowman9087]

You've been working on your game while you've been off. Very smooth delivery. Glad to see you back.

[@Blackopsmechanic338]

Joe good to see you! Stay safe

[@eddiefowke]

I have to say, as a professional photographer travelling for a living my list is actually very similar (just more climbing gear). The only real difference is I swear by roller bags (to be specific the Ogio 9800 as the thing is bombproof!) just for ease of transport. You can shoulder them if you need to, but they make like easier everywhere else!

[@akaCamo]

Very interesting and informative video Joe. Glad you are posting the ship videos again. Keep them coming. Cheers.

[@siberia1409]

Joe, good to see you back!

[@raytheron]

So good to see you again, Joe! I missed you and look forward to the next one.

[@DavidSuttoninSpain]

Very informative video, with good sound advice, thank you Joe.

[@Kpearso1]

It’s about damn time Joseph! Thanks for the video, great stuff.

[@jolo3118]

Just found your channel a couple of weeks ago and binged it all. Happy dance for the new drop! 💃

[@AnthonySmith-hr2kp]

Man, I've missed your videos. Welcome back!!

[@DconBlueZ]

Thanks for the video, I usually learn something and always enjoy watching!

[@lawrencefleck1117]

Yay You are back!

[@hannah1943]

over 25 years in a Merchant Marine saltwater and a and a little Sweetwater sailing on the Great Lakes. 99% of all my Shipmates use regular suitcase with wheels.

[@patriley9449]

Thanks for sharing Joe. You lead a very interesting life.

[@ellennicholson9608]

Yeah, your back !!!!!! Been missing you !

[@clintl4797]

Plain and simple! Great video and channel. Wonderful to see you again. Love you brother😊

[@wilelowman]

Cool, cool, cool, good advice, ship, cruise, bug out.

[@michelleharrell8452]

This video was most interesting. Thanks for the information.

[@sneaks01]

Great to see you again!! 😊

[@stephenschulte8569]

Your followers have missed you good to see you back

[@rogermorrill1563]

great to sea ya back Joe

[@rustymshakelford7058]

Love your videos! I’ve only sailed on the Great Lakes, but I would ALWAYS have 2 pairs of work boots. I’ve gone in the drink a couple times handling lines from a work boat, and having a pair of dry shoes is a life saver! Also the boats have rain gear, but it sucks, I got my own pair to use for washing the tunnels, and deck.

[@darrenleigh201]

Great video. Took me a couple of minutes to notice the picture on the wall moving back and forth with the roll of the ship! Thanks for sharing!

[@jameshicks914]

Thank you Joe !! Great VID!!!

[@michaelhiggins7365]

Another great video Joe, its been awhile and I really enjoyed it. Thanks !

[@thehunter3386]

GREAT to see you back!! Hope this means more videos! Take care...

[@JoeFranta]

More to come!

[@jedgeled759]

love the channel!! cant wait for the next voyage !!!!

[@thundersnow819]

NICE, GOOD TO SEE YA JOE

[@AV-iu6bd]

It’s a great day when Joe uploads

[@andygulick6085]

welcome back. looking forward to more videos

[@pre10801]

Well done, Joe.

[@brianburge3349]

THANKS JOE

[@1machoguerrereo508]

Awesome joe, thank you ❤

[@chuckw1021]

You go Joe!

[@TheGraywolf4life]

Nice to have you back on youtube....

[@nickshenstone1362]

great to see ya again

[@thewanderingmariner]

Wow! Great video

[@MesaperProductions]

Hey Franta! Good to see ya!

[@m3w]

This was great - thank you!

[@guidofischer3735]

good to have you back... more frequently I hope....

[@karlmckinnell2635]

Joe it’s been a minute. Good to sea you’re well.

[@dalepoulette]

I started following you when I started bridge watch in port hawkesbury Nova Scotia, just so happens you were leaving the port at the gravel pit. Thanks for your tips and tricks, I would of never knew about the boots on airplanes now I know thanks to you. By the way I am half way done my cadet time.

[@tcbunix]

Nice to sea you back

[@matthewelliott2213]

Sea bag sounds like the 'ladies' that would hit up the Merchant Mariners...lol

[@richqualls5157]

Excellent video!

[@alphashavingworks]

What a very cool video Joe.

[@alphashavingworks]

Do you headshave?

[@jamesbillington5058]

With my knife, I always have one with an awl included. They are great for loosening shackles and making eye splices.

[@glennkennedy441]

Very interesting video, thanks !

[@melissalambert7615]

Great information, always interesting. One flashlight. Hmm. Just around my house I have at least six. Have one flat one that hangs on my front doorknob. Just in case I have to run out. I would have to bring my multivitamins, kelp tablets and antacids.

[@johnspencer5671]

Absolutely brilliant can’t think of anything you have missed. I am well retired, so don’t need this intelligence. However, I can absolutely gel with the info in this KZbin. I hope the newbies take note.

[@Wedgedoow]

Regarding lack of hair Joe, 'Grass doesn't grow on a busy street' Nice informative video thanks for posting. Pete

[@Arizona-Sonoran-Desert-Guy]

Great job, Dude, another fun video. This was profoundly fascinating and provided insight into the real-life trial and error of what to bring/have on the ship. I will watch it multiple times, as it is akin to the gear/gadgets/food a wild camper or a bush crafter would bring on a days-long forest trip. Since I'm an old guy and drinking good black coffee is the high point of my daily life, the thermal coffee mug would be my prized possession. ☕

[@JoeFranta]

I agree it is similar to packing for wilderness backpacking trips!

[@Here2There.246]

Wearing the work boots may also keep your bag under 50lbs and avoid an extra fee. That’s a ton of gear!

[@fourtyfivefudd]

I don’t work on ships. But I do work for the railroad, and it’s similar in that we work in all weather, all day, everyday. And where I’m at it’s not uncommon for it to be 70 degrees one hour, and drop down to 50 the next. Especially in spring or fall. And our winters here are brutal. So working in cold wet environments I would recommend wool. Bare minimum wool base layer, wool socks, wool hat and glove liners, a wool sweater OR wool jacket. The socks and glove liners are cheap, but the wool long John’s and sweater or jacket and be a lot more expensive, but they are very durable and will last along time, especially if you wear them under your normal work jacket or coveralls. There’s a reason why wool has been the staple for sailors since the beginning. And it’s anti microbial so if you miss laundry day, it won’t be as smelly as week old dirty cotton socks. And if there’s a muster alarm and a chance of an evacuation, throwing on wool can really save your life. The the sole survivor of the sinking of the Daniel J Morrel likely only survived because he was the only one wearing wool, amongst 2 others in the life raft

[@michaelodonoghue7464]

Sunscreen, GPS enabled Personal Locator Beacon and Satellite Telephone would be My 3 extras.

[@krassos]

First ship was great. Looking forward to my phase 4 ship.

[@JoeFranta]

Good luck!

[@kellyholland392]

It was a little different for me. I was in the Navy. Love the video. Not sure what you do need to watch more videos, but looks like you get a stateroom. I have to live in a compartment with about 30 personally. And I was on a much smaller ship. Adam's class destroyer.

[@robertlemoine3500]

Missed you Joe 😊

[@luke6575]

Love ya Joey

[@uncertainzee]

Awesome content! Travel safely

[@JoeFranta]

As always thanks so much Uncertainzee!

[@deanrotering879]

I was wondering about this lol. Good video.

[@JoeFranta]

Well now you know! As always thanks again Dean!