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, and a beanie. |
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. We have a limited supply of 'loaners' sizes available upon request. |
Alarm clock: | Necessary. A cell phone (on airplane mode because of loss of signal or changing time zones) may be good enough. |
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 linens and bath towels, but bring your own personal hygiene products (shampoo, soap, 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 (allergies, gluten, vegetarian or vegan) please let the volunteer coordinator & cooks know. |
Clothes for a week or more: | Laundry facilities are available but the washing machine will be unavailable during rough weather so plan accordingly for 16 days. |
Fishing pole: | Trolling for albacore & bottom-fishing are common, especially summer and fall, so if you like fishing and have a sturdy pole and tackle, bring them. |
Soft luggage: | We recommend using soft luggage to stow your clothes and other personal gear such as a duffle bag or backpack since hard suitcases will not stow easily into your stateroom closet/locker. |