Summer Sea Term

Always wanted to go on a cruise?  the time is now...
During Sea Term, cadets will sail to several different ports and have many different experiences. This site is to help prepare new cadets on what they should bring, and some tips from those who already have been on some cruises.

Click here to download Summer Sea Term Tips in Word Format.

Sea term Supplies

What to expect when the ship returns

Prof. (DR.) Marchese's Ship Log

Track the Empire State IV

National Data Buoy Center

Summer Sea Term Tips

Bring only essential items necessary for cruise – Space is Limited

All clothing, equipment and supplies should be labeled with the cadet’s name to avoid confusion as many cadets often have similar looking belongings.

SUGGESTED CLOTHING

·         2 weeks worth of underwear, socks (black and white), and T-shirts

·         Khaki shorts with belt loops. No cargo or cut off shorts. All shorts to be hemmed to Bermuda short length.  (Available in the Ship’s Store).

·         Issued Cotton khaki shirts and slacks, anodized (non-tarnish) belt buckle

·         Issued Salt and Pepper (Summer Dress Uniform) and Dress Cover.

·         Cotton Boiler-suits – minimum 2 with name stenciled as required.  Long-sleeved required.

·         Fold-up rain poncho for use ashore

·         Windbreaker for use ashore

·         Sunglasses – Make sure sunglasses have the highest UV rating - A neck string is suggested.  If the cadet wishes to wear sunglasses during work they must be tinted safety glasses.

·         Issued grey Maritime sweatshirts

·         Liberty clothes

·         Casual Attire Advisable

·         Shorts, sneakers, suitable polo or T-shirt, sneakers or suitable footwear, etc.

·         (MALE) - 1 pair khaki or dress slacks, button down shirt & tie, (FEMALE) - 1 skirt and blouse

·         If cold weather clothing is needed: scarf, watch cap, gloves, long johns, issued Maritime black jacket.  Optional Maritime black sweater (for Russia and Denmark this is advisable).

safety equipment

Each Cadet will be required to have aboard the following for use during the Summer Sea Term:

  • Laceration Cap (Blue "Bump Cover")
  • Respirator (available in Ship’s Store; particulate matter only)
  • Efficient Flashlight (two 'D' cell) with Red Lens for the Bridge (Pocket lights do not satisfy this requirement)
  • Pocket knife - Knife with Marlin spike/no retractable blade or knife with blade greater than 5”
  • 7 x 50 Waterproof Binoculars with black neck strap (Required for all Deck Cadets) they should be efficient/reasonably priced
  • Safety Goggles/Glasses, tinted safety glasses (sunglasses will not be permitted to be worn during work.
  • Ear Plugs/ Hearing Protection
  • Foul weather gear
  • Work gloves

§         Leather gloves for heavy work

§         Heavy cloth gloves for work with power tools

§         Chemical Resistant gloves for work with solvents/paints

  • Sun block (SPF 30 or higher)

Due to an increase of cadets expected to participate in SST, space in the berthing areas is extremely limited.  Cadets should only bring the necessary supplies for cruise.  Cadets will not be permitted to bring footlockers.

DETERGENT/CLEANING SUPPLIES

·         1-Gallon container of liquid detergent, stain stick.  NO BLEACH – NO PHOSPHATES

These will usually last for the entire cruise, detergent will fit into cadet’s rubber boots

·         A few plastic bags for heavily soiled clothes

·         1 cloth or mesh laundry bag

·         GO-JO with pumice or other hand cleaner

·         Toilet Paper will be provided on the ship.
        (may be a good idea to bring a couple rolls of your own)

MEDICINE CHEST

·         Band-Aids

·         Sun Screen

·         Solarcaine for sunburn relief

·         Shower Shoes strongly recommended

FOOD

Food is now available on the mess deck 24 hours a day.  The snack shop is also available after meal hours and on weekends. Therefore, we strongly discourage bringing any food onboard the vessel. 

Note from a cadet, the snack shop  was depleted near the end of cruise, bringing limited food may be a good idea, as long as little storage space is used.

MISCELLANEOUS

·         Watch – cheap spare watch with alarm

·         Water bottle – for use on Deck/in Engine Room; at mealtime, or during the day.

·         Battery operated alarm clock (plug in alarm clock are not permitted and they will not keep time on the ship.)

·         Battery operated tape player (absolutely no Walkman type players allowed).  Plug in Radios will not be permitted.

·         Tire repair kit and lock – if cadet is bringing a bike.  Name & class should be engraved on bike.

·         Waterproof camera – Olympus and Minolta manufacture waterproof cameras.  Disposable waterproof cameras are suggested.

·         Film – at least 10 rolls of film, since it is very expensive in Europe

·         Writing paper and envelopes

·         Comforter or sleeping bag

·         Back Pack

·         Small mesh laundry bag

·         Bungee Cords for securing gear in the Berthing Holds

·         Extra batteries for tape player, clock, flashlight, etc.

·         At least 3 locks (with same combination)

·         Personal Computers, laptops, DVD players, fans, hotpots, etc. ARE NOT PERMITTED aboard for any cadets. 

·         Any electrical appliance must be inspected and approved for use by the Deck and Engine Department, including hair dryers.  The number of items will be limited; each student will not be permitted to bring electrical appliances.  

SUGGESTIONS

Send mail early.  Mail letters during pre-cruise to get to the first port on time.  Mail letters to 2nd and 3rd ports early likewise.  Mark mail “PLEASE HOLD FOR EMPIRE STATE VI” and DATE OF ARRIVAL. NAME MUST BE CLEARLY INDICATED ON ENVELOPE.  A telephone calling card makes calling home much easier.

Try to purchase any required books for the cruise as early as possible.  If you cannot find books or charts at school, they are usually available at New York Nautical Supply in Manhattan.  Chart holders may be purchased at an art supply stores.  A list of required books/supplies will be provided by the Marine Transportation Department/Engineering Department in mid April for use by the respective classes.

Tours have been arranged with local tour groups, and each cadet will have a designated tour day when they will be given liberty early.  We recommend your cadet go on these rather than on his/her own, and have arranged tours based on cadet interest.

Inexpensive plastic containers - purchased at the supermarket - may be used to store small items neatly and easily labeled for identification.  For example: pens, pencils and flashlight can be stored in one; medicine items in another; tape and batteries in another.  These fit into the assigned lockers and keep items at hand and readily accessible.

Advise your cadet to keep heavily soiled laundry (oil or paint) away from regular laundry such as uniforms and personal clothes.  Put name on all articles of clothing – including Liberty clothes. 

PASSPORTS ARE MANDATORY

Make plans well ahead to obtain or update your cadet’s passport.  Due to changes in immigration laws, the passport offices have been backlogged and are not able to process the “1 day” securing of a passport.  If you are not able to go to White Plains County Courthouse or Stamford, CT passport office, you should contact your local Post Office passport desk for assistance or advice.  If you plan to go to White Plains or Stamford, you should call ahead to find out their schedules.

No students will be allowed on cruise without a passport.     NO EXCEPTIONS!

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