1st Time at Sea

KPdadw? · 04-22-2009, 04:47 PM

Lets talk about what our midshipman will need to take with him to make his 1st time at sea rewarding. Please do not hold back.

JRH · 04-22-2009, 06:21 PM

(from a dad's perspective)
1. good (waterproof if possible) digital camera
2. external USB hard drive (to save the sea project data...and pictures!)
3. good pair of boots/shoes
4. pictures (so he/she doesn't forget who you are)

5. a cell phone that will accept a foreign SIM card, so he/she can call you...not that they will...
6. did I say camera?
7. Laminated posters of Ragin and Hauser, for those lonely nights

KPMarineopsdad · 04-22-2009, 06:57 PM

LOL, JRH although M/Sgt Hauser has been gone for quite some time, I'm sure he would be deeply moved to know that he made such a lasting impression.

usmmakp2010dad · 04-23-2009, 12:30 AM

Invest in a good camera for your Midn, I would suggest a Canon or Nikon SLR. There are kits at Costco or Sams Club. Parents it is worth the investment, your Midn will take the picturs of their lifetime.

KPMOM · 04-23-2009, 06:53 AM

We hold Going to Sea seminars twice a year before the midshipmen go to sea for the first time. We have the upperclassmen share their knowledge and experience about going to sea. We also have men who have sailed on the crew of ships, tell what is important for impressing the captain and crew.

We hold a Going to Sea seminar exclusively for girls also. This is at the Band of Sisters group.

These have been very worthwhile, and the students say that they have been a great help in having a good experience at sea. Tell your mid to see me at Cookie Cafe for details when the next one is coming up (May). It will be held, along with a picnic, on a Sunday afternoon.

suzannegra · 04-23-2009, 08:53 AM

From my observations, in addition to the other posts:

Pelican flashlight 2400 http://pelican-flashlight.com/images/2400.pdf
Portable light table (if engineer)
I would not take a SLR camera as they tend to get banged around....buy the Olympus water/shock/freeze proof camera
Do not pack too many civilian cloths...just a few outfits
Lots of undershirts and skivvies

JRH · 04-23-2009, 09:47 AM

I hear a good Leatherman comes in handy as well

tmr · 04-23-2009, 10:41 AM

Don't forget a good knife - we got this for our DS

:: Spyderco Product Details ::

Colorado Parents carry this but I don't believe they have it in yellow which makes it easier to see if dropped - this was a big hit w the boy and he has told us it is one of the best tools he carries.

JRH · 04-23-2009, 10:52 AM

yeah...definitely a good knife. I bought a Spyderco for the boy for his birthday and from what I hear it's definitely the right one.

SUPPORTMOM · 04-23-2009, 11:26 AM

I hear a head light is especially helpful to trace all the pipes in the engine room where it can be dark.

KPdadw? · 04-23-2009, 11:43 AM

This knofe looks great, thank you

KPdadw? · 04-23-2009, 11:46 AM

Guess I should spell "knife" the right way, don't want to get yelled at!!

KPdadw? · 04-23-2009, 11:54 AM

Olympus water/shock/freeze proof camera or a Canon or Nikon SLR. What are the pros and cons? Where would be the best place to buy one of these units? Thank you

KPMarineopsdad · 04-23-2009, 01:59 PM

I would not take a SLR camera as they tend to get banged around....buy the Olympus water/shock/freeze proof camera

Speaking of things getting banged around, remind them to secure their laptops in heavy seas. Guess how I know about that!

Jamzmom · 04-23-2009, 02:18 PM

Quote:

7. Laminated posters of Ragin and Hauser, for those lonely nights

LOLLOLOLOLOLOL Thats just too much. LOL

Son is a "deckie" & he LOVED that knife. He also found it handy to have a flashlight with the red night filter for use at night up on the bridge. Pelican makes those as well. So depending on if your son is a deckie or engine, the things they find useful might differ. The camera is a must. The photos are just too awesome for words. (Some were kinda scary & I could have done without....)