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Preparing for your first ship contract at sea is both exciting and daunting, and the decisions you make in the weeks before you sign on will shape how well that first voyage goes. Whether you are joining as a cadet, an ordinary seaman, or a junior engineer, the preparation process is broadly the same: get your documentation right, understand what you are signing, know what to pack, and set realistic expectations for what life on board will be like.

Additionally, the maritime industry moves fast. A Manning Agent can call you for a vessel with as little as 72 hours notice. The seafarers who are ready — documents in order, bag half-packed — are the ones who get the opportunities. This guide walks you through everything you need to do before your first sign-on day.

Getting Your Certificates in Order

Before you can board any internationally trading vessel, you need a valid set of STCW Basic Safety Training (BST) certificates. These four courses are the minimum entry requirement for any seafarer and must be completed before your first sign-on:

• Personal Survival Techniques (PST) — liferaft and survival procedures
• Fire Prevention and Firefighting (FPFF) — shipboard fire response
• Elementary First Aid (EFA) — basic medical response at sea
• Personal Safety and Social Responsibilities (PSSR) — shipboard safety culture and communication

Additionally, most vessels now require a Proficiency in Designated Security Duties (PDSD) certificate and a Ship Security Awareness certificate. Passenger vessel crew need additional crowd management training. Check with your Manning Agent exactly which certificates your specific vessel and route require before you travel to join.

You will also need a valid seafarer’s medical certificate (ENG1 in the UK, or an equivalent national certificate for other flag states), a valid passport with at least six months remaining, a Seafarer’s Discharge Book or Continuous Discharge Certificate (CDC), and any rank-specific STCW certificates if you are joining as a certificated officer. See our full STCW Certification Guide for details.

Understanding Your Seafarer Employment Agreement (SEA)

Before signing your first ship contract, you will be presented with a Seafarer Employment Agreement (SEA) — the legally binding contract that sets out your terms of employment for that voyage. Under MLC 2006, you have the right to review the SEA before signing it. Do not sign under time pressure without reading it. Key terms to check include:

• Contract duration and the repatriation conditions
• Basic monthly wage and any guaranteed overtime
• Allotment provisions and payroll schedule
• Paid leave entitlement
• Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) that applies, if any
• P&I Club and MLC insurance details (covering injury, illness, and death benefits)
• Notice periods and early termination conditions

If anything is unclear or seems inconsistent with what you were told verbally, ask for clarification in writing before you sign. Once you are on board and the vessel has departed, your ability to challenge contract terms is significantly reduced.

What to Pack for Your First Ship Contract

Furthermore, packing efficiently is a skill seafarers develop over time. On your first contract, the temptation is to overpack. Most vessels provide workwear (coveralls, safety boots, hard hat, and hi-vis vest), so focus your personal kit on comfort items for your time off watch. Key essentials include:

• All personal documents in a waterproof folder (passport, certificates, medical card, discharge book)
• Comfortable clothing for off-watch hours (vessel accommodation is generally warm)
• Personal medications — a full supply for the entire contract plus extra
• Toiletries and personal hygiene products for the full contract duration
• Entertainment: books, a tablet or laptop with downloaded content, headphones
• A high-quality padlock for your cabin drawer or locker
• Adaptors for different power socket types (you will encounter multiple standards)
• A reliable watch — essential for watch-keeping duties

“My biggest advice to anyone joining their first vessel: bring far less clothing than you think you need, and far more entertainment than you think you will need,” says a Third Officer who joined his first container vessel at 21. “The off-watch hours are long. You also want your documents laminated and stored separately from your main bag — losing them at a foreign port is a nightmare you do not want.”

What to Expect on Board: The First Few Days

However, the first 48–72 hours on any vessel involve a mandatory safety familiarisation. This is a formal SOLAS requirement — you must be shown your muster station, your emergency duties, and the location of safety equipment before the vessel sails. Take this seriously. You should also receive a vessel-specific induction from the Chief Officer or Chief Engineer covering the SMS procedures relevant to your duties.

Expect a steep learning curve in the first two to three weeks. Every vessel has its own routines, systems, and culture. The key is to watch carefully, ask questions appropriately (not during critical manoeuvres), and accept that it takes time to find your footing. Senior crew on reputable vessels understand that new joiners need orientation time.

In addition, communicate your workload capacity honestly. If you are given a task you are not confident performing safely, say so. The maritime industry values competence and honest self-assessment far above false confidence.

Staying Connected With Home

Internet access on modern vessels varies widely — some provide reasonable bandwidth for crew, others have limited connectivity with charges. Prepare your family in advance for the possibility of limited contact, especially on long ocean passages. Set up a schedule for calls rather than leaving communication to chance, and agree on what to do if you miss a scheduled call (delayed, not alarming).

Importantly, whatsApp and similar apps are the primary communication tools used by crew globally. Download content for offline viewing before departure — films, podcasts, and e-books on a downloaded streaming service (Spotify offline, Netflix downloads) can make a significant difference to quality of life in low-connectivity periods.

For context on the cadetship pathway into your first contract, see our Maritime Cadet Guide.

Frequently Asked Questions

What certificates do I need before joining my first ship?
At minimum, you need the four STCW Basic Safety Training (BST) certificates: Personal Survival Techniques, Fire Prevention and Firefighting, Elementary First Aid, and Personal Safety and Social Responsibilities. You also need a valid medical certificate, a current passport, and a Seafarer’s Discharge Book or CDC.

How long is a typical first ship contract?
Contract lengths vary by company, vessel type, and rank. Cadets typically serve 6–12 month contracts. Ratings and officers commonly sign contracts of 4–6 months, sometimes up to 9 months on specific trades. Your SEA will specify the contract duration and any extension conditions.

What happens if I want to leave early?
Your SEA will specify the early termination conditions. In most cases, early termination by the seafarer without a valid reason (medical, family emergency) may result in repatriation costs being deducted from your wages. Review this clause carefully before signing. Medical disembarkation is always available — your health takes priority.

Will I have internet access on board?
Most modern vessels provide some crew internet access, but quality and speed vary widely. Deep-sea bulk carriers may have limited satellite bandwidth with usage charges. Container ships, cruise vessels, and vessels on regular routes often have better connectivity. Ask your Manning Agent about the vessel’s crew internet policy before joining.

How do I set up a seafarer allotment for my first contract?
Complete an allotment form at sign-on, specifying the amount and your beneficiary’s bank account details. Your employer or Manning Agent will process this through their payroll system. Under MLC 2006, allotments must be transmitted within one month of deduction, at no cost or a reasonable cost to you.

Conclusion

A well-prepared first ship contract sets the foundation for a long maritime career. Getting your certificates right, understanding what you are signing, packing smartly, and setting honest expectations will allow you to focus on learning your role rather than managing avoidable problems.

If you are actively looking for your first maritime contract or cadetship, search current opportunities across vessel types and ranks at Seaplify.

For official maritime standards and further information, visit the International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF).