What are /r/maritime's favorite Products & Services?

From 3.5 billion Reddit comments

I always take a few of these super-strong magnetic hooks whenever I'm going on a boat. There's almost always a surface to stick them onto, and they're really handy for organizing whatever personal space you have.

Something like this.

Looking for a ship is a good read for research. A bit dated, but things are the same in many regards today.

I'll try and give feedback on your writing when I have time later.

I use the timex expedition scout, It’s simple, cheap, and durable. Also if I lose it traveling to and from the ship I don’t feel bad about buying another.

https://www.amazon.com/Timex-T49961-Expedition-Scout-Green/dp/B00HYUSWPE

Not an engineer but a lot of engineering folks I work with like theeasy tie bandanas or welding caps

water proof notepads

https://www.amazon.com/GLORYFIRE-Waterproof-All-Weather-Outdoor-Activities/dp/B071CNG2QX/ref=asc_df_B071CNG2QX/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=198069831297&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=6100558376299886279&hvpone=&hvptwo=&a... waterproof notepads. I never seem to have enough.](https://www.amazon.com/GLORYFIRE-Waterproof-All-Weather-Outdoor-Activities/dp/B071CNG2QX/ref=asc_df_B071CNG2QX/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=198069831297&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=6100558376299886279&hvpone=&hvptwo=&a...)

When i was working on cruise ships internet was almost 4G speed with unlimited traffic, all for 60 USD / month, so not expensive at all to use. Furthermore all officers and some staff have access to itinerary planning for all company fleet. Port dates, stays, crew changes, all logistics involved, etc. but that is restricted to shipboard business use and not to be shared publicly online, for obvious reasons.

Did you also check the dedicated app for smartphones? (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.astrapaging.cm&hl=ro&gl=US)

I know this sounds kinda lame but pack nice socks, my husband and I both work on ships and we love the Bombas socks that are tall enough so there’s not chafing on your ankles with your boots.

Pack flip flops for your shower

I really like Monkey Buttwhen I’m working in really hot climates on deck (this was a MUST when I was working on ships in the gulf).

A Bahco with a wheel wrench and a flashlight that can withstand being dropped somewhere wet. I love my big yellow pelican but the new kids like small black tactical looking things. Work clothes are also a cool gift. Something fitted to the environment if it’s cold, a nice carhartt jacket, or some overalls.

Bahco 33 H US Adjustable Wrench with Valve Persuader https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B0155A429Y/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_i_38RSC71VFJZW5N31BSBY

Pelican StealthLite 2460 Rechargeable LED Flashlight with 110V Charger, 183 Lumens, Yellow https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B08H55H2MQ/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_i_CW6M2N1877DVHSENXWX4

Knipex pliers wrench, either the 7 1/4" or 10" size. (Personally, I think the 10" covers a wider range of uses, but if he's a smaller guy, it might be a little awkward to carry.)

I'm currently an engine cadet at Great Lakes Maritime--I started bringing mine to lab classes last year, and everybody who sees them (including the instructors, who are all former Chiefs) wants a set.

Their water pump pliers are also extremely useful, if you're looking for a slightly cheaper option.

I always bring a few magnetic hooks (something like these.) Never failed to find a use for them. I'll usually bring a pack of 3M command strip hooks as well, just in case there aren't enough steel surfaces for the magnets.

Also gotten a lot of use out of a rechargeable reading lamp. Bunk lights are often way too bright/harsh, and it's nice to have something a little more relaxing (especially if you end up sharing a room.)

I use this thing called a bills bag

It's a back pack, it's waterproof, and it's pretty tough, it's survived a lot of crew changes all over the world. I find that it always rains on crew change day, this keeps everything dry. The downside is if you are traveling and staying at different hotels, it's not great to grab one thing out of since it's a top loader, but for getting to the ship and unpacking it works great. And the best part (and the main reason to never use a hard suit case) is it folds up and can be put in a drawer, or just shoved in the corner.

My "summer" pack is about 35 pounds and winter is about 40-45 pounds. Easy to get up and down gangways and ladders. Could not reccomend it enough, well worth the money.

There are rather high bending forces, but fortunately the round cross-section is good at resisting them (to a point, you still need to make it strong enough). I can't see any diagrams showing a full hull in it, but Concepts In Submarine Design is a good book.

they can be if you keep the time off of auto update. I find a simple battery operated travel clock is the easiest and most reliable. some thing like this

American Merchant Seaman's Manual 7th (seventh) Edition by unknown (2003)

I do not have the GI bill, wish i had it, would been in a different path by now

There are two books that match your description, "The American Merchant Seaman's Manual" & " The Merchant Marine Officer's Handbook". Both cover the basics of shipboard operations.

Unfortunately I don't have PDF files of either but here's a link to amazon:

American Merchant Seaman's Manual

Merchant Marine Officer's Handbook