Key takeaways
- ✓Pack in one soft bag — hard suitcases are hard to stow on board.
- ✓Documents first: passport, certificates, medical, insurance and the crew agreement.
- ✓Good foul-weather gear, a personal lifejacket with harness and a head torch are worth the money.
- ✓Bring layers: nights at sea are cold, even in the tropics.
- ✓Check with the skipper what is already on board before you buy anything.
Documents
- •Passport (valid well beyond the trip) and any visas for the countries on the route.
- •Certificates: STCW Basic Safety, seafarer medical (e.g. ENG1), Yachtmaster or other licence, VHF/SRC.
- •Travel and medical insurance that covers you at sea.
- •The crew agreement or delivery terms, and a printed copy of your flight home.
- •Copies of everything — paper and phone.
Clothing and foul-weather gear
- •Offshore or coastal foul-weather jacket and trousers.
- •Sea boots and non-marking deck shoes.
- •Base layers, a fleece and a warm hat — nights get cold.
- •Sun protection: hat, sunglasses with strap, high-factor sunscreen, long-sleeved shirt.
- •Sailing gloves and quick-drying clothes; leave cotton jeans at home.
Personal safety kit
- •Personal lifejacket with crotch strap, light and sprayhood (check servicing date).
- •Harness tether, if not provided.
- •Personal AIS or PLB beacon, if you have one and the skipper agrees.
- •Head torch with red light, and a knife or multi-tool.
Ask the skipper what safety gear is on board and its service dates. The boat should meet the safety equipment requirements for the passage.
Electronics and comfort
- •Phone with offline charts/apps, a power bank and 12 V / USB chargers.
- •Waterproof phone pouch.
- •Seasickness remedies you know work for you.
- •Earplugs and an eye mask for off-watch sleep.
- •A small personal first-aid kit and any prescription medicine in its original box.
Ocean crossing extras
- •Extra base layers and a spare set of dry clothes in a dry bag.
- •Books or downloaded media — there is no internet for days.
- •Snacks you like for night watches.
- •A small dry bag for the cockpit.
What to leave at home
- •Hard suitcases and heavy shoes.
- •More than one “going out” outfit.
- •Anything you would be upset to lose overboard.
Frequently asked questions
What bag is best for a yacht delivery?+
A soft holdall or duffel bag that can be folded and stowed. Many crew use a waterproof duffel so the bag survives a wet dinghy ride.
Do I need my own lifejacket for a delivery?+
Many delivery crew bring their own so it fits and they know it is serviced. Always confirm with the skipper what is on board.
Which documents does delivery crew need?+
A valid passport and visas for the route, your certificates (STCW, medical, licences), insurance and the agreed delivery terms. Requirements depend on the route and flag.
Sources
- World Sailing — Offshore Special Regulations
- RYA — Commercial endorsements and safety training
- UK MCA — Seafarer training and certification
- Offshore safety equipment checklist (Maritime Delivery guide)
- Yacht delivery crew paperwork and borders (Maritime Delivery guide)
- Atlantic crossing crew guide (Maritime Delivery guide)
Put it to work