Preparation and Packing Checklist
A PDF version of this information is available for download.
Items strictly prohibited on the ship
Do NOT bring the following items on board the JOIDES Resolution as they are strictly prohibited and may result in legal penalties and the seizure of the ship.
- Firearms
- Alcohol
- Illegal drugs
Items available on the ship
- Safety glasses, hard hats, work gloves
- Hearing protection
- Bed linens and pillows
- Towels, soap and toilet paper
- Daily laundry service
- Limited cold-weather gear
- Paperback books, games
- Movies and TV series
- Four meals a days
- Soft drinks, coffee, Lipton black/green tea
Items NOT available on the ship
- Prescription safety glasses
- Coveralls, rain gear
- Work clothes, work boots
- Shampoo, deodorant, toothpaste, toothbrush
- Shaving products, feminine hygiene products
- Batteries
- Sunscreen, sunglasses
- Free telephone service
- Candy, chocolate, snacks
- Good coffee and herbal tea
General Information
Travel info
Travel dates, ports, and hotels are provided at iodp.tamu.edu/travel/portcall.html.
Visas
Business visas are typically not required. You are responsible for having the correct tourist or transit visas. Requirements may differ if arriving/departing by ship vs. airplane so check with appropriate consulate or embassy.
Personal travel time
If your trip includes personal travel time before or after the cruise, you may require more time on your visa or a different visa altogether: CHECK!!! Otherwise you may have to deal with a long delay at customs at the end of the expedition.
Money
Credit cards (Visa, MasterCard, American Express, and Discover) are accepted as payment for purchases made from the onboard IODP store, including telephone cards, shirts, mugs, etc. Shipboard IODP personnel cannot accept cash or personal checks. Cash in USD may still be used for purchases of commissary items at the Siem shipboard store.
Dietary needs
Special dietary requirements should be brought to the attention of the Staff Scientist as soon as possible prior to the expedition so that the catering crew can make proper arrangements.
Shipboard schedule
Scientists work 12 hours a day, 7 days a week, in 2 shifts. Shifts are assigned by the Staff Scientist. Cabins are double occupancy. Generally, scientists are not allowed in their cabin during their shift as their cabin mate may be sleeping. Meals are provided at 0500-0700, 1100-1300, 1700-1900, and 2300-0100. Door-to-door laundry service is provided daily. A gym, lounge, movie room, and computer user room are available 24 hours a day.
Packing recommendations follow below.
Some items, such as coffee, tea, snacks, and toiletries may be purchased at the port if there is time before sailing. If you have any questions, please contact your Staff Scientist.
Packing Checklist
| A. | Travel to/from the ship |
|---|---|
| Passport, IODP travel information, IODP identification card (for employees) | |
| IODP “good guy” letter stating you are joining the expedition (IODP will provide) | |
| Visa if needed (check with appropriate consulate or embassy; ship is of Cyprus registry) | |
| B. | For your cabin |
| Shampoo, deodorant, toothpaste, toothbrush, lotion, tissues (limited quantities available on board) | |
| Vitamins or other dietary supplements | |
| Prescription medication and associated paperwork as some medication is illegal in other countries | |
| Shaving products, feminine hygiene products | |
| Hair dryer, adapter, etc. (ship uses 120 V power and US standard outlets) | |
| Alarm clock or watch/phone with an alarm | |
| Small flashlight | |
| Extra batteries for all battery-powered equipment (including hearing aids) | |
| C. | For your work area |
| Backpack for carrying personal items when not in your cabin (during your work shift) | |
| An extra pair of prescription glasses is recommended | |
| If you require prescription safety glasses you must provide them yourself | |
| Sunglasses, sunscreen, and lip balm | |
| Sweater or jacket as indoor lab areas can be cold | |
| Camera or phone with good camera | |
| Large external drive for backup of data, photos, and reports (1 Tb recommended) | |
| Steel-toed boots for scientists who expect to work on the rig floor | |
| Sturdy, close-toed shoes are required in the labs and core receiving area | |
| Do not bring delicate clothing as ship’s laundry can be harsh on clothes. | |
| Other work in case there are slow periods | |
| D. | For the gym if you like to work out |
| Towel (can also be used for sunbathing) | |
| Workout clothes and shoes | |
| Workout DVDs, iPhones, etc. | |
| Water bottle | |
| E. | Items to make the trip more enjoyable |
| Telephone cards (any card that can be used from a US location; also available for sale on the ship) | |
| Movies, music, books/e-books (several movies and books available on board) | |
| Candy, chocolate, dry fruit, nuts, salty snacks, etc. | |
| Coffee (most labs have cappuccino machines and bean grinders), herbal tea | |
| Mugs with lids are highly recommended for the lab areas | |
| Noise-canceling headphones are recommended as some parts of the ship can be very noisy | |
| Plain T-shirt for expedition logo (light or dark colors work) | |
| Musical instruments, games | |
| IODP mugs/t-shirts/jackets can be bought onboard with credit cards (iodp.tamu.edu/participants/merchandise.html) |