SHIPTALK:

The day of the sign off from the ship is probably the most joyous, adrenaline fueled, hectic as well as emotional for each and every sailor. The days leading up to sign off consists of sleepless nights, relentless packing and a constant state of euphoria! After all, only a seaman can understand what it is to be going home after a long and tedious stint at sea.

The day of the sign off from the ship is probably the most joyous, adrenaline fueled, hectic as well as emotional for each and every sailor. The days leading up to sign off consists of sleepless nights, relentless packing and a constant state of euphoria! After all, only a seaman can understand what it is to be going home after a long and tedious stint at sea.
However, in the process, seafarers tend to ignore the essential things that are imperative to the signing off. Documents, money and other such aspects become secondary in the rush to get home. Not to forget, the hectic workload at the port of sign off until one’s reliever is onboard makes that day all the more intense.
Thus, in order to ensure that the seafarers enjoy the sign off process without jeopardizing what is essential, a few important points must not be forgotten:
 
Passport and CDC
The two most important documents for any seafarer – passport and CDC, ought to be checked thoroughly when receiving from the master. Checking their physical conditions (for any damage) is necessary to avoid any complications at the airport. The stamp indicating the sea service must be checked in the CDC. A seaman must never forget that without these two booklets, it is impossible to conduct any personal or professional work pertaining to one’s sea career.

Other Important Documents
Other documents that have been handed over to the master at the time of joining, such as the yellow fever vaccination certificate, STCW certificates etc. must be checked for and received. As is with the Passport and the CDC, these documents also form the pillar of a seafarer’s essential paperwork, and therefore must be tended to.
The travel tickets must be checked for accuracy. Check the travel itinerary, including boarding, departure and arrival timings, seating details and all aspects of the travel. Tally your name on the ticket with that on your passport and double check if it is spelt exactly like it shows on your passport. Ensure that you write down your company’s agent’s number for any questions/help. Any paperwork with regard to your exit visa and immigration process must be checked very thoroughly. Remember that you’re signing off in an alien country wherein you must have all your documents in order to prevent any scope of unnecessary interrogation.
Sea Service Letters
This aspect is very important from one’s career point of view. Sea service letter and testimonial spanning your time of service for the ongoing contract should be taken from the Master. Check the letter for the appropriate signatures and stamps wherever required. Check if the dates, COC number and statement of conduct and sobriety are duly filled and accurate. In the haste during sign off, a lot of people forget to check such details; hence it is best to get this sorted out one day prior to the sign off.
Cash
Everyone wants to get their hands on the most important thing in while signing off- money! Any balance that is due/cash advance that has been asked for must be counted and received (along with the pay slip). Needless to say, a little money is always handy at the airport to buy all those things from the duty Free and spend a little of those hard earned dollars on some good food! Cross checking with the pay slip must be done to ensure that all transactions are clear and any duly payable amount has been cleared.
Official Packages
At times, the master may hand over a package to be delivered to the company. In that case, personal judgment must be applied. If taken, it becomes your responsibility to hand it over unscathed and in proper condition. In that case, make sure the package that you take is checked for any tampering in order that you’re not blamed afterwards for unseemly wear and tear. Onboard, it becomes very clear on a day-to-day basis as to how important responsibility is when delegated to.
 
*To be concluded next week