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Ship Supply Checklist: Everything You Need Before Setting Sail

16 July 2025 · 6 min read

One missing gasket cost a cargo ship twelve hours of delay.

Not an engine, not a navigation tool. A rubber ring the size of your palm.

The crew thought they had everything. They didn’t.

And the delay? It cost them over $15,000 in port fees and penalties.

Stuff like this happens more often than you’d think. All because someone skipped a checklist.

You might laugh about it now, but if you’re responsible for provisioning a ship—whether you’re the captain, the purchasing officer, or a port agent—you know the pain of realizing you’re short on something when it’s already too late.

Maybe you forgot painkillers. Maybe your anchor light bulbs just blew. Maybe your cooking oil ran out halfway across the Bay of Bengal.

Point is: when you’re 400 nautical miles from land, Amazon Prime isn’t an option.

That’s why we put together this ship supply checklist. Not a fluffy list. A real, practical one—based on what ships in Chittagong, Mongla, and Payra actually ask us for at the last minute.

You’ll find everything from frozen meat to fuel filters. We’ve broken it down by category so you can check it off fast. Ready? Let’s pack your floating city.

Provisions: Keeping the Crew Fed and Functional

Fresh and Dry Food Supplies

Ships carry people. People get hungry.

You’ll need enough food and water to cover the full voyage plus delays. Most ships plan for 10–15% extra just in case.

Checklist:

Fresh produce (apples, onions, potatoes, tomatoes)

Meat and fish (frozen or chilled)

Eggs, milk, butter, yogurt

Rice, flour, bread, sugar, salt

Bottled water, juice, soda

Cooking oil, spices, condiments

Tea, coffee, biscuits

Canned goods (beans, tuna, tomatoes)

Funny story: one captain once forgot sugar and had a mutiny on his hands. The crew refused to work without tea.

Crew Favorites

You don’t need five-star cuisine. But a few comfort snacks go a long way during tough weather.

Try to include:

Instant noodles

Chocolates

Nuts and dried fruits

Sauces (ketchup, mayo, chili)

Bonded Stores: Duty-Free But Not Drama-Free

These need special licensing. If you’re buying from a local vendor, double-check they’re allowed to sell bonded items.

Checklist:

Cigarettes (multiple brands)

Alcohol (if allowed under flag rules)

Soft drinks

Perfume and cologne

Shaving kits, aftershave

We once had to deliver three cartons of cigarettes by speedboat because the chief engineer wouldn’t accept substitutes. So yes, stock the brand your crew prefers.

Engine and Technical Stores

Mechanical and Spare Parts

This is the stuff that keeps your ship moving. If you miss a small part here, you’ll pay big later.

Checklist:

Gaskets, seals, O-rings

Bearings, belts

Filters (fuel, oil, air)

Nuts, bolts, washers

Hydraulic hoses

Pumps, valves, nozzles

Double-check part numbers. Even one digit wrong can mean a completely different component.

Lubricants and Consumables

Checklist:

Engine oil

Grease

Brake fluid

Cleaning solvents

Rags and cloths

Don’t go cheap here. Bad oil means more wear and shorter engine life.

Deck and Navigation Supplies

Mooring and Safety Gear

Checklist:

Ropes, wires, shackles

Anchors and anchor chains

Buoys

Safety harnesses

Lifebuoys and jackets

Fire extinguishers

Emergency beacons and flares

We once replaced expired flares during inspection—15 minutes before the port officer arrived. Not something you want to relive.

Navigation and Communication Tools

Checklist:

Updated nautical charts

Compasses

Spare GPS units

Signal flags

Logbooks and forms

Spare batteries for radios

Even if you’re digital, keep backups. Electronics fail. Paper doesn’t.

Galley and Accommodation Supplies

Kitchen and Messroom

Checklist:

Cookware and utensils

Food storage containers

Trash bags and bins

Dishwashing soap and scrubbers

Crew Cabin and Personal Supplies

Checklist:

Bedsheets, pillowcases, blankets

Toiletries (toothpaste, razors, soap)

Laundry detergent

Mosquito nets or repellents

Towels, slippers

We once had to send toothbrushes to an entire crew after the previous supplier missed it. They were brushing with salt for two days.

Medical Supplies and First Aid

Checklist:

First aid kits (bandages, antiseptics, tape)

Painkillers and fever meds

Motion sickness pills

Burn cream and ointments

Emergency splints

CPR mask

Eye wash solution

Your kit should match your crew size and trip length. And make sure the medicines are labeled and not expired.

Cleaning and Maintenance

Checklist:

Floor cleaner

Bathroom cleaner

Hand sanitizer

Bleach

Air fresheners

Mops, buckets, brushes

Gloves and masks

Hygiene isn’t just comfort—it’s also about preventing illness and failed inspections.

Documents You Shouldn’t Forget

Checklist:

Safety certificates

Insurance papers

Equipment logs

Port clearance forms

Inventory list

Customs documents

Keep digital and printed copies. And keep them somewhere waterproof. Coffee spills are a real threat.

Commonly Forgotten Items That Cause Big Problems

We pulled this from our emergency delivery logs:

Spare batteries

Navigation light bulbs

Cable ties

Duct tape

Matches or lighters

Extra phone chargers

Funnel or fuel can

Toilet brushes

Miss any of these? You’ll likely call us at midnight from anchorage.

Tips to Stay Ahead

Assign one person to each category.

Check expiry dates—especially food and medicine.

Don’t rely on memory. Print or digitize this list.

Partner with a reliable ship chandler (like us).

Our best clients are the ones who prepare early. They rarely need us in a panic. But when they do, we’re ready.

FAQs

What’s the best time to place a supply order?

At least 48–72 hours before arrival. Emergencies can be handled but cost more.

Can you supply directly at anchorage?

Yes. We use launch boats to deliver day or night.

How do I know what size or part number to order?

Always check your last maintenance log or call us. We’ve got a good memory.

Do you supply to foreign vessels in Bangladesh?

Yes. We handle customs and clearance for international clients.

What if I need something not on your list?

Let us know. We source weird stuff all the time.

Can I get a reusable digital checklist?

Sure. Email us and we’ll send you a Google Sheet version.

Do you offer 24/7 support?

Absolutely. Ports never sleep—and neither do we.

Final Thoughts

Supplying a ship isn’t just about checking boxes. It’s about keeping your people safe, your voyage smooth, and your costs under control.

The sea is unpredictable. Your supply list shouldn’t be.

If you’re calling Chittagong, Mongla, or Payra—save yourself the stress and talk to a supplier that lives this list every day.

Visit issmt.net . We’ll help you stock up, pack smart, and sail easy.

“Preparation prevents panic. Especially at sea.”

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