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
1. What’s the best time to place a supply order?
At least 48–72 hours before arrival. Emergencies can be handled but cost more.
2. Can you supply directly at anchorage?
Yes. We use launch boats to deliver day or night.
3. 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.
4. Do you supply to foreign vessels in Bangladesh?
Yes. We handle customs and clearance for international clients.
5. What if I need something not on your list?
Let us know. We source weird stuff all the time.
6. Can I get a reusable digital checklist?
Sure. Email us and we’ll send you a Google Sheet version.
7. 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.”
