Silurian Kit List
During a research expedition you will live aboard a working research vessel off Scotland’s west coast and be exposed to the elements for up to an hour and a half at a time. Once on board, you will be provided with a full set of waterproofs (specialist sailing jacket and trousers) - however, it is still advisable to bring your own warm and waterproof clothing for exploration ashore. There are very limited drying facilities aboard so it is advisable, especially for gloves, hats and socks, to bring spares (at least 2 pairs one to wear – one to dry for things like gloves).
The space on the vessel is limited and your travel bags should be soft and not have hard covers (e.g. suitcase) as this will help to stow your belongings in the cabins. We provide all you’ll need for a good night’s sleep - pillows, duvets etc. - so you don’t need to bring a sleeping bag.
There are limited electrical supplies and charging capabilities so if possible, limit your electrical goods to a phone and a camera (no laptops). Use the following as guidelines when packing for your expedition. If in doubt, please don’t hesitate to contact Morven with any questions (no matter how silly you might think they are!)
Suitable footwear for the boat: comfortable, warm and waterproof shoes or boots (Wellington boots are a good all round boating footwear, also suitable for beach landing – this is what the crew choose to wear almost every day).
Spare pair of shoes, so you are not in your wellies all the time principally for dry indoor evenings and some shore visits. However, most shore visits are in remote, rocky and boggy locations and wellies are often best especially if a beach landing is involved.
Light-weight waterproof jacket/trousers - for use during evening excursions ashore.
Warm clothing - layers of light weight, quick drying, tops and trousers are better than a few thick layers, cotton is not very good next to the skin for warmth or dryness (jeans are not suitable), warm socks are a must and lots of spare pairs, there’s nothing worse than wet cold feet! Thermal under layers are a good and a warm fleece is good as it is warm even if wet.
Warm hat and gloves – yes, even in the summer! We recommend at least 2 pairs of gloves, waterproof if possible – these are expensive but very good. A good alternative to waterproof gloves are the rubber gardening gloves, with a thin pair underneath!
Towel and toiletries – we suggest environmentally friendly products, particularly nothing with microbeads. We have hand-soap on board so no need to pack that. Forget the hairdryer and make up (the whales won’t mind what you look like). We provide tea towels for use in the galley, but you will need to bring a towel for personal use.
Suntan lotion, lip salve, sun hat and sunglasses (polarising lenses are recommended)
Insect repellent - for time on land
Pegs – for hanging wet clothes!
Something to fasten your glasses/hat to your head – a must!
Sea sickness precautions (note: please be aware of the differences in some seasick medication – some take longer to be effective than others, please seek advice from your pharmacist).
Covid Lateral Flow Tests (LFT) - Covid still poses a threat to our operations and we have implemented a Covid Protocol to keep everyone on board and the communities in which we operate safe. Please pack a decent number of Covid tests to carry out testing should a situation arise where we would need to (i.e. if someone on board tested positive for Covid). The best way to avoid an outbreak on board is to undertake two tests prior to joining - one three days before the start of the expedition and one on the morning of rendezvous (as outlined in the Covid Protocol).
Spending money for possible but rare encounters with a local shop or pub. We also eat out at a local restaunrant or pub on the final evening of the expedition.
Book or something else to keep you entertained during potential storm-bound days (when the weather is too rough to gather data or sail comfortably).
OPTIONAL EXTRASCamera, extra storage cards (NOT laptops) and battery charger.
Ear plugs, sleeping eye mask for the bright summer nights.
Swimming costume if you’re brave enough (Don’t bring a wetsuit as they take up too much room)