What to photocopy before joining
Hard-copy and phone-photo backup list — the difference between a stressful sign-off and a stuck one.
What it is
A standardised backup list of every document you need to be able to produce on a phone or piece of paper if the original is lost, withheld, or in a sealed envelope onboard.
Who needs it
Every seafarer.
When it is checked
- When you need a backup.
Common mistakes
- All copies kept in one wallet — if the wallet goes, so does the backup.
- Phone photos only, with no cloud backup.
- Black-and-white photocopies where the document requires colour (e.g. yellow card).
Printable checklist
- Passport photo page + every current visa page — two paper copies + colour PDF on phone.
- Seaman's book — front cover, photo page, last 3 sign-off endorsements.
- Medical certificate (STCW/MLC) + PEME.
- Yellow card / ICVP (colour).
- CoC + EAR (both sides).
- All STCW CoPs (BST modules, PSCRB, AFF, MFA, etc.).
- Signed SEA + CBA reference + allotment form + bank details.
- Next-of-kin form.
- Letter of guarantee from owner.
- Driver's licence + national ID card.
- Family WhatsApp group invite link or contact list.
Related
Primary sources
High confidence
Last verified