Hi again,
As for ear protection, that is not mandatory, unless if you are technically minded, and obtain clearance to stay for long hours in the ship engine room. In that case, ear mufflers may be required for your own protection.
Apart from that, most noises will be coming from the crew lounge, and will refer to occasional chatting among seamen off shift. Other noises during the voyage, and in particular during the North Atlantic crossing, will be limited to wind and sea, and occasional portable radio transmission sounds shared between crew members in different parts of the ship...Even seagulls will disappear just a few nm away from the shoreline. What you may need in that case, to break the surrounding sounds of silence, is a good collection of your favourite songs, and ear plugs to listen to your play lists for hours and hours...
Eye protection equipment will not be required, with the exception of a pair of good quality sun glasses. However, bear in mind that while onboard a containership, chances for laying down and getting a good sun tan may be scarse, if not nill. There may not be any sun decks on board! (unless, of course, you manage to rent a sun roof on top a container on top of a stack - in that case, beware that getting up and down there may not be an easy task...
).
By the way, if you have any particular skills that may be shared with others onboard, there is no harm in you proposing them to your handling agent before boarding, or to the captain once on board. If your proposal for occasional or regular contributions is accepted, that may help you kill time while at the high seas, and be (highly) appreciated by other crew members.
I am referring, for example, to skills and interests of your own that may be used on board.
If you can play the guitar, for example, and are good at it, maybe you could bring your instrument with you, and give a live concert one evening...
If you have certified training as a fireman, or as a first aid helper, or if you are an experienced general practioner, maybe your skills could be used also during the voyage for the wellbeing of the ship and the crew...
If you have professional training as a kitchen hand, you could also maybe serve in the onboard kitchen for a few hours a day (not to cook for yourself, but to help cooking for the crew)...
Of course, the scope of your contributions should be clearly spelled out beforehand, and be duly approved by whomever in charge. Once approved, you will have to meet expectations, of course!
But if your proposal is approved, maybe you could negotiate a discount in your passenger's fare, and at the same time be sure to have something to do during the long, idle, boring voyage hours, and at the same time make you feel useful onboard...
I hope this helps.
Best regards,
Jose
(jdap)