Sealing Season Open in Siberia Sealers armed with ropes and gaffs leaving their vessels at the cry of "Seals Ahead" Each man goes on the ice wall equipped for the work and perils before him ratline over his shoulder , nunny bag with a lunch of orange , oatmeal buscuit and a bit of seal or pork hung on his back , knife sheath and steel in his belt , goggles , compass , watch and a water canister and a stout bat in his hand