We like to manage expectations for those applying to join our adult voyages with a view to perhaps becoming a volunteer on board, so please read through the information below and let us know if you would like to discuss anything further.
If I attend an adult voyage with OYT South, does it mean that I can go on to sign up as a volunteer?
Whilst we use our adult voyages as one means of selecting potential volunteers, just attending does not guarantee you a spot on our volunteer team. This weekend is designed for those over the age of 25 to come sailing with us: some attend simply for a chance to sail our beautiful boat Prolific; others want to find out more about us; and some join specifically to find out more about volunteering and hopefully gain a Skipper’s Recommendation. We don’t know how many potential new volunteers we might have until everyone has had the chance to see how it works and decide if they might be interested!
What is a ‘Skipper’s Recommendation’ ?
On all of our voyages we are looking out for potential new volunteers to join our team. New volunteers need to get a recommendation in order to start the process of volunteering with us. The Skipper and staff team on board will be looking for a balance of seamanship and youthwork skills plus enthusiasm, availability for volunteering, and a personality which means young people and other volunteers will enjoy sailing with you!
Can everyone on the voyage get a Skipper’s Recommendation?
We do limit the number of recommendations we give out, otherwise we would end up with so many volunteers that there wouldn’t be space for them all to volunteer on board. But there is no target number of recommendations per voyage: we want to look at everyone as individuals and see what people would like to do and what they can offer, and then make a judgment about a manageable number of recommendations from among that specific group of people.
What skills and attributes are you looking for in future volunteers?
We want a very broad range of volunteers on board, so that young people on our voyages meet adults with different backgrounds and life experiences. We might take on someone with years of sailing experience, or a professional background in teaching or youthwork; but equally we might find someone with less experience but with a great personality and lots of potential if we can offer appropriate training. We may also be looking for people to fill specific gaps on our team. But in general we are looking for volunteers to be:
- Team players
- Excellent at setting a positive example
- Keen to encourage others
- Empathetic and understanding
- Able to look after yourself and others
- Patient
- Good communicators
- Enthusiastic
- Good leaders
- Able to cope with difficult situations
- Resilient
- (After training and as part of a team) Able to effectively manage behaviour
Volunteering on a youth voyage is primarily about ensuring that the young people get the best possible experience, stay safe and have fun, and all our volunteers should be committed to these goals. Interpersonal and youthwork skills may mean more than sailing skills (which we can teach you!), as long as you are at a level where you can start learning to lead a watch.
How much time do volunteers need to give?
Some volunteers sail for just a week or two each year, while others can offer much more. If you can’t offer very much time, then even if you have huge experience, you may find it harder to climb the volunteer ladder from third mate to second mate and beyond, just because this requires a good level of familiarity with Prolific’s equipment and routines as well as with how we work with different groups of young people on board. If you have very limited / inflexible availability, it may be more difficult to fit you on voyages around other volunteers.
If I get a recommendation, does that mean I will always be able to volunteer?
A recommendation means that you should be offered an opportunity to start training on board. Most new volunteers will end up qualifying as a third mate or bosun within two or three voyages, and can then progress beyond that. Many volunteers follow this path and stay involved for years! However, there are limited places for trainee volunteers: we are really looking for qualified volunteers who are capable of making a valuable contribution on board, with less support required from other staff and volunteers as you gain confidence and experience. Supporting a new volunteer who is on the way to becoming a really useful watchleader or bosun is a great investment; but if someone isn’t making progress within a reasonable number of voyages, and continues to need a significant level of support, we will review this with you.
What if I have a severe allergy, medical condition or need additional support?
If you have a severe allergy, medical condition or need additional support, please talk to us if you are interested in volunteering with us. We aim to be an inclusive boat and we have experience of volunteers with additional needs who make a fantastic contribution to the voyage experience for young people and may be excellent role models. But safety is our top priority and sometimes measures which are put in place for a specific voyage so that someone can safely sail with us (e.g. a medic on the staff, or a restricted sailing area) cannot be guaranteed for all subsequent voyages where that individual hopes to return as a volunteer.
I am under 25 (but over 18): can I still come on an adult voyage?
Our adult voyages get booked up quickly and we only run two or three each year as we try to maximise the number of young people we take out on the water. We would prefer those aged 18-25 to talk to us about other voyages which may be more suitable, partly to keep spaces on the adult voyages for over-25s who have no alternative opportunities, but also because a youth voyage gives us a chance see how a potential under-25 volunteer works with younger crew members. However, we recognise that there may occasionally be a good reason for someone aged 18-25 to join an adult voyage.
What if I just want to come sailing but don’t want to sign up as a volunteer – can I still come?
Of course! Feel free to let us know what you are hoping to get out of the voyage.