Become a Volunteer

How to Become a Volunteer

The trust employs a very small staff. We rely on volunteers at all levels throughout the organisation.

Our volunteers are as diverse as the young people who sail with us, making for a great mix. One thing they all have in common is their enthusiasm and belief that OYT Scotland has the ability to bring about positive change in all young people.

Our Volunteers

Our volunteers get involved in all aspects of running the organisation from our Board of Trustees, committees and shore groups to Sea Staff. Without them we simply would not be able to offer adventure under sail to so many young people.

To date we have 305 members, 125 of those are members of our Sea Staff team that sail on our vessels. Our volunteers contributed over 48,000 hours towards the objectives of the Trust in the course of the year.

Afloat

Volunteers sail on our vessels as Sea Staff at all levels – from Bosuns to Skippers. Although we have some paid full time Skippers and 1st Mates, we rely heavily on volunteers to staff the boats.

On-board we have a Skipper, 1st Mate, 2 Watchleaders and a Bosun. Whilst our Skippers and 1st Mates are qualified to statutory levels, you can become part of our volunteer Sea Staff with little or no sailing experience – we offer a full programme of training for volunteer Sea Staff and welcome applications from across society.

We also have a number of volunteer instructors, who deliver RYA Courses; including Day Skipper, Coastal Yachtmaster and Offshore Yachtmaster, Cruising Instructor and Yachtmaster Instructor.

Ashore

Volunteers also help us with our shore side operations by:

• Joining one of our committees
• Helping with refit and maintenance weekends.
• Fundraising
• Represent OYT Scotland at events such as Boat Jumbles, Maritime Festivals and Fairs
• Help young people prepare for their voyage by conducting pre-voyage preparation sessions.
• Helping to find young people to take part in OYT Scotland youth voyages.
• Helping with administration in the office.
• Deliver RYA Shorebased Courses.

Read more about volunteering ashore here.