Join the North East Scotland Support Group
You can join the North East Support Group and take part, staffing the Trust boats by going to sea , or help us by running a stall and raising funds in our support group. Many people do both!
If you live in the North East of Scotland we hope you will join our Support Group and get involved with our main aim ; to ensure that North East youngsters have the opportunity to take part in the adventure.
There is no hiding place- spotted by the staff...
What We Are
We are a group of individuals who actively promote the work of the Ocean Youth Trust Scotland (A Registered Educational Charity – www.oytscotland.org) who take young people aged 12-24 on adventure sailing trips around Scotland and occasionally further a field on sailing vessels of 70 and 72 ft. The group forms part of a Network of support groups located around the major cities in Scotland.
Who We Are
We come from all walks of life. We are all volunteers who give our time freely. Members of the group include Engineers, Teachers, youth workers, doctors, scientists, police, social workers, and self-employed, with a wide age range.
What We Do
We would like to ensure that each year the largest number of young people can experience a voyage on one of the three boats currently operated by the Ocean Youth Trust Scotland. At full capacity approx 1,300 young people could sail with the trust each year. In order to achieve this we:
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Publicise the work of the Trust
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Fund raise
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Recruit and train volunteer sea staff to sail with the Trust
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Provide financial assistance to local people wanting to sail with the trust
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Assist in Vessel support when the boats are in the North East
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Attend winter refit sessions
One of the staff ...or a Martian? Come sailing and find out what he's doing.
Where and when do we meet?
There are meetings approximately 6 times a year in Aberdeen; however there are events all though out the year.
Does it cost anything to join the group?
No joining the group is free, although members of the group are normally members of the Ocean Youth Trust Scotland
Can I donate funds now?
Donations can be made to the Ocean Youth Trust by following the link here www.justgiving.com/oyts
Do you need volunteers to sail the boats?
YES. The Trust has expanded greatly over the last few years and has expanded it’s large boat fleet from 1 to 3. As most of the sea staff are volunteers, there is a requirement to add to the volunteer base. We also need volunteers to help with the local group..
What is involved in sailing as a volunteer?
Sailing as a volunteer is both rewarding and challenging. The boats work using a number of sea staff (made up of professional and volunteers). The normal complement is:-
- Skipper
- 1st Mate
- 2nd Mate
- 3rd Mate
- Watchleader
- Bosun
Generally the Skippers and First Mates are professional, and the 2nd mates onwards are volunteers, but there are also a number of volunteer skippers and first mates. You can be a Bosun from 16 and any of the other positions from 18.
The young people make up the crew. Normally the 2nd and 3rd mates are watch leaders, and work with the young people to sail the boat, prepare meals, clean up etc.
To sail as a volunteer you will need to have a disclosure check carried out, performed after an induction voyage. There are adult induction weekends over the course of the year, which allows potential volunteers to find out how OYTScotland works, and to provide some familiarisation of OYTScotland systems that are in place to ensure the welfare of the young people. Once the familiarisation voyage has taken place, volunteers would normally initially sail on an “observation” voyage with young people and would be given responsibility depending on the skills and experience of the volunteer.
The RYA qualifications of the sea staff are as follows
- Skipper - Yachtmaster Offshore with Comercial.Endorsement; Yachtmaster Instructor, Ship Capt Medical
- First Mate - Yachtmaster Offshore with Comercial.Endorsement, Sea Survival & Medical
- Second Mate- Coastal Skipper Practical
- Third Mate- Day Skipper Practical
- Watchleader- Competent Crew
- Bosun - Competent Crew, Diesel Engine
In addition to RYA qualifications, sea staff need to attend OYTScotland modules addressing youth work, and should gain experience in sailing with the trust. RYA and OYTScotland shore based courses are run locally (including First Aid/VHF/Day Skipper/Child Protection and Crew Welfare).
Want to become involved?
Just
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and we will get in touch with you.
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