sail training yacht in sunshine

First Mate – OYT Scotland

Closing Date: 30th October 2024

Ocean Youth Trust (OYT) Scotland has an exciting opportunity for a First Mate to join their team on a full-time basis. This is a permanent position ideally suited to a candidate who has a background in sailing larger vessels and has experience of working with young people.

OYT Scotland is an award-winning charity, delivering life-changing youth work voyages at sea for young people from all backgrounds aged 12-25 aboard it’s sail training vessels. As part of this role you will be expected to sail on both of our vessels – Alba Explorer, a 72ft challenge yacht and Alba Venturer, a 70ft Oyster built specifically for sail training – work on the refit, and at times you may be asked to help with tasks in our Greenock-based office.

We sail with a diverse range of young people from all around Scotland and the rest of the UK. We expect our First Mates to have excellent empathy as they work with a variety of groups and a youth work background is optimal.

The successful candidate will work closely with full-time, freelance and volunteer skippers to deliver safe, fun and challenging voyages to the young people who sail with us. OYT Scotland works closely with a dedicated team of volunteers to deliver its voyages. Our preferred candidate would be highly motivated and work hard to support the volunteers sailing on board.

As part of the position, First Mates are expected to take an active role in keeping both vessels in a safe and seaworthy condition at all time and ensure routine maintenance and checks are carried out as per the on-board maintenance schedules. You will also be required to work on the annual refit – accommodation can be provided during this period.

Minimum Qualifications: Yachtmaster Offshore (Commercial Endorsed) and PVG Checked. The successful candidate will be required to complete a relevant OYT Scotland assessment if not already held.

Salary: Starting at £26,208 with yearly increments rising to £29,828.

Rota: Typically three weeks on and one week’s relief in rotation.

Location: James Watt Dock Marina, Greenock; Fairlie Quay. (This may change due to programme requirements.)

Start Date: November 2024, but can be negotiated.

Other Benefits: 

  • 31 days holiday, including bank holidays
  • Westfield Health Plan
  • Pension Scheme
  • CPD to support the role and future progression
 

Closing Date: 30th October 2024. Interviews will be held aboard one of our vessels on 2nd November 2024 at James Watt Dock Marina, Greenock. If you cannot attend on this date for any reason, please let us know and we can discuss an alternative.

To apply, please send a CV, supporting letter and details of the role you wish to apply for to [email protected]