Watch Leader

Sailing on board Ocean Spirit:

- Assisting the Skipper and First Mate with running the vessel, normally taking charge of and leading a watch of five or six trainees under the supervision of a senior staff member.
- Ensuring that safety procedures set out in the vessel’s Safety Management System are adhered to.
- Instructing and supervising Trainees in all aspects of the voyage including deck work, watch keeping, seamanship and domestic duties.
- Acting on their own initiative to build a positive working relationship with Trainees in order to help achieve the objectives of the voyage.
- Keeping a watch at sea with support from the Skipper or First Mate.
- Leading deck work tasks including hoisting, lowering and reefing sails.
- Assisting with the day to day maintenance of the vessel.
- Supervising shore leave when required.
- Supervising the crew on transport when travelling between Gordonstoun and the boat.
- To contribute to the appraisal of Trainees including a formal end of voyage debrief.
- To assist with victualing and storing of the vessel.
- Assisting with preparation of the vessel pre-season, and de-storing and laying up at the end
- Assisting with the delivery of the vessel at the start and end of the sailing season.
- Attending departmental staff meetingsAttending appropriate staff INSET sessions
- Post holders may occasionally be assigned other duties during non-sailing periods in the vessel’s programme.

A proven track record in Sail Training in positions of responsibility on sail training vessels is essential for this post.

About the school/organisation
Gordonstoun is one of the UK’s top independent schools for boarding and day pupils aged 4 ½ to 18. Gordonstoun has been the world leader in character education for over 80 years and was the birthplace of the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award.

At Gordonstoun, we believe that a broader curriculum broadens not only minds but opportunities too. It is a belief that’s served both us and our students well for over 80 years and that has made Gordonstoun the world leader in character education. Our curriculum, which is unrivaled in breadth, helps every child to achieve their full potential.

The salary for this post is £15,000.00 p/a paid pro rata for the fixed term contract period. Additionally, as part of the remuneration package, accommodation and meals are provided on campus during periods of time off between voyages.