We need watch leaders – have you got what it takes?

We are always on the lookout for men and women to sail with us as watch leaders. A watch leader is responsible for managing their watch (usually 6-8 students) throughout a voyage. Watch leaders instruct their watch in all the activities of running a watch, helming, lookout duty, deck check, log book entries, sail raising and lowering, and sail trimming. The watch leader will also supervise galley and head cleaning duties.

If you have a spirit of fun and adventure and can work well with teenagers, being a watch leader may provide excitement and challenge in your life. How do I become a watch leader?

1. Join the Sail Training Association of Queensland.

For more datails click here.

Alternatively ask for a copy of our Membership Application form, from our office.

Becoming a member means you will be covered by our insurance policy when working as a volunteer and will be bound by the Association's code of conduct

2. Apply for a Blue card.

To work with children in Queensland you need a "blue card". To access the form, click here. Alternatively ask for a copy of the Blue Card Application form from our office. To complete this form, your identification documentation must be witnessed. This can be done at our office in Manly, however, if you cannot come to the office, your documentation can be witnessed by a JP, Solicitor, Police Officer etc (as per Part E on the form).

Once you have completed the blue card form and had your identification witnessed, please forward the blue card form together with the completed membership form and payment to STAQ, PO Box 5114 Manly Qld 4179 so we can complete Sections A & D of the blue card form and forward to the Commission of Young People on your behalf.

3. Get a copy of the training manual and attend training courses

The Association runs a structured training course on shore, berth side and on the water. The course covers emergency drills, safety and sailing the ship "the South Passage way". Even experienced sailors need to do this course, because they need to be trained on the idiosyncrasies of the ship so that all crews sail her in the same way. STAQ also runs a special course on understanding and managing teenagers!

4. Take a voyage as a trainee watch leader

Ideally sailing as a TWL will give you the final skills you need to run a watch on your own.

5. Sign up for your first voyage

Roster applications are emailed or mailed out every two months and allow you to select and apply for voyages, day sails or delivery sails (a training sail with no students when the ship is moved to pick up a new group of students). From the nominations, STAQ will select a crew for each voyage and let you know which you have been chosen for.

A few days before the voyage a set of crew notes will be sent to you giving you details of the purpose of the voyage, the students, watches and duties. What experience do I need to become a watch leader?

Sailing experience is useful but not essential because we will teach you how to sail South Passage. More important is the ability to learn new skills and to be able to work with teenagers.

We have watch leaders of all ages (over 18) and both genders. You will need to be reasonably fit and able to put up with irregular sleep patterns and a turbulent ship.

You will need good (and loud) communication skills to get your message to your watch.

What is a watch leader's role?

In theory, watch leaders should do no work. Their job is to tell their watch what to do and supervise to see it is done safely and properly. In practice, of course, it never works out quite that way. You will often find yourself demonstrating a skill or helping students complete a task. It is important to identify any potentially dangerous situations before they develop and prevent them from becoming a danger to the trainee or the crew.

You will be on deck when your watch is on duty. In off duty periods you may still be on deck or working with your watch on other activities such as practicing knots for the knot tying competition or helping students complete their personal voyage log. Sometimes you may be called on to assist the duty watch leader through difficult sail changes. It is important for watch leaders to rest and takes naps when they are off duty so they remain alert for their watches.

Watch Leaders are responsible for getting to and from the ship and must supply their own wet weather gear, sunscreen, toileteries and sleeping bag. Scrumptious meals are provided.

You are asked to get to the ship in good time (you can sleep aboard if you arrive the night before) to help prepare the ship and be available at the end of the voyage to clean up and prepare the ship for the next voyage.

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