New volunteers are required to spend at least three afternoons helping the crew with maintenance projects. This allows the crew and volunteers to make connections and the volunteers to get to know the Providence.

Once a volunteer has put time into maintenance, s/he may sail aboard Providence.

After making a few trips, volunteers will be asked to help teach learning stations, and eventually lead learning stations on their own. However, no one is ever asked to do anything he/she is not comfortable with.

We also have a certain number of "relief deckhand" positions. Relief deckhands fill a required slot on our Coast Guard manning requirements. They must be trained, dedicated, and drug tested. Relief deckhands will receive a shirt and first option on any open berths on longer trips.

PLEASE DO NOT FORGET TO SIGN IN!!!
WE NEED TO KEEP TRACK OF YOUR TIME, AND SO DO YOU IF YOU EVER DECIDE TO GO FOR A USCG LICENSE!

If you don't know how something works or what it is called, please ask! It's why we are all here! The crew will spend time showing you the ropes before, during, and after the sails.

Please schedule your sails at least 3 days in advance. On the day of the sail, come down to India Point at least ½ hour before departure (a full hour is better). Plan on staying at least a half hour after the sail to help with clean-up.

It is important to:

1) Show up at India Point at the appointed time. If a volunteer does not show (or is late) it seriously affects the Program. Volunteers who do not show up without calling will not be asked to sail again. If you need to confirm that a sail is happening, call the ship's number below.

2) Wear proper attire. We do sail in the rain! It is often cold (but beautiful) in the fall. Providence shirts are available at a 20% discount to volunteers. But, they are not required. Volunteers should wear comfortable, but neat, clothes.

3) Fill out a medical form and liability waiver (see the Captain).

4) Be interested in children and education!

5) Have FUN!

Remember, the sloop comes first. You are there for the ship, she is the greater purpose that we all subscribe to. If she is in trouble, the crew is in trouble. PROTECT YOURSELF-do nothing foolish, unsafe, or beyond your abilities. If you do not feel comfortable participating in an activity don't. However, remember that we need to take care of the ship so she will take care of us.

Your crew comes second. Everybody (professional and volunteer crew) is expected to shoulder their own burdens, follow orders, and assist when able.

Enjoy yourself! It is a unique and amazing privilege to sail a tallship. Do not forget that you are doing this for YOU, but the joy is in teaching the students that come aboard the Providence.

Again, thank you for volunteering in the Program. We can't do it alone!