Traditional Seafarer Trainee (6-months)

Duration: 6-month trainee position, May-October 2022

Bursary Payment: £1,000 pcm

Location: Cremyll, Cornwall  

National Historic Ships UK and Lynher River Barge CIC have partnered to offer a unique 6-month training position for a passionate individual who is keen to learn and develop or hone the traditional skills needed to sail and operate a historic vessel. Funded by the Philip Nicholas Trust, this placement is ideal for someone seeking to build a long-term career in the historic ships sector.

Based in Cremyll, you will join the team on board Tamar River barge Lynher and gain valuable experience under the mentorship of qualified instructors and time-served seafarers. Originally built in 1896 to sail cargo, this historic vessel now offers sail training and daytrips along the Plymouth waterways alongside an extensive educational programme to teach young people about renewable energy and sustainability.

As a trainee, you will undertake competency units from a newly developed Traditional Seafaring course, accredited by National Historic Ships UK, to learn specific skills required to operate a historic vessel. This includes understanding:

• historic vessel functions and types of specialist rig
• different sail configurations
• manoeuvring under sail (tricing, trimming, scandalising, heaving to) and power
• reducing and stowing sails using traditional methods
• mooring techniques
• anchoring and getting underway
• operating a tender by sail or oar
• helmsmanship
• safety at sea

During the traineeship, you will also have the opportunity to sail on board other historic craft to gain experience of different traditional rigs and sailing techniques, as well as complete additional practical courses and masterclasses to further your professional development. At the end of your training, you will receive a certificate of completion from National Historic Ships UK and join our growing trainee alumni association.

We welcome applications from people of all social backgrounds and particularly encourage women, black, Asian and minority ethnic candidates and those aged 18-30 as these groups are currently under-represented within the historic ships and heritage sector. Candidates from outside this age range will still be considered.