Frequently Asked Questions from Parents, Carers and Group Leaders!

Is sailing offshore safe?

Yes. While offshore sailing is a challenging environment, it is fundamentally very safe.
Our vessels are registered as British Merchant Ships by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA), meaning we meet strict UK Government standards and undergo regular inspections. All our Sea Staff are highly experienced, well‑trained, and specialise in working with young people and novice sailors. Safety drills are practised regularly.

What if I can’t swim?

No problem—just let us know beforehand. Lifejackets are always worn above deck, and if anyone enters the water, our Man Overboard procedures ensure prompt recovery.

What regulations do you follow?

Our vessels are registered with the Maritime and Coastguard Agency.
We are also inspected annually by:

ASTO (Association of Sail Training Organisations)
Royal Yachting Association (RYA)

Who is on board?

Each voyage includes:

A Skipper – A highly qualified, commercially endorsed Yachtmaster responsible for the voyage, safety, and safeguarding.
A Mate – An experienced sailor overseeing crew routines, including cooking and cleaning.

You may also meet:

A Supernumerary (Sea Staff in training)
For group voyages, at least one staff member from your organisation (teacher, scout leader, youth worker, etc.)

Are staff trained in first aid?

Yes. All Skippers hold First Aid qualifications with specific training for emergencies at sea.

What are your safeguarding procedures?

Safeguarding is a priority.

All staff are DBS checked.
Staff receive regular training in safeguarding and data protection.

On voyages for individual young people, we only mix participants within the appropriate age range. We follow the National Youth Agency’s definition of “young people” (15–25), so some voyages may include both over- and under‑18s, managed strictly in line with safeguarding best practice.

We also offer RYA courses specifically for under‑25s.

What are the sleeping arrangements?

All berths are single beds.
Voyage crew sleep in shared areas of 2–4 people, separated by curtains.
We aim to separate accommodation by gender and age (over/under 18) wherever possible.
Sea Staff sleep in their own aft cabins within earshot of participants.

Where do we wash and change?

Crew are encouraged to get changed in the bathroom compartments.
Washing takes place there too, though not all vessels have showers.
When in port, marina showers will be available; these are risk‑assessed and supervised appropriately depending on the group.

Can you cater for food allergies or dietary needs?

Yes—provided we are informed at least two weeks before the voyage.
Food is prepared by crew under the supervision of Sea Staff, who are food‑hygiene qualified.

Please note:

We do our best but cannot guarantee an allergen‑free environment due to limited galley space.
If you have a severe allergy (e.g., nuts), please contact us as soon as you book.

Do you have a safeguarding policy?

Yes. It can be viewed on request.
Other policies are also available, please contact us if you need more information

How do you manage risk?

Sailing takes place in an environment that can be harsh, so thorough risk assessment is part of daily life.
We use a comprehensive, award‑winning Safety Management System, and all Sea Staff are trained in its procedures.
Copies can be provided on request.

Do I need a passport or GHIC?

Possibly. If conditions allow, we may cross to France or the Channel Islands—but only if everyone on board has both a valid passport and a GHIC.
This is handled discreetly, and crossings are not suggested unless all documentation is confirmed.

If you have concerns, please contact us.

Can you support medical, emotional, behavioural or additional needs?

We aim to be fully inclusive. We have experience of accommodating all kinds of needs. Our EDI policy can be found here. Please contact us as early as possible so that we can work together to find the most suitable voyages to meet these needs.

Please be aware that despite our best efforts it is not always possible to accommodate all participants on all voyages due to the layouts of our vessels or for safety reasons, though this is extremely rare.

What if someone is not enjoying the voyage?

Around 90% of participants are completely new to sailing, and it often takes a couple of days to settle in.
However, anyone may leave the voyage at any time. We will work with parents/guardians to organise this.
Refunds are not available for early departures.

How do you handle misbehaviour?

Sea Staff are experienced youth practitioners and can manage most behaviour.
However, if behaviour endangers the vessel, themselves, or others—or significantly disrupts the voyage—we may require the participant to leave.
We involve parents early whenever possible.

If you have concerns about behaviour, please contact us before the voyage.

Can I contact someone on board?

Sail training encourages independence, so routine contact is discouraged.
However, our Safety Contact Ashore is in touch with the skipper 24/7.
In an emergency, call our office at 01243 908026, and we will relay a message.

Still have questions?

We’re happy to help!
Contact us on 01243 908026 or email info@mst.org.uk.