The
Centre
‘ A Charity Changing People's Lives Through Sailing ’
The AHOY Volunteers come from many walks of life, and a lot of the Youth Volunteers have become involved by first participating in an activity run by the Centre. Being an AHOY Volunteer can take on many different roles, being trained to become a Sailing Instructor — Safety Boat Officer — Shore Master — Minibus Driver — Power Boat Instructor. For others, it is helping out in supporting these activities both on water and on shore — fundraising — administration, and many other roles that are required to be filled in order to ensure that AHOY continues to operate.
For Youth Volunteers, they sign up to become ‘Shipmates’ and pledge to be trained so that they can, in turn, help others to learn how to sail. They also have to help out on maintenance and fundraising at the Centre.
As a charity, we rely heavily on people’s kindness, generosity and willingness to assist. Set out below are the various different membership categories, together with the minimum monthly fees and time commitments. If you are able to give more than the minimum fees, we would be very grateful.
Staff and Volunteers receive training in: Disability Awareness, Child Protection and Equal Opportunities. AHOY has put in place the following procedures as approved by Greenwich Council: Equal Opportunities and Empowerment Policies, Health and Safety Strategy and Environmental Monitoring System. Monitoring, evaluation and quality assurance procedures are in place.
By signing up as a Volunteer member, you will be asked to complete the activities rota plan and put in the dates that you will be able to assist. For TAC Yellow, there will be 36 dates offered, of which 24 need to be completed. For TAC Blue, there will be, 18 dates of which 12 need to be completed. For those Volunteer members involved in duties including administration/grant funding; and those carrying out duties whilst away from the Centre, this time is included as part of their commitment. TAC White is for Volunteers members who wish to be involved only in the social side of the Centre. No specific commitment is required
Two of these duties for all Volunteers will be to help in the maintenance of the Centre, boats, equipment, etc.
Because AHOY only survives on the commitment of its Volunteers, if for any reason a Volunteer member is not able to complete their duty, they will need to contact the Duty Officer or Group Leader and will be given a list of other Volunteers they can contact to make arrangements for cover.
Volunteer Memberships available at AHOY
The amounts can be paid monthly/yearly by standing order, cheque or paid in cash at the centre. It would greatly assist if the yearly amount could be paid as this will keep the administration costs to a minimum. Any additional amount you are able to give will help us meet our aims and objectives - Thank You.
Note: For all donations above the set rate, could you be kind enough to complete the gift aid declaration form.
The AHOY Centre (TAC) – Volunteer Member
The amount of time to be given on a monthly basis is flexible, for example, if there is an occasion when you are not available, then your time can be carried forward. A total of your hours given will be tallied up over the year. Family membership (up to 6 people) is double the single rate.
TAC – Yellow Voluntary contribution - willing to assist a min of 16 hours a month
TAC – Blue £6 Per Month or £60 PA - willing to assist a min of 6 hours a month
TAC – White £10 PA – for those who do not wish to use the Centre, but would like
to be involved only in its social side.
Roles of Volunteers at AHOY
Sailing/Power Boat Instructors
If you are already qualified, then great! However, if you are not, then through the courses run via the Centre, you can become an Instructor. The time it takes will be dependent on the level of experience you have.
Safety Boat Officer & Crew
Again, the same as for the Instructors. As Safety Boat Crew you will work alongside the Safety Boat Officer assisting on the water.
Fundraising
No experience necessary – just the willingness to be taught how to apply for grant funding, be involved in organising/helping out at fundraising events, or contacting companies to obtain sponsorship. If you are interested, you will be part of a team of people working in these areas.
Centre/Boat Maintenance
Whether you are skilled, a good DIYer or would just like to be involved in getting to grips with the ‘nuts & bolts’ side of the running of the Centre, this is an area where we are always in need of assistance.
Duty or Assistant Duty Officer
A Duty Officer will be in charge of a particular event or day’s activity. They will be responsible for organising the Volunteers and ensuring that procedures are adhered to, with help from the Assistant Duty Officer.
Working with People with Disabilities/Special Needs
AHOY has a very strong commitment to ensure that everyone can enjoy the activities and be involved in sailing. We especially need people that wish to assist within this area. Training will be given.
Youth
If your interest is helping and developing the skills of youth, then become part of the Youth Team. Please note that CRB checks/references will be required.
Admin/Finance
Again, we are always eager to have people help on the administration side from manning the phones, through to preparing reports. We are especially looking for people to assist during week days.
Shore Based Assistance
This can be a range of duties, from driving the tractor for launching and recovering boats, through to assisting with social events.
Minibus Driver
Anyone over the age of 21 (holding a current clean driving licence with two year's driving experience) may transport people to other local centres to attend activities or courses during the week or at weekends.
Please Note – All RYA course certificates for Volunteers will be held at AHOY – these will be presented at the Open Day in the following January. If required, copies can be obtained.
Be actively involved in a local charity serving the community
Volunteering