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The first 8 – 10 weeks The initial basic training involves an intensive schedule of lectures, demonstrations, safety drills, and practical tutorials to enable trainees to become useful and productive crew members as soon as possible. After 6 weeks trainees will have the opportunity to be upgraded to Deck Hand level and be then fully integrated into the crew of a particular ship. During this ‘harbour based’ training period, the working week is Monday to Friday and the average day will run as follows: ‘Six Bells’ (07h00) is wake up call to have finished breakfast by 08h00. This is followed by 30 minutes cleaning routines – deck wash, galley, saloon, showers, heads etc. On 3 mornings a week trainees will then attend lectures until 11h00. On alternate days they will receive practical instruction during ‘Bosun’s Hour’ (and a half) until 10h00. Thereafter they will be assigned to work alongside permanent crew on a variety of tasks until 17h00. The training period coincides with Square Sails regular spring refit programme – a 2 month long period when ships are re-rigged, dry-dock work done, sails bent and ships prepared for sea. Trainees benefit greatly by participating in this extensive programme, gaining invaluable experience at the ‘nuts and bolts’ level of how the ships, and their rigs are put together or serviced. During this period, trainees will be afforded the opportunity to attend any or all of the optional, externally run courses.
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