Policies

Helpful information to keep everyone safe, informed, and prepared.

Physical & Mental Fitness Policy

Fitness On Board

There are no “passengers” aboard the SALTS ships—every person on board (other than the professional crew) is a “trainee” and will actively participate in the sail training program. Previous sailing experience is not required, but trainees must be physically agile and mentally alert. Trainees are required by law to be “able bodied” and capable of hearing, understanding and promptly acting on instructions given by the crew, in order to safely participate in the program, and to respond in case of an emergency.

Tall sailing ship with white sails cruising across the ocean against a blue sky and distant mountain range

Situations may arise where there are:

erratic and heaving motions of the deck
slippery conditions on deck
moving parts of the ship’s rigging
movements causing motion sickness

Every person on board must have the physical strength to:

actively respond to the conditions listed above
climb the ship’s companionway ladders (8’ high) while the ship is in motion
participate in hauling lines when setting sail and launching dories (smaller boats for shore excursions)
use footholds and arm strength to climb the side of the ship when boarding and disembarking the ship’s dories and at some docks.

Group of people working the ropes around the mast on a traditional sailing ship under an overcast sky

Trip Fee Refund Policy

Trip fee payments are payments made after the trainee has been assigned to a trip, and do not include the registration fee.

Spring & Fall trip fee payments for individuals are non-refundable, due to the shorter time frame between registration and the trip.
Summer trip fee payments are only refundable prior to May 1st.
Day Sail fees are non-refundable.

Withdrawal, cancellation, or changes to trip choices must be made in writing (email) to avoid being assigned to a trip that is no longer suitable.

SALTS strongly recommends the purchase of private travel insurance to cover trip cancellation/interruption due to unexpected medical or other circumstances such as travel provider cancellations or delays.

If you have any questions regarding our Cancellation and Refund Policy, please contact us.

Traditional sailing ship with tall masts and white sails cruising through coastal waters.

Registration Fee Refund Policy

The registration fee of $150 is not refundable, with the following exceptions:

The applicant withdraws their trip request before being assigned to any of the trips they requested.
There is no space on any of the applicant's trip choices. A wait listed applicant must notify registration@salts.ca in writing to remove their name from the wait list(s) before being offered a trip, in order to receive a refund of the registration fee.
If a bursary applicant is notified that we are not able to provide the minimum amount they require in order to sail (as indicated on their application) they will be offered the opportunity to withdraw their trip request and receive a refund of the registration fee.

Smiling woman steering a wooden ship's wheel on a sailboat, with another woman, ocean, and mountainous coastline in the background.

Conduct Policy

For the safety of everyone involved with the SALTS program, it is essential that every participant (e.g. trainee, teacher, leader, chaperone, volunteer) follows the direction of the ship’s Master/Captain, who is the ultimate authority, and any directives from the crew. Rules must not be treated lightly and the chain of command from Master through First Mate, Watch Officers and Watch Leaders to trainees is in effect at all times.

SALTS is committed to creating and maintaining a welcoming, inclusive, and loving environment for all participants in our programs. All participants must treat others with respect and care at all times. SALTS will not tolerate acts or threats of harassment, violence, or discrimination. Those engaging in such behaviour will be subject to disciplinary action, up to and including expulsion from the program (and if justified, criminal prosecution). Unacceptable behaviour includes any action, conduct, or comment, including of a sexual nature, that can reasonably be expected to cause offence, humiliation or other physical or mental injury or illness to another. Examples include but are not limited to:

unwelcome remarks, behaviour or other actions that can reasonably be expected to cause embarrassment, insecurity, discomfort, offence, or humiliation for another person or group
verbal or written conduct including taunting, mean or rude jokes, threats, epithets, sharing sexually suggestive material, derogatory comments, vulgar language, or slurs
physical threats or intimidation, assault, unwanted touching or blocking normal movement, sexual gestures or advances
vandalism or theft

Prohibited Items

Absolutely NO alcohol, tobacco, recreational cannabis, e-cigarettes, illicit drugs, junk food, or chewing gum are permitted on board. NO smoking or vaping of any substance will be permitted on the ship or during shore excursions from the time you first board until the time you disembark at the end of the trip. Prescription medication must only be used as prescribed. Smart phones may only be used as cameras/video cameras and must be kept on airplane mode for the duration of the voyage, or they may be confiscated by the crew or, for group trips, by a group leader. No audio/video devices, video games, or headphones may be used.

Infractions of these policies or failure to obey the crew may lead to prompt expulsion from the program. In the case of a minor trainee, the ship's Master will contact a parent/guardian to arrange a safe disembarkation plan. Supervision and travel home from the point of disembarking will be arranged by and at the cost of the trainee's family.

Boarding Policy

All trainees - youth and group trip adult leaders - must accurately complete all registration requirements including the age-appropriate participation agreement, acknowledgement of risk, and (for adults and/or parent) indemnity and waiver form* prior to the date requested by SALTS' booking department in order to be recorded on the ship's manifest, as required by Transport Canada. Boarding will not be permitted without all requirements accurately completed and confirmed by SALTS. We cannot board anyone who has not submitted a current medical insurance number (i.e. provincial Personal Health Number or travel medical insurance documentation if you are from outside Canada).

*Note: CBE schools require forms specific to the Calgary Board of Education

Conditions That May Affect Participation

SALTS does not discriminate on the basis of physical or mental disability except as required to ensure the safety of all trainees and crew. The following is a list of conditions that may inhibit participation or compromise the safety of the trainee or their shipmates:

Medical conditions which may require continuing or emergency treatment while at sea or on shore, such as: diabetes, epilepsy, hemophilia, high blood pressure, deep vein thrombosis, cardiac disorders, etc.
Life-threatening allergies or sensitivities which cannot be avoided on board our ship.
Limited mobility or agility due to factors such as: incomplete recovery from physical injury; use of crutches, cane or other walking aids; severe arthritis - rheumatoid or other forms; severe obesity; neurological disorders; pregnancy; frailty, etc.
Use of prescription or non-prescription medications which may cause cognitive or functional impairment.
Significantly impaired vision or hearing.
Psychological, developmental or mental health disorders that may impair function.
Inability to tolerate stressful situations, loud noises, crowded conditions, etc.
Poor balance or dizziness.
Limited/low mental capacity or severe learning disability.
Contagious illnesses, recent exposure or possible contraction of a communicable disease.
Dependence on tobacco or other substance.
Please note that smoking of any substance, vaping, use of illicit drugs & alcohol are not permitted on SALTS ships or on shore for the duration of the voyage.

If these or any other physical or mental conditions apply, you must contact our booking manager to discuss possible accommodations and whether a SALTS sail training voyage is a suitable activity, prior to accepting a trip offer. Some conditions may require special pre-trip preparations including consultation with a medical professional.

For group trips, some conditions may require an additional adult to accompany the trainee.

Click HERE for Day Sail Fitness Requirement