Day Sail Fitness Requirements

  There are no “passengers” aboard the SALTS ships—every person on board (other than the professional crew) is a “trainee” and actively participates 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 responding to the crew's instructions, in order to participate safely in the program and respond as necessary if an emergency arises. 
 

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 to set sail
  • use footholds and arm strength if it becomes necessary to climb over the side of the ship to transfer to a lifeboat.
   Image by David Barlow
SALTS does not discriminate on the basis of physical or mental disability except as required to ensure the safety of all trainees and crew-members. The following is a list of conditions that may inhibit safe participation or the crew should be aware of:

Image by Ashley McMath  
  1. Medical conditions which could require treatment during the sailing such as: diabetes, epilepsy, hemophilia, etc.
  2. Limited agility due to factors such as:
    a) use of canes or other walking aids
    b) severe arthritis—rheumatoid or other forms
    c) significant obesity
    d) poor balance or dizziness
    e) advanced pregnancy
     f) frailty
  3. Significantly impaired vision or hearing
  4. Inability to tolerate stressful situations (physical or psychological)
  5. Conditions which are not fully diagnosed or well controlled with medication such as: chest pain, high blood pressure, seizures, etc.
  6. Severe cognitive impairment
  7. Life threatening allergies which can not be avoided on board
  8. Contagious illness
  9. Dependence on tobacco or other substances.
    Smoking of any substance, including e-cigarettes/vaping, and consumption of alcohol or any substance which may cause impairment is not permitted on SALTS ships.
If any of these or other conditions apply, contact the SALTS Booking Manager at the time of your booking. You may be asked to consult with your physician to confirm your ability to safely participate.