Physical & Mental Fitness Requirements

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.

Image by Karina Lidman  

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.

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:
  1. 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.
    * Special arrangements have been made to accommodate a limited number of trainees with Type 1 Diabetes on some routes.  Please contact our booking manager for more details and criteria for trainees with T1D.
  2. Life-threatening allergies or sensitivities which cannot be avoided on board our ship.
  3. 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.
  4. Use of prescription or non-prescription medications which may cause cognitive or functional impairment.
  5. Significantly impaired vision or hearing.
  6. Psychological, developmental or mental health disorders that may impair function, including  inability to tolerate stressful situations, loud noises, crowded conditions, etc.
  7. Poor balance or dizziness.
  8. Limited/low mental capacity or severe learning disability.
  9. Contagious illnesses, recent exposure  or possible contraction of a communicable disease. 
  10. 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.
  
Image by Finn Roberts
Image by Elana Wood

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. You may be asked to consult with your physician to confirm your ability to safely participate.