Do you have an interest in sailing or boating and want to be part of our sailing community? Become a volunteer @ PYC!

Our succcess is underpinned by our team of volunteers and we are always looking to introduce newcomers to our Club. We offer plenty of rewarding opportunities for you to learn new skills and meet people.

Volunteering @ PYC comes in many different forms; from on the water to land-based activities. Some of these roles require experience in sailing or race management whilst other roles you can learn "on the job". 

We welcome your enquiry and can be contacted at commodore@parkdaleyc.com.

Volunteering Roles @ PYC

Rescue Boat Crew 

This role* assists the Rescue Boat Skipper in:

• Launching the Rescue Boat (Rigid Hulled Inflatable Boat),
• Setting the race course using inflatable buoys under the direction of the Officer of the Day,
• Radio communications between start boat and race control tower,
• Rescue operations and safety of our sailors,
• End of day procedures and return Rescue Boat to PYC.

 Please note that no experience is required, however being physically fit with swim skills and water confidence is strongly recommended. First Aid accreditation is favourable and a Working With Children Check (WWCC) is required.

Rescue Boat Skipper

The Rescue Boat Skipper* is in charge of:

• Launching the Rescue Boat (Rigid Hulled Inflatable Boat),
• Setting the race course using inflatable buoys under the direction of the Officer of the Day,
• Radio communications between start boat and race control tower,
• Rescue operations and safety of our sailors,
• End of day procedures and return Rescue Boat to PYC

 A Victorian Marine Licence and a Working With Children Check (WWCC) is required. First Aid accreditation and completion of a course in Powerboat Handling is highly favourable. Being physically fit with swim skills and water confidence is strongly recommended. 

Start Boat Crew

This role* assists the Start Boat Skipper in:

• Launching the Start Boat,
• Setting the race course marks,
• Display race start sequence flags,
• Radio communications between Rescue Boats and race control tower,
• Rescue operations and safety of our sailors,
• End of day procedures and return Start Boat to PYC.

 Please note that no experience is required, however being physically fit with swim skills and water confidence is strongly recommended. First Aid accreditation is favourable and a Volunteer Working With Children Check (WWCC) is required.*

Start Boat Skipper

The Start Boat Skipper* is in charge of:

• Launching the Start Boat,
• Setting the race course marks,
• Display race start sequence flags,
• Radio communications between Rescue Boats and race control tower,
• Rescue operations and safety of our sailors,
• End of day procedures and return Start Boat to PYC.

 A Victorian Marine Licence and a Volunteer Working With Children Check (WWCC) is required. First Aid accreditation and completion of a course in Powerboat Handling is highly favourable. Being physically fit with swim skills and water confidence is strongly recommended.

Race Tower Assistant 

This role* involves:

• Monitor race starts, 
• Record sail numbers and finish times,
• Assist Officer of the Day,
• Radio communications with Rescue and Start Boats,
• Monitoring safety of boats on the course.

 A Volunteer Working With Children Check (WWCC) is required. No experience needed, we are happy to show you the ropes.

Officer of the Day

The Officer of the Day* (OOD) will:

• Review current and forecasted weather conditions, 
• Decide whether to cancel, postpone or shorten racing if weather conditions are unsuitable,
• Hoist clubhouse flags,
• Brief sailors on race schedule and conditions,
• Boat entry management including sign on/off,
• Monitor race starts, 
• Record sail numbers and finish times,
• Radio communications with Rescue and Start Boats,
• Monitoring safety of boats on the course and ensure all sailors are accounted for.

 A Volunteer Working With Children Check (WWCC) is required. Knowledge of the Racing Rules of Sailing, race management and start sequencing is essential. 

Learn To Sail Training Assistants

Under the supervision of trainers, PYC Training Assistants* will:

• Help monitor the safety of our Learn To Sail participants,
• Supervise the rigging and unrigging of training boats,
• Launch and assist with training boats, 
• Give on water assistance on Club rubber ducks,
• Provide encouragement and support to our new sailors.

 A Volunteer Working With Children Check (WWCC) is required. Being physically fit with swim skills and water confidence is strongly recommended. 

Canteen & Bar Assistants

This role* assists Canteen Staff in:

• Preparation of food,
• Clearing and cleaning of tables as required,
• The sale of food and beverages via Point Of Sale system,
• Afternoon bar service (alcoholic beverages),
• Maintain cleanliness of the kitchen,
• Requesting non-members to sign the Visitors Book,
• Operation of espresso machine (desirable).

 A Volunteer Working With Children Check (WWCC) is required.