Tall Ships Volunteer Positions

Volunteer Position: Head Ship Liaison Officer (HSLO)

1. Recruit and train Ship Liaison Officers (SLO)
2. Supervise ship liaison officers during the event

Volunteer Position: Ship Liaison Officer (SLO)

Description: SLOs work directly with the ship Captains and crew. They are the conduit
between the ships and the event during the festival. Typically, SLOs are available for a
consistent shift – AM or PM throughout the event. They often reach out to the Captains
before they arrive and assist crews upon arrival. A working knowledge of the local
waterfront and maritime vendors is helpful. Position requires knowledge of sailing and local
vendors. Past Tall Ships experience as well as knowledge of language and culture of
international vessel’s homeport is an asset.

1. A few days before the event be in touch with HSLO as to likely arrival date and time of
ship.
2. Be available by cell phone for call by HSLO as to when ship arrives
3. Meet with the Captain at his/her convenience soon after the ship arrives and provide
him/her with your contact number. Assist the Captain in getting oriented with the city,
venue, the weekend schedule and any special events their ship will be hosting. Also
identify any special needs the ship may have while in port.
4. In conjunction with the second SLO assigned to your ship devise a schedule which
ensures 24-hour emergency service to your ship and provide this schedule to your HSLO
5. Attend to all needs of the ship throughout their stay in Sarnia, offering advice and
fulfilling all equipment and supply needs at the request of the captain. Meet with the
captain each morning the ship is in port.
6. Assist with line handling.
7. On the final day of the event, offer a warm send off to the Captain and crew and thank
them for attending Tall Ships Sarnia

Volunteer Position: Visitor Ambassador

1. Check in for your shift at the volunteer center 15 minutes ahead of time
2. Be available by cell phone in case of emergency throughout your shift
3. Assist ticket holders with embarkation and disembarkation of the ship, informing them
of any special rules in place which they must abide by while on board
4. Discuss with the volunteer who is leaving the post on the prior shift any unique issues
with regards to your particular shift and refer this information to the volunteer replacing
you at the end of your shift
5. Answer questions posed by visitors
6. Keep area free of clutter and trash
7. Limit smartphone use to Tall Ships business related calls/texts while on duty.

Volunteer Position: Information, Tickets & Admission

1. Check in for your shift at the volunteer center 15 minutes ahead of time
2. Be available by cell phone in case of emergency throughout your shift
3. Answer questions posed by visitors
4. Sell tickets and scan tickets upon admission
5. Discuss with the volunteer who is leaving the post on the prior shift any unique issues
with regards to your particular shift and refer this information to the volunteer replacing
you at the end of your shift
6. Distribute venue maps
7. Manage lost and found items
8. Keep area free of clutter and trash
9. Limit smartphone use to Tall Ships business related calls/texts while on duty.

Volunteer Position: Roamer/Sail Away Support

1. Check in for your shift at the volunteer center 15 minutes ahead of time
2. Be available by cell phone in case of emergency throughout your shift
3. Learn all positions in case of substitution
4. Substitute for any member who must leave their position
5. Answer questions posed by visitors
6. When not in service, wander throughout the site assisting visitors or other volunteers
7. Tend to any requests of the ships within the local community
8. Cast off lines of vessels that are scheduled to sail away during the event. (Some
knowledge of line handling is essential)

VIP Ambassador

1. Check in for your shift at the volunteer center 15 minutes ahead of time
2. Be available by cell phone in case of emergency throughout your shift
3. Assist with VIP reception; assist the catering company and/or the guests with any
reasonable requests.
4. Greet VIPs ensuring they have required accreditation to enter VIP area.
5. Keep area free of clutter and trash