National Careers Week – A day in life of Sailing Development Officer

by Emma Slater on 3 Mar 2015 To coincide with National Careers Week (02-06 March), throughout the week we will be chatting to various people working in the marine industry about their job, how they got started, the kind of qualifications they needed.

To kick things off we hear from Sam Rowe, RYA Sailing Development Officer (SDO) for Kent & Sussex, to find out what exactly an SDO is and does, what he enjoys about the job, the skills needed and much more.

Why did you want a job in this field?
I worked as a Senior Instructor for a couple of seasons and enjoyed it, but wanted a new challenge and more variety in the work that I do.

What exactly does your job involve?
I work with clubs, commercial centres and marinas to increase regular participation on the water in sailing and windsurfing. The work is incredibly varied, in the South East we have a wide variety of opportunities to participate. I work with volunteers and paid employees on everything from volunteer development, funding applications, development of programs and facilities, instructor training, club governance and general problem solving!

How did you get the job?
I went for an interview for a part time role that just covered Kent. One of my colleagues left so I took on Sussex a year later.

Did you have to do any special courses / training for it?
Experience volunteering in my local clubs and youth sailing association was important, and having commercial experience as a Senior Instructor was necessary. I am also an RYA Coach Assessor and Centre Inspector so can help in the region to organise, advise and deliver instructor courses, moderations and inspections.

What do you love about your job?
The variety! I can be in front of my computer in the morning and out on the water in the afternoon. I also get to meet lots of enthusiastic volunteers which is always inspiring.

What are the biggest challenges?
Working with volunteers. I love it, but it adds a new dimension to getting things done and I have to constantly bear in mind that my working day has to revolve around the times that people volunteer.

What are your top tips for people thinking about a career in this field?
1) Get experience participating and volunteering in a variety of locations
2) Get to know the RYA and what it can do for boating in your area – there is lots that the RYA does that sailors/clubs are unaware of but could benefit from
3) Become an RYA Instructor and come along to the regional Instructor Training Days to develop your instructor skills and network in your region

What has been your career highlight to date?
Becoming an RYA Coach Assessor.

Describe a typical day?
This varies given the time of year but let’s take the start of the season. Get up and have breakfast. A morning of admin, catching up on emails, data collection etc. A couple of hours off early afternoon, go for a run or cycle. In the car for an hour’s drive down to one of my clubs to help launch the start of this years ‘Women on Water’ program. This might involve speaking to the instructors beforehand and giving them some ideas for their sessions. Go afloat and help run the session in the evening then catch up with some of the clubs key volunteers afterwards to talk about their next funding bid.

What type of person is best suited to your type of job?
Somebody enthusiastic, outgoing and willing to engage with almost anyone – whether it’s an enthusiastic volunteer, a sceptical centre manager or a nervous youngster on their very first OnBoard learn to sail session.

What skills does someone need in this field?
Good time management, reasonable admin skills and a positive attitude!


LifeSkills National Careers Week 02-06 March

Throughout the week the RYA will be sharing articles and profiles on a whole host of careers within the marine industry. Make sure you visit the RYA website