Crew Training
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Training is a vital part of our mission at WIMHF and the Training Committee. Our program is designed to develop safe, competent crew members who can provide an educational and memorable experience for all guests aboard Suva, regardless of prior sailing experience.
Training Schedule
Weekly training sessions are held from March through July, currently on Mondays from 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM.
- March: Classroom sessions at the Coupeville Library.
- April onwards: On-water training departing from the Coupeville wharf.
- Sailing Season: Includes special events such as transits to chartered destinations, the Port Townsend Wooden Boat Festival, and schooner races.
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- Off-Season: Training continues through volunteer maintenance projects to keep Suva ship shape and in safe operating condition.
While you are not required to attend every session, your progress from Apprentice to Deck Hand to Bosun will be tracked using the Crew Handbook and Personal Qualification Standards (PQS) booklet. As your skills increase, so will your opportunities to crew aboard SUVA.
Resources & Documents
Please refer to the following links to support your training:
- 2026 Training Schedule (subject to change)
- March 16, 2026 Season Kickoff Presentation
- 2026 Port/Starboard/Transom Training Groups
- March 30, 2026 Training Presentation: Suva Systems
- Crew Knowledge of Suva Operations
- Crew PQS [PDF] (Personal Qualifications Standards) Booklet
- Tasks for Sailing Suva: Prepare for Departure, Departing the Dock, Raising Sails, Returning from Sailing, returning to the Dock, and Securing from Sailing
- Diagrams of Running Rigging Line Arrangement and Mooring Rigging Line Arrangement
- Suva Station Bill (M.O.B./Fire/Flooding/Collision/Abandon Ship)
Other Useful Resources
To help you improve your skills aboard Suva and broaden your knowledge of seamanship:
Additional Training
CPR, AED, and First Aid training is offered to our crew on an annual basis. Our bosuns and captains are required to be CPR certified; however, we encourage all of our crew to participate in this training. This training is normally offered at the very beginning of our season (usually in April and/or May). Our training coordinator can assist crew members with getting scheduled for this training.