All sea staff and potential sea staff require enhanced CRB (criminal records bureau) clearance before sailing aboard GMC. This is necessary given the close contact that volunteers will have with young persons.
The checks carried out are comprehensive, but a criminal record will only be taken into account when the conviction is relevant to the volunteer post being sought. The procedure and the manner in which records are held come within the CRB Code of Practice in terms of confidentiality. For the purpose of managing the process, the Association of Sail Training Organisations (ASTO) act on our behalf.

Steps for obtaining the necessary CRB clearance:

Telephone ASTO on 023 9250 3222 or email ASTO office@asto.org.uk and request a Disclosure Form and Guidance Notes.  You will need to make it clear that you are seeking appointment as a volunteer with OYTNW, in which case, there is no charge.

When the application form arrives, complete it accurately and in accordance with the guidance notes. Having completed the form, and assuming you live within reasonable travelling distance of the OYTNW office, telephone us to make arrangements to come in with your passport and driving licence, or other acceptable ID as stipulated on the appication form for us to verify the evidence of identity.  If this is not possible, please telephone the office for advice.

We will then forward the document to ASTO, who carry out the remainder of the procedure. You will receive the Enhanced Disclosure Certificate personally. No offences are revealed to OYTNW, and we are simply advised if a Disclosure contains relevant offences. We will then advise you on the outcome. In very rare instances, it may be necessary to meet with you and to discuss any issues raised by the process.

Completion of the procedure can take several weeks.

If you have any queries on the above procedure, please contact the OYTNW office.