First Mates Committee

First Mates have been important members of SOS for many years serving as a backup for Skippers, helping to organize the cruises, assisting in the teaching of sailing and in the education of SOS procedures for newer members while acting as role models as well as ambassadors for potential members.

The SOS Policies section of the Membership Directory states,

• A First Mate should have the ability, should the necessity arise, to act competently as a captain and to return a boat and crew safely to shore.
• This purpose is followed by a list of skills required of SOS First Mates to insure maximum assistance in general and in adverse conditions. 

First Mate Candidates must undergo rigorous skill tests from Checkout Captains on weekend cruises. The Checkout Captains must agree that the candidate is able to fulfill the obligations of a First Mate to their satisfaction for the candidate to be considered a First Mate.  Several SOS Skippers are also recognized First Mates having gone through the skills tests. 

A First Mates Advisory Committee makes relevant decisions and recommends changes to the SOS Board to support and improve the First Mate program.  Finally, many First Mates also serve on other committees and offer their help with various club projects to keep SOS a thriving organization.