Old School RuneScape's Sailing skill has introduced a wave of new mechanics, training routes, and optimisation strategies-and with it comes one of the most relaxed methods currently available. If you're looking for long AFK intervals, steady experience, and virtually no input for nearly half an hour at a time, this new salvaging method is one of the strongest options on the market. Players are calling it one of the best AFK techniques for mid-level Sailing, and for good reason: it allows you to RuneScape gold go completely hands-off for up to 25 minutes straight.
Below is a complete breakdown of how the method works, what you need to get started, and how to position your ship efficiently to maximise your AFK earnings.
Requirements & Preparations
To use this method, you'll need at least Level 40 Sailing. Having enough RuneScape gold can be a great help to you. This is the level at which you can begin hiring crew members-an essential part of the setup, since they'll be doing all the salvaging work for you.
Two early-game crew members are key:
Jobless Jim – Level 40 Requirement
Location: The main port
Simply speak to him once you meet the requirement to hire him as crew
Jim is your first salvaging specialist and will operate one salvaging hook
Captain Scad – Level 50 Requirement
Location: Desert Mining Camp (upstairs)
Once hired, Scad functions as a second salvager
With both crew members recruited, your Sailing efficiency doubles-necessary for the full AFK method to work properly.
Unlocking the Sloop (Level 50)
The method becomes viable once you reach Level 50 Sailing and unlock the Sloop, a huge upgrade from earlier vessels.
Why the Sloop is essential:
Supports two salvaging hooks instead of one
Let's you park both crew members at separate sides of the ship
Allows simultaneous salvaging from multiple wrecks
Offers increased cargo space and quality-of-life improvements
This combination creates a perfect storm for long-duration AFK gameplay-something rare in OSRS.
How the AFK Salvaging Cycle Works
Once your crew is hired and your Sloop is ready, the method becomes incredibly simple:
Approach a pair of shipwrecks.
Nearly every shipwreck on the map has another one close by. If you're mid-game or higher, you'll always find a pair.
Position your Sloop between the two wrecks.
Your goal is to sit exactly in the middle so both salvage points fall within range of your hooks.
Assign each crew member to a side.
Open crew commands
Select Other Facility
Send one to port, the other to starboard
Your crew begins salvaging automatically.
Every time they reel something up, you gain Sailing XP
Salvaged items are added to your cargo hold instantly
When one wreck is depleted, the crew automatically moves to the next
Go fully AFK for up to 25 minutes.
The cycle continues until both wrecks despawn and respawn. Your crew will wait patiently and begin working again once they reappear.
The beauty of this method is in its consistency. Your crew members behave exactly as instructed, never wandering and never needing any micro-management.
What to Do After Your AFK Timer Ends
After your 25-minute interval is up, you'll return to a full cargo hold. At this point:
Sail to your salvaging station
Sort through everything your crew collected
Keep the materials you need
Drop or sell the rest
Then simply reposition your ship again and repeat.
This method produces:
Reliable passive Sailing XP
A steady stream of salvage items
Minimal effort for maximum value
It's ideal for players who are working, studying, or multitasking on a second monitor.
Crew Upgrades & Progression
As you continue training and levelling up, more advanced crew members become available. Higher-tier sailors offer better efficiency, faster salvaging speeds, and stronger bonuses. Some upcoming crew options include:
Adventure AA
Cabin Boy Jenkins
These aren't required for the basic method, but swapping into upgraded crew whenever possible will improve your experience per hour and ensure you're ready for later Sailing content.
Why This Method Stands Out
OSRS is well known for AFK training, but Sailing introduces something special: a skill where your crew does the work for you. Instead of clicking every few seconds or maintaining a strict AFK window, you can literally walk away for nearly half an hour with no risk to your ship or resources.
This method is:
Perfect for players with busy schedules
Great for mid-level Sailing progression
Simple, reliable, and extremely low-effort
Likely to remain relevant even as the meta evolves
While future content and patches may introduce faster or more optimised XP methods, this is one of the most comfortable ways to bank long sessions of AFK time while still making meaningful progress.
Final Thoughts
If you've just entered the mid-game of Sailing and want a method that respects your time, this 25-minute AFK salvaging setup is one of the strongest tools available right now. With OSRS gold nothing more than a hired crew, a Sloop, and a good pair of shipwrecks, you can train in sailing while barely touching the keyboard.