Volunteer at Sea: 10 Shipboard Volunteer Opportunities to Live and Work at Sea
- Sabrina
- Oct 8
- 8 min read
Volunteering at sea means living and working onboard a ship for several months while supporting an altruistic cause. There are many different volunteer positions onboard ships that range from experienced doctors and mariners to brand new deckhands and food & beverage staff. While there are opportunities out there that offer a mix of voluntourism options for a fee, the organizations on this list are ones that offer room & board in exchange for hard work, with an expectation that you care about their mission and values. If you are looking to volunteer at sea, the 10 organizations on this list may have an onboard volunteer position that is perfect for you.
Photo Credit: Marcus Reubenstein
What to Know About Volunteering at Sea
What Does it Mean to Volunteer on a Ship at Sea?
This list is composed of 10 organizations that need volunteers to live and work onboard their ships while supporting their mission/goals. These goals range from educating the public about marine life and history, stopping illegal activity at sea, providing medical assistance, and more. Volunteering onboard is a great opportunity if you want to directly support a cause you are passionate about while living at sea.
Can You Find Paid Work on Ships?
Yes, there are lots of opportunities to find paid work at sea. Some of the organizations on this list offer long-term, paid positions.
Do You Need to Pay to Volunteer?
Most options on this list do not require a volunteer fee, but there are a couple that do. I have not listed organizations that require hefty volunteer fees. There are also many volunteer/tour opportunities out there in which you pay a fee to volunteer while having a travel experience (they are not included on this list as that is an entirely different experience).
What Other Expenses Do You Need to Consider?
Most organizations cover the cost of meals and accommodation while onboard the ship, but there are other expenses you need to consider. You should consider the following costs; flights to and from the ship/port of call, VISAs to enter the country of arrival/departure, meals and accommodations before and after boarding the ship, laundry, gear and equipment you may need, etc...
What Volunteer Positions are Available Onboard?
There are many different types of volunteer opportunities onboard ships. These organizations need all types of volunteers from experienced captains, mates, and seafarers, to first time deckhands and galley workers. They need educators, guides, cooks, office staff, doctors, and many more skilled and unskilled workers.
What is it Like Working & Living At Sea?
With most organizations, volunteers generally commit to 3-months minimum at sea and work 6-7 days/week, with long hours. Rooms onboard usually mean one or multiple roommates living together in close quarters. Meals are made for you and you eat in common areas with the rest of the crew onboard. While all vessels are different sizes, the longer you are on the ship, the smaller it can feel and thus it's easy to get to know those you are living and working with.
10 Volunteer Opportunities on Ships
1. Peace Boat
About
"Peace Boat is a Japan-based, international NGO which promotes peace, human rights, and sustainability." Their ship accommodates around 1,000 people who are looking to blend tourism and education. They set sail on 3-month cruises (starting in August, December, and April) and visit 20 different countries.
Volunteer Fees
There are no fees to volunteer with Peace Boat.
What's Provided
Once you arrive onboard all of your meals and accommodation are provided.
Volunteer Positons & Requirements
Peace Boat is looking for English or Spanish ESL teachers and interpreters. Teachers must have 18 months of experience teaching English or Spanish as a second language.
Contract Length & Working Hours
Voyages last 3-months. Volunteers work 7 hours each day teaching or interpreting classes, attending meetings, and preforming other tasks.
Application Process
Applicants need to download an application from the Peace Boat website and submit it, along with the required documents (CV/resume, cover letter, three lesson plans, and two introduction videos), via the provided e-mail. If selected you will move to the interview process. The deadline to apply is 4 months before the start of the voyage.
About
"Sea Shepard is an international, non-profit marine conservation organization that engages in direct action campaigns to protect and conserve the world oceans." They operate four vessels that sail worldwide to combat illegal activity at sea.
Volunteer Fees
There is a $100 application fee.
What's Provided
Volunteers receive full room & board, vegan meals, and training.
Volunteer Positons & Requirements
Volunteers must be 18 years of age or older. They look for volunteers to fill positions such as; navigators, sailors, engineers, mechanics, electricians, carpenters, welders, cooks, doctors, medics, small boat operators, nurses, photographers, computer/network specialists, software developers, radio technicians, unskilled ocean defenders, and more.
Contract Length & Working Hours
Volunteers must commit to be onboard for 3-months and will be working 7 days/week.
Application Process
Skilled applicants can apply to join a ship directly via their website. Unskilled applicants usually need to commit to a 3-month training onboard a ship that's docked at port. Once an application is submitted and accepted you will move onto an interview and then join a ship.
About
Greenpeace International operates three different ships that focus on fighting issues related to climate & energy, biodiversity, and social and economic systems. Each ship sets sail in a different global location for a 3-month campaign.
Volunteer Fees
There are no fees to volunteer on Greenpeace ships.
What's Provided
All of your meal and accommodation are provided when volunteering aboard.
Volunteer Positons
Greenpeace looks for captains, mates, deckhands, marine engineers, doctors, cooks, technicians, mechanics, and more.
Contract Length & Working Hours
Contracts last 3-month and working hours depend on your job.
Application Process
To apply, you can send your resume to the email provided on their website. However, if you have an appropriate STCW95 license you can also apply for a paid position.
About
Mercy Ships is an international charity that operates two of the largest non-government hospital ships in the world. They provide surgical care and surgical education in Africa.
Mercy Ships Academy is the school designed to provide care and education to the children of Mercy Ships' volunteers and patients.
Volunteer Fees
Crew must pay a monthly fee ranging between $200-$400 USD/month. This covers room & board, meals, and other program expenses of the organization.
Volunteer Positons & Requirements
Mercy Ships needs various types of volunteers to work with patients and help run their ships. These positons include; nurses, doctors, surgeons, dentists, educators, teachers, administration, IT, chaplains, stewards, bakers, chefs, food service workers, hair stylists, housekeeping, reception, and more. Your skill sets and experience needs to match the role you are applying for.
Contract Length & Working Hours
The majority of contracts are a 1-2 year commitment but you can find shorter 3-6 month opportunities. Working hours will depend on your position.
Application Process
They recommend that you apply to work with Mercy Ships 6-8 months before you are looking to board, but you are able to apply year-round. You can submit an application for the role you are looking to volunteer for via their website.
About
Project Liberty Ships is a non-profit organization that cares for and protects the historic S.S. John W. Brown, stationed in Baltimore. The ship is a living history museum run by volunteers who can live onboard while keeping the ship running and educating visitors on the ship's journey through American history.
Volunteer Fees
All volunteers must sign up to be a member of Liberty Ships. Individual annual membership fees start at $40.
Volunteer Positons
Project Liberty Ships need volunteers in the following departments; engine, steward, operating, armed guard, office, tour guides, special events, museum & library, and more.
Contract Length
Unknown.
Application Process
You can request information about their open volunteer positions and applications, here.
About
The Draken is the world's largest viking ship that is still sailing in modern times. The Draken sails around the world with the mission of inspiring and educating people on how the ocean is the foundation of life and a healthy planet.
Volunteer Fees
There are no fees to volunteer with Draken.
What's Provided
Draken provides all meals and accommodation for their volunteers.
Volunteer Positons & Requirements
Volunteers must be ages 18 years and older and be in good physical and mental health. Volunteer positions vary depending on the journey and you need to check their website to see what is currently available.
Contract Length
The length of your commitment depends on the voyage you sign up for.
Application Process
If interested in volunteering, you can fill out an application on their volunteer page. However, you can only submit an application if they currently have open positions.
About
"The Captain Paul Watson Foundation is a public charity whose purpose is to support, intervene, educate, and raise awareness regarding ocean conservation." The organization was founded and inspired by Watson's experience working with Sea Shepard. They currently have vessels that sail worldwide.
Volunteer Fees
There is a $100 application fee to apply.
What's Provided
Volunteers receive full room & board, vegan meals, and training.
Volunteer Positons & Requirements
Volunteers are required to be 18 years of age or older. Most volunteer positions require no experience, as training is provided. They need chefs, engineers, photographers, deckhands, and more.
Contract Length & Working Hours
Crew members commit to 3-4 months onboard and work 7 days/week.
Application Process
You can apply for an onboard crew position on their website. Once submitted, someone will reach out to you with the next steps.
8. Sea Watch
About
Sea Watch operates two vessels that rescue people, who are fleeing across the Mediterranean, from drowning. Their vision is "a world in which boarders, racism, injustice, and inequality, are overcome, and all people can live and move freely and safely in a self-determined way."
Volunteer Fees
There are no fees to volunteer with Sea Watch.
What's Provided
Accommodation and meals are provided for volunteers.
Volunteer Positons & Requirements
Sea Watch needs skilled, abled, and determined individuals. Volunteers need experience in the following skills; crowd management, search and rescue, nautical experience, and fist aid and/or medical. They need volunteers in the following categories; communications, deckhands, drivers, mechanics and engineers, medical, and more.
Contract Length
Each volunteer position ranges from 6-7 weeks.
Application Process
You can apply to the volunteer role and vessel you want to work on via their website.
About
"Ocean Exploration Trust (OET) and the Nautilus Exploration Program aim to explore the ocean, seeking out new discoveries in the fields of geology, biology, maritime history, archaeology, and chemistry while pushing the boundaries of education, outreach, and technological innovation." They offer annual, paid and volunteer opportunities onboard.
Volunteer Fees
Unknown.
What's Provided
Room & board while onboard.
Volunteer Positons & Requirements
This program offers positions for students, educators, scientists, engineers, researchers, and mariners. Requirements vary by position.
Contract Length
Your commitment depends on the length of the project you apply for.
Application Process
You can search for paid and volunteer positions via their website. However, you can only apply if/when applications are open and posted. Currently, the OET sails one a year.
About
"The Nao Victoria Foundation is a non-profit entity specialize[ing] in promoting and spreading historical events, which are supported by the construction of historical ships (the Nao Victoria, El Galeón and the Nao Santa María) that are sailed throughout the world’s ports."
Volunteer Fees
There are no volunteer fees.
What's Provided
Insurance, meals, accommodation, linens, and uniform are provided for volunteers while onboard.
Volunteer Requirements
All volunteers must be 18 years of age or older and have the ability to participate in all tasks onboard. There is no prior experience needed to be a volunteer.
Contract Length
Volunteers must commit to a minimum of 3-months onboard.
Application Process
If interested, you can fill out a volunteer request on their website and someone will be in contact with you.
Conclusion
Volunteering onboard can be a wonderful and challenging experience that enables you to make a difference. If you are looking for a volunteer opportunity that will allow you to live at sea, I hope this post provided you with an option that fits what you are looking for. If you know of more opportunities, or have experience volunteering onboard with one of these organizations, please share your experience in the comments below!
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