For 45 years, thousands of dedicated Sea Shepherd employees and volunteers have built the foundation for today’s work defending marine wildlife, intercepting poachers, and exposing inhumane practices threatening our oceans. Many have risked their lives on dangerous missions, often confronting criminals in the act of destroying marine wildlife. Others have faced the threat of imprisonment, as opposing these practices in some regions comes at the cost of personal freedom.
Our fleet of ships stands as a testament to our unwavering commitment, patrolling the front lines of marine conservation to safeguard the ocean’s most vulnerable creatures. Read below to learn about how you can join this force for change.
What It Means to Volunteer at Sea
Volunteering aboard a Sea Shepherd ship is not just an adventure; it’s a chance to make a direct impact. You’ll work alongside a crew driven by the same passion for marine protection, engaging in critical campaigns where every day is a mission to defend our oceans.
Expect a Life of Purpose and Dedication
Life aboard our ships is intense, challenging, and rewarding. Expect long hours of hard work, strict schedules, and an environment where every task contributes to the success of our operations. Daily activities vary based on the campaign but can include:
JOIN THE FRONTLINES: VOLUNTEER ONBOARD A SEA SHEPHERD SHIP
Experience life at sea and make a direct impact in defending marine wildlife.
What You'll Do:
PATROL & WATCH
Participate in patrols and watch duties to monitor for illegal fishing activities.
SHIP MAINTENANCE
Assist with ship maintenance, including deck work and engine room tasks.
MEALS & CLEANING
Prepare plant-based meals and clean to ensure the crew is well-fed and quarters are organized.
EMERGENCY RESPONSE
Collaborate with the team to respond swiftly to emergencies or discoveries at sea.
Have questions? Visit our FAQ Page before applying.
Our volunteers must be ready to adapt, stay committed, and embody the resilience necessary for the demanding and often unpredictable environment at sea. You’ll be living on a ship with a close-knit crew, sharing meals, duties, and the common goal of protecting marine life.
A Legacy of Frontline Action
Since our first campaigns in the 1970s, Sea Shepherd’s ships have confronted illegal activity in some of the most remote and dangerous parts of the world’s oceans. Volunteering at sea means joining this legacy, becoming part of a team that intercepts poachers, dismantles deadly fishing gear, and drives out illegal operations from marine protected areas.
Step aboard and contribute to 45 years of relentless marine defense. Apply Now to Volunteer at Sea!
Note: There is a $100 fee to apply to Sea Shepherd. This helps keep our applicants serious and out staff focused. If life at sea isn’t for you, there are other impactful ways to volunteer on land and support our campaigns. Learn more here.
