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Sea Shepherd / Volunteer

Volunteer

Some of our volunteers serve for months on campaign ships. Others keep a local chapter running in their own city. Choose the path that fits your life.

Crew at sea

For nearly 50 years, Sea Shepherd ships have confronted poachers, pulled illegal nets and kept watch over marine protected areas. Our fleet runs on volunteers who give months of their lives to real work on a campaign vessel.

Volunteer crew member working on deck
Crew hauling an illegal gillnet aboard a Sea Shepherd ship
Crew on patrol in a small boat
Deckhand working at the ship rail
Crew on the bridge during a patrol
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Most new crew have never worked on a ship before. You learn from veteran crew, professional mariners and specialists, and you are placed where your skills help the campaign most.

Apply for crew Read the full FAQ

There is a $100 fee to apply. It keeps applications serious and our crew office focused.

Commitment
Two months minimum
Experience
None required
On board
A bunk and three vegan meals a day
Your cost
Travel to and from port, helped by a small stipend
Departments
Deck, bridge, engineering and galley

Volunteer story

Holly, volunteer deckhand

Holly applied without knowing whether she had the right experience. She spent two months on deck off Baja California protecting the vaquita: driving small boats, standing night watches, doing maintenance and working alongside scientists on population surveys.

“Take the jump and put your application in, because you won't regret it.”

Before you apply

How long do I need to commit?

Two months at the very minimum. It takes time to train new crew and settle into life on board, and changing crew too often disrupts the mission.

Do I pay for my own travel?

You book your own flights, ground transport and lodging to and from port, and we provide a small travel stipend to help with the cost. On board, a place to sleep and three vegan meals a day are provided. We recommend having about $2,000 available when you join to cover anything unexpected.

What if I have no seafaring experience?

That is fine. Many of our volunteers had never worked on a ship before joining. You learn what you need from veteran crew, professional mariners and people with specialized skills.

Can I choose my dates, role or campaign?

You can give a date range or open availability, and you can apply for a specific department if you are qualified. We don't announce campaigns in advance, and most volunteers earn their place on a campaign by working in port or the shipyard first.

All crewing questions

Not ready for months at sea? Chapters need people too.