Notice to Applicants
Due to a high volume of applications currently being received and a limited number of spaces available on the ship, we cannot provide a position to most applicants. Please bear this in mind if you decide to complete an application.
We are sincerely grateful for the overwhelming support and recommend checking out a shore-based role with your local chapter. Information can be found here: SSCS Onshore Chapters .
Thank you for inquiring about crewing with the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society! We have had people of all ages, from diverse "walks of life," from around the world apply to spend several months and sometimes years volunteering aboard one of our vessels.
Applying is your chance to participate in direct action campaigns with the most successful marine wildlife protection organization in the world!
Applying to be a part of the crew requires a one-time, non-refundable application fee of USD 100. After you complete this application form, press the "proceed to payment" button at the bottom and be directed to the payment page, where you can pay the application fee.
By completing the application form, in no way does it guarantee you a place on board, and there is a waitlist of one year.
Crew application fee: USD 100.00
If you do not complete the $100 payment, your application will not be submitted.
The fee may be waived upon the Crewing Coordinator's discretion for highly skilled applicants, being ticketed navigators or engineers.
Please read through this application thoroughly. If you have further questions, please first refer to our Frequently Asked Questions here FAQs.
Application Process
You will receive a confirmation by email when your application is received. Please add crew@seashepherd.org to your email 'whitelist' - otherwise, a large portion of our emails end up in spam folders when we try to contact you.
Volunteer Crewmember Application Qualifications
To be eligible, you must meet the following requirements:
-No felony convictions in the past ten years.
-You must be a minimum of 18 years old to serve on Sea Shepherd vessels.
-You must be physically fit and healthy to meet seafarer medical requirements
-You must know how to swim.
-You must comply with the "zero tolerance" drug policy and smoking rules.
-You are financially responsible for travel to and from the ship.
-You may be required to get a multiple entry US visa.
-You must agree to be filmed/photographed while on a campaign.
Below is an outline of how we crew our vessels whenever we are preparing for a campaign or whenever a crew member position opens up:
Crew Selection Process:
The amount of applicants exceeds the number of places on board over the course of a year. For this reason, you may not get the chance to crew onboard. If you do get an opportunity to crew on board, please be patient as you may wait over one year to hear from us.
Time Available:
We first look at the "Dates Available" area on all applications, as we are usually filling positions for a specific period.
The minimum commitment is a very minimum of two months, with preference given to those who can commit to three months. For the new crew, we suggest a maximum of 4 months onboard. We can, of course, evaluate how things are going at any point along the way and make changes.
Our ships often request crew with little notice--a few days to a few weeks at best. Once you apply, your application will be put in our database and selected based on your skills and availability. We will keep your application on file forever, so there is no need to reapply! If your skills and availability change, please keep us updated.
Positions Available:
There are six primary areas onboard our ships:
1.) Bridge
2.) Deck
3.) Engine Room
4.) Galley
5.) Science
6.) Media & Drone
Previous experience working onboard a vessel is an asset but not required. First-time deckhands, engineers and cooks are trained by veteran crew members. For obvious reasons, we must first crew our ocean-going vessels with the most skilled individuals such as captains, engineers, bosuns, medics and cooks. All positions are just as crucial to the running of the ship.
Desirable Crew member Attributes:
The most sought-after crew member would have a positive attitude, a good work ethic, and flexible changes and new situations.
Please note that you will be required to speak and understand English if you would like to volunteer on one of our vessels. Complete all applications in English.
If you would like to improve and add to your skills and knowledge base to be a better crew member candidate, the following are some suggestions:
1. First aid and CPR:
a. Local classes
- Red Cross or equivalent organization ($60)
b. Literature
- "First Aid, CPR, and AED Essentials" (4th edition paperback) by Alton
L.Thygerson ($30)
2. Knot tying:
a. Literature
- "Handbook of Knots" by Des Pawson/Dorling Kindersley Publishers Ltd
b. Online resources
- https://www.animatedknots.com/
3. Seamanship:
a. Literature
- Chapman Piloting and Seamanship 65th Edition by Elbert S. Maloney ($60)
b. STCW (Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping) or international equivalent are available from $500 to $900. Upon completion of the course, you will be knowledgeable in the following areas:
Personal Survival Techniques,
Fire Prevention and Fire Fighting,
Elementary First Aid
Personal Safety and Social Responsibilities.
Get Involved:
You can also "get your foot in the door" by starting to volunteer onshore from wherever you are now! Please look at our Volunteer Information Page.
Costs:
The accepted crew must pay for their travel to and from their assigned vessel, which may not return from the same port in which they left. Ensure you have adequate savings so that they can easily travel home once their role has finished or in case of an emergency.
The crew are responsible for any medical service required and may wish to invest in insurance that protects them while they are working or travelling within their role. We are unable to provide recommendations or advice concerning insurance. If you require any particular medication, you will need to ensure that you bring this medication with you as our ships medical supplies are limited and do not accommodate crew members with ongoing medication needs.
Applicants are also responsible for their own visa applications and costs. Applicants do not worry about obtaining a visa until they are selected for crew and know which country they will dock in.
If you are accepted and join one of our vessels, you will be provided with a bunk and three vegan meals a day.
Other costs may arise if you wish to purchase personal items such as clothing, tools, food, travel or entertainment.