Update: 10/02/2020
Sea Shepherd volunteer project – if you are a qualified mate with at least two years of experience on the bridge and want to do something meaningful for the oceans, this could be for you. Sea Shepherd is looking to fill a couple of places with bridge crew who hold a minimum of a Yachtmaster (or equivalent), have a positive mindset and
are not afraid of a challenge. This position is for approximately three months on board.
Mission – Sea Shepherd Conservation Society
Established in 1977, Sea Shepherd Conservation Society (SSCS) is an international non profit marine wildlife conservation organisation. The mission is to end the destruction of habitat and the slaughter of wildlife in the world’s oceans in order to conserve and protect ecosystems and species.
Sea Shepherd uses direct action tactics to investigate, document and, when necessary, confront illegal activities on the high seas. By safeguarding the biodiversity of ocean ecosystems, Sea Shepherd works to help ensure their survival for future generations.
Please note, this is a volunteer position.
This page is for those interested in crewing with Sea Shepherd Conservation Society. Here you can find general information about crewing at sea, types of positions and frequently asked questions.
General information – Sea Shepherd USA fleet
Sea Shepherd USA has several ships in its conservation fleet: the M/V Farley Mowat, the M/V John Paul DeJoria, the M/V Sharpie, the R/V Martin Sheen, the M/V White Holly and the M/V Brigitte Bardot.
What are the ships like?
The Farley Mowat, John Paul DeJoria and Sharpie are motor vessels, approximately 34 metres in length. The White Holly is the latest addition to the fleet and is about 44 metres long. The Martin Sheen is the only sailing vessel. The Brigitte Bardot is a fast interceptor vessel.
Where are the ships located?
The ships can most often be found in ports and surrounding oceans of the United States, Canada, Mexico, Central and South America, but there are no strict geographical restrictions.
What about the other Sea Shepherd ships?
Sea Shepherd is split into two entities for ships and crew. Sea Shepherd Global and Sea Shepherd Australia run the Steve Irwin, Bob Barker, Sam Simon and Ocean Warrior. The application process is separate but similar. You should apply to the entity that operates the ships or in the geographical area that interests you the most. It is also possible to apply to both. See the crewing pages (in the contact section below) for more information.
Campaigns and activities
What campaigns are happening?
Information on current and past campaigns is available from the Campaigns menu on the Sea Shepherd website. Future campaign plans are not always announced publicly for operational reasons. If you are selected to volunteer, you may spend a significant amount of time on board helping to prepare the ship for a campaign. Most volunteers earn their place on board before joining an active campaign, although sometimes it is possible to join a campaign already in progress.
How often are the ships on campaign?
Sea Shepherd aims to keep ships as active as possible, but a lot of planning and ship preparation is required. Having ships on campaign also depends on fundraising and logistical support.
Can I apply for a specific campaign?
Not usually. You can mention your interests and skills on the application, but if you are selected, you will be expected to join the ship where you are needed most.
Can I do an internship, work experience or school training placement?
Sea Shepherd is rarely able to accommodate this. Most schools or work placements have fixed start and end dates and require specific reporting. Campaign timelines are flexible and plans can change unexpectedly. It is recommended to apply as a volunteer when you are free and able to focus only on being a crew member.
Crew size and minimum time commitment
How many crew are on each ship?
The number of crew on board varies depending on the ship and campaign, but you can expect to join anywhere from 5 to 18 other individuals.
What is the minimum time commitment for volunteering at sea?
Sea Shepherd asks for a very minimum commitment of two months for volunteering at sea. It takes time to train new crew members and help them adjust to life on board and constant crew changes are disruptive to the mission. Ideally, new crew members join for about three months.
Travel costs, food and accommodation on board
Volunteers are responsible for paying their own travel costs. You will need enough funds to get yourself to and from any port in the world. When you are on board, Sea Shepherd provides you with a place to sleep and three vegan meals a day plus snacks. Anything beyond that, such as extra food you personally want, entertainment or phone calls, is your responsibility.
Crew accommodations are tight and you will share a cabin with one to seven other people, so be ready to get to know your teammates well.
Do I need a US visa?
It is possible you will need to acquire an appropriate visa. If you are joining a ship in a US port and are not a US citizen, you will most likely be required to obtain a B1/B2 visa. Sometimes crew members join a ship operating in another country where visas may not be needed or are easier to obtain.
Availability and roles on board
Can I apply for specific dates?
You can specify on your application a date range or open availability. When a position becomes available, Sea Shepherd searches for crew who are available during that period. The larger your window of availability, the more likely an opportunity will come up. When there is a suitable space available, you may be contacted for an interview.
Can I apply for a specific role?
Not necessarily. When positions need to be filled, Sea Shepherd searches for crew members with the required skill set. They do their best to use your skills and place you in an appropriate position on board. For example, if you are a chef, it is unlikely that you would be asked to work in the engineering department. Personal preferences cannot always be taken into account and you will be placed where you most benefit the campaign.
What if I have no previous seafaring experience?
Sea Shepherd accepts volunteers from many backgrounds and many crew members have never worked on a ship before. Training is given on board by veteran crew, professional mariners and those with specialised skills.
Applying for crew
How do I apply to become a crew member?
The first step in becoming a Sea Shepherd USA crew member at sea is to fill out a crew application form. Once your application is completed, you will be considered for crewing opportunities on US based ships.
Application fee
How do I pay the application fee?
Once the application form is submitted, you are redirected to a payment page where the fee can be paid, for example via PayPal.
Why is there an application fee to crew?
In the early days, crew application fees helped put fuel in the ship tanks for campaigns. Due to the time required to process applications, this fee also helps recruit and screen new crew members. Because volunteers must already pay their own travel expenses, the fee also helps to filter out non serious applicants.
Will it be refunded if I am not selected for crew?
The application fee is a non refundable, one time donation and is intended to support Sea Shepherd’s conservation work.
Length of service
Is there a maximum time I can stay on board?
For new volunteers, Sea Shepherd normally does not commit to service longer than three or four months at first. If things are going well, you can ask your department head, ship manager or captain about extending your stay. Longer stays are often appreciated, but the organisation always reserves the right to ask people to leave if things are not working out.
How do I apply for the other Sea Shepherd Global ships?
The first step in becoming a Sea Shepherd Global or Sea Shepherd Australia crew member is to fill out the relevant crew application form. There is a link to this form near the bottom of the Global crewing page (see contact details below).
Who are you looking for as crew?
Sea Shepherd looks for passionate individuals who are willing to work hard and take on responsibility on board. The more flexible you are with your time, the more likely a suitable position will become available. Seafaring skills are an asset but not essential. Commitment, hard work and the ability to get along with others are very important.
Sea Shepherd is always looking for qualified and experienced captains, officers, bosuns, engineers and vegan cooks to join the team.
Does everyone eventually get selected?
Unfortunately not. Sea Shepherd receives more applications than there are positions to be filled so the selection process is competitive. If you are selected, you will receive a welcome package with information about ship life and policies, and further details regarding travel. Crewing needs can change quickly, so you may receive very little notice to join the ship and should be prepared to travel at short notice.
Work schedule and communication on board
What is the work schedule like?
At sea, the crew typically work seven days per week with no time off. In port, crew usually work about five and a half days per week. This is a demanding schedule and should be considered carefully before applying.
What about internet, email and phone calls while on board?
Most ships have some form of satellite connection that allows crew to send occasional emails. Due to bandwidth and security concerns, all crew may share a communal email address that is checked by the communications officer. Sometimes this privilege is suspended during critical points of a campaign. In port, the crew usually try to find
local internet access. Phone calls can be made via satellite phones at the discretion of the captain and communications officer, but crew are responsible for the cost of their calls, which can be around 1 USD per minute. Each ship has slightly different arrangements.
Will I get arrested?
It is unlikely. Sea Shepherd operates as a professional organisation and works with governments and maritime enforcement agencies around the world. However, participating in any campaign carries some risk of arrest, fines or other consequences and volunteers should be aware of this.
Policies and procedures
Sea Shepherd maintains a zero tolerance policy toward drugs and drunkenness. Anyone in violation of this policy will be removed from the ships immediately. No smoking is allowed on board. The ship is not a democracy and crew members are expected to follow the chain of command. Dangerous, disrespectful or insubordinate behaviour can result in a crew member being asked to leave.
CONTACT DETAILS 🔍📧
Please note: This volunteer project listing may be outdated. Information regarding availability, dates, ship assignments, application procedures and requirements may have changed. Always check the official Sea Shepherd website and contact the organisation directly before making any travel plans.
For full details and to apply, please contact Sea Shepherd directly using the official channels:
Facebook crewing page:
https://www.facebook.com/SeaShepherdCrew
Crewing at sea application:
https://seashepherd.org/crewing-at-sea-application
Crewing FAQ:
https://seashepherd.org/crewing-at-sea-faq/
Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/seashepherdsscs/
Please do not contact Voluntouring.org to book this experience. Always use the official Sea Shepherd forms and pages.
