Volunteer to gain work experience?

Volunteer crew members on board SS Vega and SV Legend participate in the daily work to gain work experience and an introduction to regular voyages or other ships. They also receive board and lodging on board, close follow-up, professional and personal development, and a certificate and seagoing service upon completion of their stay.

What is expected of you?

The crew on board expects you to:

Meets punctually and participates in the workday on an equal basis with the rest of the crew
Takes tasks and responsibilities in the galley, maintenance and on deck seriously
Contributes to a good environment on board, shows respect and is generous towards others
Follows all safety rules and instructions from regular crew members
Stay completely away from alcohol and other drugs while you are volunteering.

In return, you will receive board and lodging on board, close follow-up, professional and personal development, and a certificate and seagoing service after your stay.

Cozy interior in the ship where the course participants live and sleep.

Cozy living community: volunteers live and sleep aboard the sailing ship S/S Vega, with a cozy interior, its own galley and many lounges and seating areas.

Life skills are an important part of the program: participants practice following routines, taking responsibility for shared tasks, planning meals, and handling everyday challenges in close interaction with others.

Work outdoors and indoors: volunteers get to learn practical maritime skills, work physically outdoors, and be part of a close-knit and inclusive environment.

Everyday life on board

As a volunteer with us, you will experience what it is like to work and live on board real sailing ships, together with other young people in a similar situation. You will learn practical maritime skills, work physically outdoors, and be part of a close-knit and inclusive environment.

You show up in the morning at regular working hours, work together with the crew, and have regular breaks during the day. After work, it's time for food, socializing, and quiet evening activities on board, completely alcohol/drug-free.

Work and schedule

Those who work voluntarily follow normal working days from approximately 08:00–16:00, with weekends and public holidays off. The tasks vary between maintenance, deck work, rig work, galley work, rust treatment, paint systems and other tasks that are part of the light seaman profession.

A 3:1 system is used, where participants usually work three weeks and have one week off. All share galley duty, which involves responsibility for cooking and cleaning in turns, with good guidance from the crew.

Academic content

During their stay, the volunteers receive basic training in key tasks for easy seamen, such as rigging, deck work, maintenance and handling of equipment. They also receive guidance on how to progress, either via easy seamanship courses on the Christian Radich, a training ship, or further training through a maritime competence center.

Living and social community

Volunteers live aboard the ships SS Vega and SV Legend, in a shared sleeping area. Everyone is expected to contribute to a tidy, safe and inclusive environment, and to treat each other with respect and generosity.

Life skills are an important part of the program: participants practice following routines, taking responsibility for shared tasks, planning meals, and handling everyday challenges in close interaction with others. Many describe the stay as an important break from stressful environments, and an opportunity to build new, good relationships.

For the crew, this is one of the most meaningful projects we have ever been involved in. The joy the students show when they master practical tasks, work independently and well in a team, and find security and belonging in the group - it is almost indescribable.

Volunteer crew and contract

Volunteer crew aboard SS Vega and SV Legend participate in the daily work to gain work experience and an entry to regular voyages or other ships.

Unlike other fellow sailors, volunteers are expected to follow regular working hours and actively participate in maintenance, deck duty, galley and other necessary tasks.

Volunteers normally work 7.5 hours per day, with a 37.5 hour week, but there may be extra workload during periods such as release or preparations for a cruise. The volunteer covers their own travel to and from the ship, but receives board and lodging on board free of charge.

Framework for volunteers

You must always give at least one week's notice before signing off.
Volunteers undertake to follow the skipper's and permanent crew's instructions and to familiarise themselves with safety regulations and risk assessments.
We recommend that all volunteers have valid travel insurance for the entire period.
Participation for youth under 18 years of age requires written consent from guardians, who are also responsible for the youth.
Alcohol and other intoxicants are strictly prohibited, and violations will result in immediate deportation at your own expense.

After completing the contract, volunteers receive a certificate and documentation of sea time on board.

Packing tips for those going on board

You need good clothes for working outside in all kinds of weather, and some casual clothes for your free time. We provide work clothes and protective equipment, but we recommend that you bring your own good footwear and rain gear if you have one.

Bring:

Wool underwear, neckwear and hats, as well as t-shirts and pants for everyday work.
Regular clothes for after-work wear
Possibly your own work clothes and good footwear
Simple evening entertainment (books, games, etc.) – there is no wifi on board, but good mobile coverage