Volunteer Positions and Employment

"The Lady Washington has been a wonderful place to escape from the stresses of life while giving back to the community. Whether I am working the deck, or teaching children, I learn something new myself each day. I have not only received sail training, but life training aboard."

The Lady Washington and Hawaiian Chieftain welcomes men and women eager to experience life and work aboard a genuine tall ship. We offer several opportunities, ranging from brief volunteer experiences to full-time employment. Click the links below to learn more.

  Volunteering
 “Two Weeks Before the Mast” Program
 Employment

Why volunteer aboard Lady Washington and Hawaiian Chieftain?
You will learn more about tall ships than you ever dreamed possible. You'll share a tight bond with more than 500 other Lady Washington and Hawaiian Chieftain crew members. You'll make life-long friends and you'll be a permanent member of our team.

Interested?

Please download and fill out our volunteer application and fax it back to us to begin the process to have you on board as a volunteer crew member. Once we have reviewed the form, we will work with you on scheduling time aboard either the Lady Washington or Hawaiian Chieftain. Volunteers generally begin and end their tours on Sundays. After determining which dates work, we will send you a medical release form.

 Download our contract

Once a contract is signed, we ask that you send in a volunteer fee of $500. This pays for food, fuel, and office expenses for managing your experience. When we have received payment, we will send you final confirmation information, a volunteer handbook, and a list of what to bring to make your life on board as comfortable as possible. We also ask that you give our office a call about two weeks before you arrive to get finalized port information and the best time in the day to arrive for your assignment.

Questions? Email volunteer@historicalseaport.org or call 1-800-200-5239.

Who else has volunteered?
See who else has served aboard Lady Washington and Hawaiian Chieftain in this searchable list.

What's it like to sail on Lady Washington or Hawaiian Chieftain?
A voyage on the Lady Washington or Hawaiian Chieftain is one of the most amazing experiences you'll ever have. Here's a detailed account of the March-May 2003 trip home by the Lady Washington after the filming of the Pirates of the Caribbean movie.

Two Weeks Before the Mast
For information on this unique two-week experience living and working aboard a tall ship, email volunteer@historicalseaport.org or call 1-800-200-5239.

Employment
Are you interested in becoming a crew member? Do you know someone who is? Many positions do not require previous maritime experience, although we do look for specialized knowledge or experience for some positions, such as Education Officer, Purser or Engineer.

Most positions require strong team skills, long hours, physical agility, a good comfort level working aloft, and the ability to perform safely a variety of vessel evolutions. Crews live aboard and participate in daily housekeeping, routine maintenance, safety drills, and cross-crew training. Excellent passenger interaction skills are a must. We offer a stipend and an entry-level opportunity in the tall ship industry, a wonderful opportunity to enjoy sailing, and the camaraderie only a tall ship can offer.

As of September 25, 2008, all licensed masters and mates must have a Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC™) issued by the proper authority. For more information, visit the Department of Homeland Security's TWIC information page or contact the US Coast Guard.

We are currently recruiting for these crew and staff positions:

	Master — This position requires a 100-ton near coastal Masters license with a sail endorsement. Experience on traditional vessels preferred.
	Mate — A 100-ton near coastal Masters license with a sail endorsement and experience on traditional vessels preferred. (100-ton Mates license with a sail endorsement will be considered). The ability to communicate clearly with the crew, volunteers, passengers, and the general public required.
	Engineer — Knowledge of diesel engines, generators, electrical, hydraulic, and shipboard systems preferred. An Engineers license is not required.
	Bosun — Previous square rig experience a plus.
	Purser — Experience handling money, sales receipts, reports, and recordkeeping required. Experience in retail or hospitality a plus.
	Steward — Public and media relations, crowd control, inventory, and recordkeeping experience preferred.
	Cook — Previous maritime experience helpful, but not required.
	Education Officer — A positive attitude, excellent organizational, leadership and teaching skills are required. Experience in development and implementation of educational programs for middle and high-school aged youth a plus.

Our vessels are supported by an experienced and dedicated office staff. If you have questions or would like to apply for a crew or staff position, contact Marine Operations, marine_ops@historicalseaport.org, 1-800-200-5239.

Grays Harbor Historical Seaport Authority
712 Hagara St., PO Box 2019, Aberdeen, WA, 98520
1-800-200-5239 ghhsa_admin@historicalseaport.org