Become a volunteer
Right now, we are in our home port in Gothenburg and working with maintenance as well as public events and open ship. Now as we are staying in port, we’re opening our doors to everyone who wants to take part, and we will be accepting volunteers on an ongoing basis right here in Gothenburg. Our goal is to create a welcoming community where everyone, regardless of age or experience, can learn, contribute, and meet new people.
Below, you will find general information about volunteering on board the Götheborg, and the instructions how to apply.
Volunteer on board!
As a volunteer, you get the chance to pick up knowledge about traditional materials and learn craftsmanship on board. What is required to keep an 18th-century ship in good shape? What materials were used at that time, and what is used today? How is a lashing made? The tasks varied and can revolve around anything from taring ropes, scraping the hull, to working in the rigging. But also help in the galley (kitchen) and so on.
Volunteers are essential for the maintenance of the ship and keeping her in shape. Being a volunteer on board is an excellent way to get to know the ship and learn from others. The practical work gives you hands-on experience in a delightful kinship together with our permanent crew and other volunteers.
Are you joining our team?
Currently, the Götheborg is not sailing and we are in harbour open to the public. Therefore, the tasks vary and revolve around the ship’s maintenance, making the pier a welcoming place for our visitors, preparing for guest bookings and events. Furthermore, we want our ship to be an historic experience and need help with the museal space.
What does it mean to volunteer?
You will pick up knowledge about the ship, the history of the Swedish East india company, hands-on experience in craftmanship, event management, and museum work.
We have a great community around the ship that creates an atmosphere of learning from each other, creating a network, and take part in meaningful work.
The work as a volunteer is unpaid, but we offer lunch, not to forget, a great and friendly group of people to hang out with.
What do we offer?
As a volunteer you will receive proper training in working at heights and climbing techniques before taking part in any related activities. Safety always comes first, so all training follows established safety procedures and is guided by experienced instructors, ensuring everyone feels confident and secure every step of the way.
Beyond the practical skills, this training is also a great opportunity for personal growth, teamwork, and building trust within the group. Many volunteers find it to be one of the most rewarding and memorable parts of getting involved.
Training in heights and climbing
Work shoes, preferably with steel cap, that will be dirty after a day on board.
Clothes for warm layers such as long jons. Work clothes will be available on board.
Bring with you
Be prepared to join for whatever is going on at the moment! This could include work on the ship (inside and outside), on the pier, in the workshop, in the office, in the kitchen or the café.
However, communication is key to us and nobody is forced to do work he/she is not comfortable with.
Expectations
How to apply
We welcome volunteers continuously, depending on the capacity we have and the projects we have ongoing. Here is how to apply:
Fill in the registration form below and let us know when you are available
Wait for contact from our community leader
After you have been accepted, you will recieve all needed info and your introduction day from the community leader!
