Help Bring Maritime History to Life
Love history? Enjoy meeting people? Have a story to share?
Join the Maritime Museum of San Diego’s volunteer Docent team and help visitors discover the fascinating stories behind our historic ships, exhibits, and maritime heritage.
As a Docent, you’ll welcome visitors from around the world, explore remarkable vessels, and share the stories of the people and adventures that shaped maritime history.
No previous museum experience is necessary! We provide training, mentoring, and the support of an experienced Docent community.
2027 Docent Training Schedule
Our annual Docent Training Program begins in January 2027, with a welcoming introduction followed by approximately 11 weeks of Tuesday morning training sessions.
New Docent Meet & Greet
Tuesday, January 12, 2027
9:00–11:00 a.m.
Meet members of our Docent community, learn about the program, and discover what it’s like to volunteer at the Museum.
Formal Docent Training Begins
Tuesday, January 19, 2027
Social time: 9:00 a.m.
Check-in: 9:30 a.m.
Training begins: 10:00 a.m.
Formal training continues on Tuesday mornings for approximately 11 weeks.
What You’ll Do as a Docent
Our volunteer Docents play an important role in connecting visitors with the Museum’s ships, exhibits, and collections.
- Share maritime history. Bring the stories of historic ships, sailors, and maritime adventures to life.
- Welcome visitors. Meet people from around the world and help them discover the Museum.
- Lead engaging tours. Interpret historic vessels, artifacts, and exhibits for visitors of all ages.
- Continue learning. Develop your historical knowledge, communication skills, and confidence through ongoing training.
- Join a community. Work alongside dedicated volunteers who share your enthusiasm for history, education, and maritime heritage.
Many Stories. Many Languages. One Museum.
We welcome volunteers from all backgrounds and especially encourage individuals who speak additional languages to join our Docent community.
Training and Qualifications
Our Docent Training Program combines historical study, practical experience, and guidance from experienced Museum volunteers.
The Docent Council Training Chair coordinates instruction, mentoring, and qualification activities.
Training includes:
- Historical study and assigned readings.
- Observation of guided tours.
- Three shadow tours with experienced Docents.
- A written examination.
- A final qualifying tour.
These activities help new Docents develop the knowledge and presentation skills needed to confidently interpret the Museum’s historic vessels and collections.
Becoming a Museum Volunteer
Docent candidates must complete the Museum’s general volunteer onboarding requirements, including:
- Submitting an official volunteer application.
- Maintaining active Museum membership.
- Providing required documentation.
- Completing the Museum’s volunteer orientation before beginning service.
Age requirements: Volunteer Docents are generally 18 years of age or older. Exceptions require prior approval and appropriate parent or guardian supervision in accordance with Museum policy.
Interested in Volunteering Before January?
We welcome new Docent volunteers year-round! You can begin learning about the Museum and working with an experienced mentor before formal training begins in January.
How to Get Started
Ready to become part of the Museum’s volunteer Docent team?
Complete the Museum’s official volunteer application to begin the onboarding process.
Apply to Become a Volunteer Docent
Have Questions About Docent Training?
Not quite ready to apply? We’d be happy to answer your questions and help you learn more about the program.
Use our Docent Information and Questions Form to contact the volunteer team.
Questions About Docent Training?
Please note: The inquiry form is for questions and information only. It is not a training registration or official volunteer application.
Join Our Docent Community
Becoming a volunteer Docent is more than learning about ships and maritime history. It’s an opportunity to meet interesting people, develop new skills, and help preserve the stories that connect our past to the present.
Whether you’re a lifelong history enthusiast or simply curious about exploring something new, there’s a place for you in our volunteer community.
We look forward to welcoming you aboard!