Volunteer

Love history and meeting people? Our 2027 Docent Training Program prepares volunteers to welcome visitors, lead tours, and share the stories behind the Museum’s historic ships and exhibits. No previous museum experience is required.

Interested in sailing aboard a tall ship? Our 2027 Square Rigger 101 program introduces new volunteers to traditional seamanship, teamwork, and the skills needed to serve aboard the Museum’s historic sailing vessels. No previous sailing experience is necessary.

Keeping the Maritime Museum of San Diego’s historic fleet sailing and shipshape takes a dedicated team of volunteers. Whether you’re interested in sailing, maintaining historic vessels, or simply working with your hands, there’s a place for you aboard our ships.

Our volunteers help care for vessels spanning centuries of maritime history, including Star of India, Californian, San Salvador, HMS Surprise, and Medea. Along the way, you’ll learn new skills, work alongside experienced crew members, and help preserve these remarkable ships for future generations.

Volunteer opportunities include ship maintenance, painting, ropework, knot tying, rigging, and traditional seamanship. Some volunteers enjoy climbing aloft, while others prefer working on deck or helping with maintenance projects. No previous sailing experience is necessary, and there are opportunities for a wide range of abilities and interests.

Crew activities take place on Sundays aboard Star of India, with additional sailing and maintenance opportunities throughout the week. Interested in joining? Complete the Sail and Maintenance Crew Volunteer Application below, and we’ll help you get started.

New Volunteer Orientation

Thank you for your interest in volunteering with the Maritime Museum of San Diego.

All new volunteers are required to attend a Volunteer Orientation before serving their first shift. Orientation provides an introduction to the Museum’s mission, volunteer opportunities, safety practices, policies, and expectations, helping volunteers find the role that best matches their interests and skills.

2026 Orientation Dates

• August 12
• August 22
• September 9
• September 19
• October 14
• October 17
• November 14

Time

8:30 a.m.–9:50 a.m.
The orientation concludes before downtown parking meters go into effect, allowing participants time to return to their vehicles if needed.

Volunteer Requirements

Before beginning volunteer service, volunteers will be asked to provide:

• A completed Maritime Museum of San Diego Volunteer Application and Waiver
• A valid government-issued photo ID
• Proof of current medical insurance coverage
• Active membership with the Maritime Museum of San Diego

Individuals interested in serving as members of the Museum’s Sail Crew should be aware that participation is subject to additional requirements. Sail Crew volunteers must successfully complete a substance-abuse screening, including testing for marijuana, in accordance with applicable maritime safety standards and Museum policies.

How to Apply

Prospective volunteers should complete the Volunteer Application and Waiver forms before attending orientation. Completing these forms in advance helps streamline the onboarding process and allows orientation time to focus on learning about the Museum and available volunteer opportunities.

Advance registration for orientation is required. Available orientation dates are included in the online application. Please contact the Volunteer Coordinator with any questions.

There are always plenty of opportunities to help with cataloging, preserving, and protecting thousands of books, periodicals and historic artifacts in our museum library and collections department.

Help is also needed in the curatorial department developing and installing permanent and temporary exhibits.

For further information, contact the Volunteer Coordinator’s office at (619) 234-9153 x 129 or send an email Click Here to email.

The San Diego Ship Modelers Guild is a group of artisans sharing a common interest in ship modeling, maritime history, and lore of the sea. The Guild provides a forum for the exchange of ideas, information, skills, and techniques on all matters related to crafting of nautical models. Visitors are welcome, and the Guild is always looking to recruit both skilled modelers and those new to the craft. Meeting nights are the second Tuesday of each month, at 6:00 P.M. on the upper deck of the ferryboat Berkeley.

San Diego Ship Modelers Guild
Star of India Wharf
1492 North Harbor Drive
San Diego, CA 92101

For further information email the Guild Master: Click Here to Send Email.

San Diego Ship Modelers Guild Website

Californian:

• Sail Crew Manual
• Pin Rail Chart
• Sail & Spar Plan
• History
• Californian Tall Ship Adventure Sail Curator Guide

San Salvador:

• Sail Training Manual
• San Salvador : Sail & Spar Plan
• San Salvador Exhibit Guide
• San Salvador Guía de exposiciones en español.

Star of India:

• Sail training and Seamanship manual.
• Pin Rail Chart
• Sail Plan

HMS Surprise:

• HMS Surprise : History
• HMS Surprise : Sail Plan
• HMS Surprise : Pin Rail Diagram

Volunteer Skills Wishlist — Help Keep Maritime History Alive

At the Maritime Museum of San Diego, our historic fleet depends on skilled volunteers who enjoy working with their hands and preserving maritime heritage. We are currently seeking people with experience in the following areas:

Skills we are looking for

• Carpenters (finish & structural)
• Electricians
• Mechanics / Diesel mechanics
• Marine engineers
• Welders / metal fabricators
• Riggers
• Plumbers
• Janitorial / facilities care
• General labor & project helpers
• Photographers (events & documentation)
• Musicians (maritime & period music)
• Front-desk / phone support

What volunteering looks like

• Hands-on work aboard historic ships and waterfront facilities
• Flexible, project-based, or ongoing opportunities
• Small team environment with experienced leads
• Some tasks scheduled before 10:00 AM to help avoid parking meter fees

Maintenance volunteer days are currently Sunday through Thursday.
Admin volunteer days are dependent on staff supervision availability.

Volunteer requirements

• Museum membership (all volunteers are members)
• Signed volunteer liability waiver
• Role-appropriate safety orientation

Parking: The Museum does not control adjacent parking and cannot guarantee free spaces. Many projects are scheduled before 10:00 AM when meters are free, and staff can share tips on lower-cost options nearby.

Interested? Please fill out this form: Interest Form

Please include your skills, availability, and areas of interest.