Crew, Operational Vessels

Entry level:
The operational vessels are the sailing ships Lettie G. Howard and Pioneer and the tugboat W. O. Decker. All three operate charters and public and educational sails in New York Harbor. Volunteers and interns work as crew in New York Harbor and beyond. Training provided.
Requirements: To become a sailing-ship crew member, in addition to completing the application form and being interviewed by the Volunteer Coordinator, you must:

• Be 18 or older or have a guardian’s permission to sail.
• Go on two training sails. These are held most Saturdays from 8 AM to 12 noon during the sailing season.
• Between the first and second training sail, take a U.S. Coast Guard mandated drug test.  Fee is the responsibility of the volunteer.
• Work on at least two sails a month (during the season) to maintain your active status. 

Specialized: The Pioneer and Lettie G. Howard may sail to ports along the East Coast, promoting the Museum and engaging in educational projects. Volunteer crew may be asked to spend a week or more on the water. Persons with commercial licenses from the U.S. Coast Guard are encouraged to register with the Museum as relief captains and crew. Requirements: As above, but no minors.

Hours: Two-hour sails starting at 1, 4, and 7 p.m. most days during the summer, with occasional charter and educational sails.

Waterfront Ship Restoration & Maintenance

Entry level: During the off-season, the operational vessels require repairs, painting, polishing, varnishing, and general maintenance. In the spring, the ships are fitted out and rerigged. Most labor can be unskilled. Training is provided.

Specialized: All ships need carpenters, electricians, ship engineers, riggers, metalworkers, and divers from time to time.
Requirements: Physical stamina, skills as described above, and an ability to work in a team.

Hours: Saturdays 9 AM-5 PM and Wednesday afternoons.