Volunteer
Get Involved, Volunteer at the Maritime Museum.
The Maritime Museum of San Diego is more than world-class ships and exhibits—it’s a San Diego treasure powered by volunteers, members, and supporters like you, united by a passion for the sea and maritime history.
The Maritime Museum of San Diego is a true San Diego treasure, offering opportunities for everyone—young and old alike. Whether you’re interested in becoming a docent, joining our sail or maintenance crew, or helping with special events, there’s a place for you here.
Join our family and become a part of living history!
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 11
- 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.
The ships at the Maritime Museum are sailed and maintained by a dedicated group of volunteers. Have you ever wanted to learn to sail and maintain tall ships? The Maritime Museum will teach you. Learn about ships from four different centuries which include the 19th century Californian, a tops’l schooner; the 18th century HMS Surprise a full rigged British Frigate, the 19th century three masted Bark the Star of India, 16th century Spanish Galleon San Salvador and the 20th century steam yacht Medea.
Sail and maintenance crew members can expect to learn skills such as rope making, knot tying, climbing the rigging, maintenance of the ships, and much more. Don’t think you are a climber? No problem, we have needs for people of all abilities.
Crew meets on Sunday aboard the Star of India, plus we have ongoing opportunities during the week for sailing and maintenance. Fill out the online application form, and we can email you crew information about joining. Or show up at the Star of India, Sundays 8:00am. Ask for Mr Davis.
Maritime Museum of San Diego Docents are a special breed of people. They are our volunteer teachers. These knowledgeable and talented individuals are experts on our ships and exhibits, interpreting the museum’s collections for our visitors. They also lead organized tours for groups ranging from grade school to scout groups to conventioneers. The Maritime Museum of San Diego accepts individuals who wish to volunteer as docents at any time. Training can be accomplished by Docent Training Classes, Docent Mentorship Program or a combination of the two. Museum Membership is required to be accepted in the Docent Training Program. Once a year formal training is arranged, beginning in early January and running for 11 consecutive weeks. Training sessions are on Tuesday’s. They begin at 9:00am with a short meet and greet social. Classes run till noon and cover a comprehensive variety of topics.
For further information, contact the Volunteer Coordinator’s office at (619) 234-9153 x 129 or send an email Click Here to email.
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.
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:
HMS Surprise:
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.