Keeping the SS Jeremiah O’Brien running is about as labor-intensive as anyone can imagine. It requires experienced maritime officers, deck hands, machinists, and just about any job you’d find on a working ship.
Volunteer Departments
Find Your Role Aboard
Whether you’re a seasoned mariner or a first-time volunteer, there’s a place for you on the O’Brien.
⚙️ Deck & Engine
Keep the ship operational. From the bridge to the boiler room, deck and engine volunteers maintain the O’Brien’s legendary seaworthiness.
🎟️ Visitor Services
Welcome guests and share the ship’s history. Tour guides, docents, and ticket booth volunteers help visitors connect with this living memorial.
🛍️ Ship’s Store
Support the mission by staffing our gift shop. Sales from the Ship’s Store help fund preservation and programming.
⛵ Sailing Crew
Serve aboard the O’Brien during special cruises. Sailing crew volunteers work alongside licensed officers on our annual cruises and Fleet Week sailings.
Life Aboard
Departments of the O’Brien
Explore the different departments and roles that keep this living ship operational.
Deck
Cargo Handling and Winch Education
Deck Department
Responsible for the operation and maintenance of the cargo gear, maintenance of the ship’s structures, ship handling while underway and general seamanship. If you have experience or a desire and talent for learning this, we need you.
We need maritime experience, marine engine experience and licenses, STCW qualifications or possess mechanical, machinery or plumbing skills that the ship needs. But talk to us, whatever your experience.
Responsible for manning the ticket booth and assisting visitors while maintaining a watch for pier-side safety. Aboard the ship, docents guide visitors and groups on tours, provide detailed explanations of the history and use of Liberty ships, and provide information about cruises and upcoming events on the ship. Docents are needed every hour of every day that the ship is open to the public.
Members of this department maintain the guns and gun mounts aboard the ship. Members of this department do work aboard the ship on Wednesdays and Saturdays.
The office of the National Liberty Ship Memorial provides the administrative support for the O'Brien. Clerical and computer skills are needed here as well as the ability to deal with the public in a professional manner. Prior experience working with volunteer organizations, non-profits and fund-raising is a plus. During the ship's cruises some members of the office assist with some on-board duties.
Stewards prepare the meals for members of the crew and serves the continental breakfast during cruises. Also, this department is responsible for the cleanliness of dining areas and toilet facilities.
