Join the Crew!
Keeping the S.S. JEREMIAH O'BRIEN running is about as labor intensive as anyone can imagine. It requires experienced maritime officers and ordinary sailors, deck hands and cooks, machinists and medics, and just about any job you would expect to find on any ship. This is, after all, a running ship capable of carrying passengers.
Download and return the SS JEREMIAH O'BRIEN Volunteer Application
The Departments of the O'Brien
Deck
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. The ship has a training program for volunteers seeking to become able-bodied seamen.
Docent
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.
Engine
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. The ship has a training program by which candidates may qualify for a license limited to the SS Jeremiah O'Brien.
Gunnery
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.
Office
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.
Steward
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.
Store
Members of the ship's store sell, stock and take mail orders for merchandise of the SS Jeremiah O'Brien's ship store.