Professional crew, deckhands and volunteersJoin the Crew
A demanding and rewarding experience
Sailing with Draken is demanding, rewarding, and unlike anything else. It brings together people from different countries, ages, and backgrounds in a shared experience shaped by seamanship, teamwork, responsibility, and adventure.
Whether you are an experienced maritime professional or an aspiring deckhand, joining Draken means becoming part of a living ship project built on real challenge and real purpose.
Crew pathwaysThere are two main ways to join the sailing crew on Draken: as Professional Crew or as Deckhand Crew. Both play an essential role in life on board, and both are part of the same wider team.
You are welcome to apply for the pathway that best fits your experience, qualifications, and ambitions.
Professional crew (paid positions)The professional crew on board Draken typically consists of 7 to 8 people. These are key operational roles for experienced maritime professionals with the qualifications, judgement, and seamanship needed to work safely and effectively on a demanding vessel.
We continuously welcome expressions of interest for the professional crew. Formal recruitment begins when plans for an upcoming expedition or sailing period are in place.
Requirements:
Able Seaman (minimum)
STCW Basic Safety
Medical Certificate (STCW)
Documented tall ship sailing experience
Deckhand crew (volunteer positions)Volunteer with Draken this summer
Draken Harald Hårfagre is preparing to sail again, and we are looking for a few more volunteers to help us get the ship ready for sea and join sailing this summer.
Before Draken can leave the quay, there is important work to be done. We need extra hands for practical preparations, maintenance, cleaning, rigging, loading, organizing equipment and supporting the professional crew as the ship is made ready.
For selected volunteers, there may also be an opportunity to sail with Draken as part of the crew.
Draken is hands-on, physical and sometimes demanding. But it is also a rare opportunity to become part of a real crew, on a real ship, preparing for a real voyage.
Previous sailing experience is welcome but not required. What matters most is that you are ambitious, reliable, positive, willing to work hard and ready to be part of a team.
If this sounds like you, please fill out the application form below and tell us a little about yourself, your availability and any relevant experience.
Requirements:
18 years and older
Good physical and mental health
Prior tall ship sailing experience is preferred, but not required.
What to ExpectJoining Draken is not simply about filling a place on board. It is about becoming part of a ship project where teamwork, discipline, adaptability, and mutual trust matter every day.
Life on board can be physically demanding and requires a willingness to contribute, learn, and support others. In return, it offers a rare chance to take part in something real: a vessel shaped by craftsmanship, seamanship, history, and shared purpose.
VolunteersNot everyone joins Draken through a sailing role from the start. Volunteering is an excellent way to get to know the crew, the ship, and the wider project, while contributing through practical work, maintenance, preparation, and support.
It can also be a valuable path for those who later hope to be selected as crew on board, as it gives both sides a chance to get to know each other. At the same time, volunteering is also for those who may not want to sail themselves, but still want to contribute to this remarkable project.
Could Draken be the right fit for you?We welcome expressions of interest from people who are practical, responsible, curious, and ready to contribute to a remarkable ship project.
Whether you are applying as professional crew, deckhand, or volunteer, joining Draken means becoming part of something larger than yourself.