Professional crew, deckhands and volunteers

Join 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 pathways

There 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

Pro crew application
Pro crew application 
Deckhand crew (volunteer positions)

Deckhands are an essential part of life on Draken. At any one time, the ship typically carries around 20 deckhands. The sailing season is divided into different legs, usually around two weeks each, and deckhands are recruited for one or more of those legs.

Deckhand positions suit people who are ready to contribute practically, work as part of a team, and take part in the physical and shared realities of sailing a large traditional vessel.

We have not yet begun recruiting deckhands for the next expedition. When plans are in place, applications will open. In the meantime, you are welcome to register your interest so we can contact you when recruitment begins.

Requirements:

  • 18 years and older

  • Good physical and mental health

Prior tall ship sailing experience is preferred, but not required.

Deckhand Crew Application
Deckhand Crew Application 
What to Expect

Joining 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.

Volunteers

Not 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.

volunteer with Draken 
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.