Embark on an ocean conservation adventure along Norway’s stunning coastline. Volunteers live on board expedition vessels, sailing through wild fjords to clear plastic pollution from remote beaches. In exchange for your fieldwork, you will receive full room and board alongside practical maritime experience. It is a unique chance to explore wild nature while directly protecting marine life!
About the free volunteer program
In The Same Boat is a Norwegian non-profit marine conservation organization founded with a mission to protect fragile ocean ecosystems from the growing threat of plastic pollution. Operating along the wild and winding coastlines of Norway, the project focuses on reaching remote beaches, hidden inlets, and uninhabited islands that are normally inaccessible by land. Volunteers join an international crew living directly aboard expedition vessels, serving as the core workforce driving these coastal cleanups forward.
Life on board revolves around a shared rhythm of sailing, environmental field work, and community living. Daily activities shift with the weather, sea conditions, and tide schedules, making flexibility and teamwork essential. By participating, crew members contribute directly to large-scale waste removal while acquiring practical insights into marine conservation, waste tracking, and coastal navigation.
Work schedule is 35 to 40 hours per week, typically structured across 5 to 6 days depending on weather windows and sea conditions.
Minimum stay of 4 weeks to ensure proper integration into the crew and training on safety procedures.
Requirements
- Must be at least 18 years old at the start of your placement.
- Good physical condition, balance, and stamina to haul heavy debris over slippery, rocky terrain.
- Comfortable living in close quarters on board a vessel with minimal personal privacy.
- Ability to work outdoors in unpredictable weather, including cold, wind, and rain.
- Basic English language skills to follow safety briefings and communicate with the crew.
Your responsibilities
- Collecting plastic pollution, ropes, and ghost gear from remote coastal shorelines.
- Sorting, weighing, and cataloging gathered waste for research and data collection.
- Assisting with daily ship duties, including docking, anchoring, and keeping deck watch.
- Sharing household chores aboard the boat, such as meal prep, cooking, and cabin cleanup.
- Operating and unloading small rubber dinghies used to transport waste from shore to vessel.
What’s in it for You?
- Free accommodation on board an expedition vessel along with all daily meals provided.
- Hands-on experience in ocean conservation, environmental field work, and waste tracking.
- Practical training in seamanship, knot-tying, boat handling, and maritime safety.
- An extraordinary way to explore Norway’s fjords, wildlife, and coastal landscapes from the water.
- The chance to connect and build lasting friendships with ocean advocates from around the world.
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