Maritime Center & Ship Guides

While our maritime center exhibits are primarily self-guided, we seek guides who can introduce guests to our building and campus, collect admission fees, and answer questions. Ship tours are also conducted with trained guides, who chaperone guests throughout the visit. 

Copeland Maritime Center And Ship Guides

Opened in 2015, our beautiful riverfront maritime center offers a year-round destination for local, national, and international visitors and students with compelling exhibits and opportunities for experiential learning. Guides are needed year-round.

When the ship is in port and available for tours, our ship guides provide deck tours. For the safety of everyone onboard the ship, visitors must be accompanied by a ship guide at all times.

Become A Guide

If you are interested in becoming a guide, please complete a volunteer application. 

Once you have submitted your volunteer application , you will receive an introductory email.

 Please contact us with any additional questions you may have.

Volunteer Requirements

• First, complete a Volunteer Application (click button above).
• Volunteer opportunities are open to individuals ages 14 and up (ages 14-17 require parent/guardian participation).
• Drug testing is required for volunteer guides who also want to give deck tours on the ship. There is a one-time fee of $60. This fee is included for volunteers who had paid for the Kalmar Nyckel Crew Training program. Please contact us to request a drug testing form.
• A background check is required before volunteers can start. Click the button above to begin your background check. There is a fee of $21.75. Enter the password KalmarNyckel when prompted.  If it charges you more, STOP.  Please contact us and we will pay the difference (some municipalities cost more, and we'd like to cover that difference!)