FAQs

Crew

Will I need special visas, vaccinations, or health insurance for the volunteering location?

This depends on the project. In most cases, visas and vaccinations aren’t required. As for health insurance, check with your boat’s insurance provider to see if you’re covered. If not, we can recommend reliable travel insurance options.

What kind of skills or training will I need for the volunteer work, and how can I prepare?

We match crew with projects that align with the skills they already have, so no additional training is needed. Just bring an open mind and a willingness to help. Before each trip, you’ll be fully briefed on the project, community and logistics like travel and accommodation.

Are there any specific safety or security concerns in the region where I’ll be volunteering?

Just like being at sea, we keep a close eye on the forecast. We conduct thorough risk assessments on all projects before sending volunteers anywhere. Your safety is our top priority, and we never compromise on that.

How long is a volunteer trip?

Ideally, you’ll be on the ground for a minimum of two weeks. That gives you time to get to know a project and connect with the people you’re there to help.

How much will a trip cost?

Unlike some NGOs, it’s completely free to volunteer through Relief Crew. While flights, accommodation and food will need to be covered - prices will vary depending on the project location - rest assured it’s much cheaper than a trip to Bali.

Can I get support to help with expenses?

Should you need help with funding, we have some potential options to explore. Let’s chat.

How will volunteering affect my mental health and what support will be available if needed?

Volunteering is proven to boost mental health but naturally, it’s possible to be impacted in different ways when dealing with communities in need. As a result, we’ve partnered with xxxx who you can contact at any time should you need a professional to chat with.

What’s the accommodation situation?

Each location varies, and while it won’t be five-star, we’ll ensure you have a clean and comfortable place to stay.

Will I be working independently or as part of a team?

You’ll be working as part of a team, alongside other yacht crew and volunteers, all like-minded people committed to making a difference.

NGOs

How much notice do you need before crew can join a project?

Typically, we need to know at least a month in advance. But if you have a last-minute project,  let us know and we’ll see what can be arranged.

Are crew accustomed to working in diverse or challenging environments?

Yes, crew are experienced in high-pressure environments onboard, where they are trained to prioritize safety and think critically—focusing on solutions rather than problems.

What level of support or supervision will the crew members require?

Set and forget. Once crew have an understanding of a project, you’ll be able to leave them to get work done.

What are the crew’s motivations for volunteering?

That will depend on the individual, but as part of our screening process, we ensure crew members are committed to volunteering for the right reasons.

How to get involved?

Meaningful change starts with a connection.

These are some of the ways you can get involved:

  • Sign up to volunteer
  • Partner with a project
  • Follow us on our socials

Or simply drop us a message. We’re open to any ideas for collaboration.