Volunteering

Volunteers are invaluable to AOS. Without them we simply could not sustain our vital work with seafarers.

We currently have over 100 ship visiting volunteers, 100 mailing volunteers and five administrative volunteers who work in the National Office in London.

Who volunteers?

Many of our volunteers are People of the Sea, for example former seafarers or port workers or their families. Others may have no direct personal connection to the sea but understand and appreciate the vital work of seafarers. Volunteers come from all walks of life and ages range from 18 to 89! Whatever your age or background you are most welcome to help us.

Volunteer ship visitors in the port of Sharpness together with their local parish priest.

What do volunteers do?

There are many roles for a volunteer within AOS. What you do depends on how much time you can give and your area of interest.

click here to learn more about volunteering opportunities

Why volunteer?

People volunteer for many different reasons, for example

• A belief in the work of AOS and a wish to participate
• To gain useful experience
• To develop skills
• To have fun
• To meet new people
• To express and share their faith
  

Immingham ship visitor Anne-Laure Gouraud describes her pastoral work with seafarers as "very simple". When she goes onboard, she finds seafarers uncomplicated. Anne-Laure sums up the rewards of ship visiting saying "I thought I was going to do some good but I have learned far more from seafarers”. click here to read how Anne-Laure joined AOS GB