Wanted: young sea rangers to protect oceans

Sea Ranger Service aims to restore ocean biodiversity while training young people to become seafarers. Image: Sea Ranger Service

Young people in the UK are being given the chance to sail out to sea and look after the environment — and get paid while doing so.

Sea Ranger Service aims to restore and maintain ocean biodiversity while training young people to become professional seafarers. The social enterprise was created by Dutch conservationist Wietse van der Werf who, having worked in environmental conservation for 25 years, was awarded the prestigious Future for Nature.

He used the prize fund to found the Sea Ranger Service in 2016, with aim of supporting governments with the restoration of oceans, while offering young people, particularly those in coastal regions, a unique start to their careers.

Since its launch, the organisation has trained over 120 young people to carry out biodiversity restoration at scale in the Netherlands and France. The new UK programme has a mission to restore one million hectares of ocean biodiversity by 2040, whilst helping the team towards a maritime career.

"We're excited to bring our service to the UK. I look forward to meeting candidates who share our passion for the environment and are motivated to become the next Sea Rangers.”

Wietse van der Werf, Sea Ranger Service
Image: Sea Ranger Service

Participants aged 18-29 will be trained to monitor, research and protect nature in the oceans.

First, they must take part in a bootcamp, which starts on 1 March 2024, where they will be tested on their motivation, teamwork skills and learning abilities. Those selected will then take to the water on sailing expeditions from Port Talbot, Wales, where the ship is based, and will be employed as full-time Sea Rangers.

Sea Ranger candidates must take part in a bootcamp. Image: Sea Ranger Service

Vera Hoogenberg, a Sea Ranger, said: “I was a bit lost, so I wanted to join the Sea Ranger Bootcamp to rediscover who I am. It was a fantastic experience. I got to know my strengths and weaknesses very quickly and it was great for my development and self-esteem.”

Image: Sea Ranger Service

The work of Sea Rangers includes climate research, restoring seagrass, monitoring protected sea areas and using drones and underwater robots to collect data on the ocean environment. Assignments are undertaken for government agencies, and Sea Rangers get the opportunity to transition into a full-time seafaring career after six months.

Candidates do not need any specific training or previous sailing experience before applying. Applicant registration is open https://searangers.org/