Meet our Crew
Meet the Crew of the Morgenster:
The Heart of Our Ship
Aboard the Tall Ship Morgenster, our crew is more than just sailors, we’re a dedicated team, working together to keep the ship sailing smoothly, safely, and with a smile. We run a three-watch system, ensuring that both crew and guests enjoy the journey without anyone becoming too tired to crack a joke or lend a helping hand. Whether navigating the open seas, maintaining the rigging, or making sure the coffee is hot, each crew member plays a crucial role in creating an unforgettable sailing experience. Interested in joining us? Read on, you might just be the sailor we’re looking for!
The Master (a.k.a. The Captain, Boss, or Keeper of the Coffee Mug)
The Master holds the ultimate responsibility for the ship, the crew, and our guests. He/She decide if the ship is seaworthy, stocked, and crewed for the voyage. If things get hairy, the Master makes the big calls, adjusting course, deploying liferafts (only if absolutely necessary!), or handling official matters in foreign ports. On most trips, the Master also stands watch, because a true captain leads from the front.
The Mates (First and Second Officers, or "Keepers of Order")
The First Mate keeps everything running by ensuring our safety procedures (ISM) are followed, training new crew, and generally making sure we don’t sail into the wrong century. The Second Mate, meanwhile, focuses on voyage planning, charting the course, updating navigation charts, keeping an eye on weather patterns and do the engine room routines. Together they ensure we stay on track (literally and figuratively).
The Bosun (Chief of Ropes, Paint, and Problem-Solving)
The Bosun is the one who knows where every rope, shackle, and bucket of paint is stored. They’re responsible for rig maintenance, hull upkeep and making sure that when you go aloft, you come back down in one piece. A good Bosun keeps the ship in top condition and their sense of humor intact when we need to haul sails at 3 AM.
The Purser (The Secret Boss of Cleanliness and Order)
One of our Deckhands doubles as Purser, which means they take care of hotel services on the high seas. Clean cabins, stocked food supplies, and making sure the toilets stay fresh (which, let’s be honest, is an underrated skill on a sailing ship). They also work with the Cook to manage galley supplies because a hungry crew is a grumpy crew.
The Cook (A Hero in the Galley)
Sailing is fun, but a good meal makes it even better. The Cook is responsible for feeding the crew and guests, managing supplies, and cooking in a galley that sometimes rocks more than a concert stage. They get help chopping veggies and washing dishes, but when it comes to actual cooking, it’s their show. Fun fact: The Cook does not clean toilets, because even pirates have standards.
Join the Crew: We Need Adventurers Like You!
While our core crew keeps the ship running, we often welcome extra crew. Enthusiastic volunteers, apprentices from the Enkhuizer Seafarer School, or from any other maritime education who wants to get some hands on, real life experience on a tall ship. A full crew is about 10 members, ensuring smooth operations whether we’re carrying 90 guests on a day trip or 32 guests on a sailing holiday.
We take safety seriously, and every crew member looks out not just for themselves, but for the whole ship. Situational awareness is the key skill we develop. Because adventure sailing should be thrilling, not dangerous. And to keep things save, you’ll need the following:
- A Passport
- A Maritime License (for officers)
- A Health Certificate
- STCW Basic Safety Training
- A Dutch Tax number
- Medical Training (for some officers)