Who can apply?

Terms & conditions to sail with Götheborg

As a paying deckhand on board Götheborg of Sweden you are a vital part on board – which is an experience of a lifetime. You and your fellow sailors will experience extreme conditions, often with aching limbs and blisters on your hands, but with a big smile on your face. 

To sail with us, we have set some basic terms. This is because the demanding work we do on board requires you to be in good shape. Please read the conditions and requirements needed for participation before applying to sail with us a paying deckhand.

Working at heights

The 40-meter high, time typical rig means that many of the deckhands are needed when setting and handling the sails. One requirement is therefore that you must be able to climb up and help with the rigging, even in bad weather and high waves. It is natural to feel a certain unease initially at working at such heights, but most people get used to it quickly. If you know you cannot cope with heights, you should not apply to sail along as you may risk both your own and your fellow sailors’ safety.

Age restrictions

To sail with us, you must be over 18 years old before the day you sign on the ship. There is no upper limit, but medical requirements generally set a maximum of 65 – 70 years.

Medical requirements

To be accepted to sail on Götheborg of Sweden, you will have to fill in a health declaration confirming that you are in good physical and mental health, and that you fulfill the medical requirements to participate in work on board. In case of an emergency, you need to be able to swim at least 200 meters. Götheborg of Sweden has few mechanical aids, which means it takes a lot of muscular effort and co-operation to handle the sails and the rig.

Back problems

If you have a back problem, please be aware that you will probably sleep in a hammock on board. If you don’t think you can cope with that, this sailing may not be suited for you. 

Good mental health

Good mental health is necessary when living together in a limited space, with no opportunity to go ashore, and no phone or internet connection when out at sea. It is very important that you feel confident about yourself and that you are in good physical and mental shape.

The Captain and the management of the ship reserve the right to send persons ashore if their medical condition may be a risk for themselves or the members of the crew.  In such cases, no reimbursements are offered unless the relevant medical information has been provided in the health declaration upon registration.

Passport and visa

All deckhands are required to carry a valid passport and if needed, a visa, on all our sailings. This concerns all citizens, regardless of citizenship, and regardless of where the sailing takes place. 

Please make sure that you have a valid passport as you will not be able to sail with us without one! 

Travel Insurance

As a paying deckhand you need to obtain your own travel insurance. It is your responsibility to ensure that the travel insurance is suitable and covers your needs throughout your sailing and in relevant ports/countries. We recommend that you bring your insurance certificate with you during the trip since you may need to present it in case of hospital visit.

Covid-19

Rederi Götheborg AB closely follows the development of Covid-19, and the recommendations from the Swedish Health Authorities and other National Authorities in the countries we are sailing to. When sailing with us, you will NOT need a valid Covid-19 vaccination certificate, but we recommend to get a vaccination in order to avoid any urgent severe illness. Rederi Götheborg AB also reserves the right to test crew members and deckhands at any time.

Limitation of liability

Deckhands who go ashore at the different destinations on the sailing leg are going ashore at their own risk. Rederi Götheborg AB is not responsible for the deckhands when not on board. 

Special diets

Rederi Götheborg AB will not provide special diets, except for vegetarian, gluten free and lactose free meals. However, all meals are prepared in the same kitchen with the same tools and we can never guarantee 100 % free from gluten, lactose and meat. And we are sorry to say that it is not allowed to bring your own food on board.

International Ship and Port Facility Security Code

In accordance with International Ship and Port Facility Security Code (“ISPS”) checks of deckhands’ and visitors’ personal belongings and luggage may be carried out. The Captain holds the right to search personal belongings and luggage if there is any suspicions of breach of policy or law. 

Code of Conduct

Everyone sailing with Götheborg of Sweden also commit to comply with our Code of Conduct at all times. If not, Rederi Götheborg AB reserve the right to send people ashore who do not comply with these principles. See separate document.

Photo and video consent form according to GDPR

When sailing on board Götheborg you are likely to end up in photos and videos. We will have media teams on board, and in the ports news media and journalists will visit the ship. When getting accepted on a sailing leg, we are required to have your consent in accordance to GDPR, to take photos and videos of you, and to publish and store them for future use. All accepted deckhands need to sign a GDPR consent form before signing on the ship.

Settlement of dispute

These Terms and Conditions are subject to, and should be interpreted in accordance with, Swedish law. Any dispute over these Terms and Conditions are to be settled by the ordinary court of law in Sweden.

Welcome on board Götheborg of Sweden!

How to apply Do you want to apply to sail on board the world's largest wooden sailing ship and an adventure of a lifetime? Register here. Read more
Payment agreement & Cancellation rules Read more
FAQ Before applying to join a sailing leg with Götheborg of Sweden, please read the most frequently asked questions. Read more
Available Sailing Legs We are yet to release the sailing legs for 2023. When we do, you will find more information here, such as dates, a description of each sailing leg, number of days sailing, and the price for each leg. Read more
Life on board Learn about life on board, and what you need to bring along when sail with us on this great adventure. Read more
Practical information You have now read about life on board, applied, and gotten accepted. What's next you might think? Here you will hopefully get the information needed.  Read more