18th March 2026
Hull Maritime is calling on passionate individuals to join its growing team of volunteers and help bring the city’s rich maritime heritage to life. This exciting opportunity invites people of all backgrounds to play a vital role in telling Hull’s story as a city shaped by the sea.
Volunteers will become ambassadors for Hull Maritime, engaging visitors with fascinating tales of the city’s global connections, fishing traditions, and seafaring adventures. A key highlight of the role will be sharing the significance of the Arctic Corsair, Hull’s last surviving sidewinder trawler and an enduring symbol of the city’s deep-rooted fishing industry. As well as the trawler, volunteers will help create an unforgettable experience for visitors on board the Spurn Lightship and the transformed Maritime Museum sharing stories of the city’s maritime past.
Why volunteer?
- Be part of a landmark project transforming Hull’s maritime treasures
- Gain new skills and experiences in heritage interpretation and visitor engagement
- Meet like-minded people and make a difference in your community
Councillor Mike Ross, Leader of Hull City Council, said: “This is an exciting time for Hull Maritime as we prepare to welcome visitors to our maritime sites. Volunteers will play an important role in promoting Hull and telling our rich story and this is a great way to get involved and be part of the journey.
“We’re looking for passionate people who love our city and enjoy sharing Hull’s maritime story, especially those with first-hand experience or family connections to its history to join us as volunteers and keep that heritage alive.”
Abi Bell, HEY Volunteer Programme Manager, said: “Becoming a volunteer is more than giving your time - it’s joining a supportive community that’s shaping unforgettable cultural experiences across Hull and East Yorkshire.
“Alongside the fantastic maritime‑based opportunities available through the programme, our volunteers can enjoy free workshops, social events, exclusive activities and special offers. It’s a brilliant way to learn new skills, build confidence, make friends and play an important part in the wider HEY! programme. We’d love to have you with us.”
Helen Featherstone, Director, England, North at The National Lottery Heritage Fund, said: “Volunteers are at the heart of many of the projects we support, thanks to money raised by National Lottery players. They will be key to bringing the rich maritime heritage of the city to life and it is a great opportunity to be involved in the ambitious and exciting Hull Maritime project.”
Cliff Gledhill, a volunteer, said: “The great thing about being a volunteer is the satisfaction of talking to different people, helping them, sharing views and knowledge.”
David Elgey who volunteers for Hull Maritime, said: “I became a volunteer as I came from a barge family and grew up with that background. The maritime side of Hull is in my blood, this pride inspired me to share my city's maritime heritage with visitors.”
No prior experience is necessary with full training and support provided. Whether you have a passion for history, enjoy meeting new people, or simply want to give back to your community, Hull Maritime has a role for you.
People who are interested in being part of Hull’s maritime story will sign up to be a HEY! Volunteer, the programme that was launched for Hull’s tenure as UK City of Culture and was a major success story. Since Hull’s year ended in 2017, HEY! Volunteers have given 16,000 hours to the Hull Maritime project.
New volunteers will also have access to opportunities across the HEY! volunteering offer. New and existing volunteers will receive an induction and training ahead of opening the treasures.
People who are interested in becoming a volunteer can register their interest HERE.
