Pilot at Anchor · Summer 2026/27 · Altona
reCREWtment.
Ship4Good and the mighty MV Steve Irwin are dropping anchor off Altona this summer for a pilot conservation program, and we're looking for live-aboard citizen science crew.
The mission
Science by day. A ship at anchor by night.
This summer The Steve becomes a floating base for citizen science on Port Phillip Bay. Crew help observe what's happening in the water and on the shore around Altona, then come home to a ship with plenty of time to enjoy her and this unique corner of the Bay.
Seaweed biomass in the bay and on the beaches
Observing and recording the seaweed that builds up in the Bay and washes onto the beaches around Altona. At low tide we're on the sand; from the ship and tender we watch the water.
Daily species encounters at Jawbone Marine Sanctuary
Snorkelling and shore observation at Jawbone Marine Sanctuary, logging the species we meet each day, from seahorses to schools of fish over the seagrass and seaweed beds.
Jawbone photos: Snorkel Sisters
And plenty of free time
Enjoy the ship and her surrounds
Every afternoon is yours. Read on deck, swim, paddle, explore the shore, or watch the sun go down over the Bay from one of the most famous conservation ships in the world.
The days are a mix of purpose and downtime: a real crew experience on a real ship.
What your day looks like
A day aboard The Steve.
Morning yoga and breakfast
Stretch on deck, then fresh fruit, cereals, tea and coffee.
Beach or Jawbone observation
Depending on the tide.
Low tide: beach workHigh tide: snorkelling
Lunch
On location, or back on the ship.
Hour of Power for The Steve
An hour of basic maintenance to keep the old girl shipshape. Many hands, light work.
Free time
Swim, read, explore, or simply sit on deck and watch the Bay.
Dinner
Delicious vegetarian meals, sometimes from the wood-fired oven.
Your home aboard
Your own cabin
- Small groups: no more than 4 live-aboard guests, with at least 2 Ship4Good crew aboard
- A private cabin for every crew member
- Wi-Fi
- Netflix
- All meals: delicious and vegetarian
The details
Are you crew material?
Minimum commitment
You'll need to be
- ✓A strong swimmer
- ✓Happy with delicious vegetarian meals
- ✓OK with no smoking aboard
- ✓Physically able to climb a rope ladder and get in and out of the tender
Apply now
Come aboard.
$75 per day to help cover costsTell us a little about you: name, age, nationality and the dates you're available. Locals and internationals are welcome.
We'll be in touch to confirm your dates and details.