The Maritime Museum of San Diego is inviting community members to become docent volunteer for its next multi-week Docent Training Program, which is set to begin Tuesday, January 20, 2026.
The nonprofit waterfront museum is internationally recognized for preserving and operating historic vessels, including the Star of India, the world’s oldest active sailing ship. Docents play a key role in bringing more than 500 years of maritime history to life by leading guided tours and sharing stories aboard the museum’s fleet and within its galleries.
Volunteers guide visitors through several iconic vessels, including the Star of India; H.M.S. Surprise, featured in the film, “Master and Commander”; the 16th-century galleon replica San Salvador; the steam ferry Berkeley; the yacht Medea; and the topsail schooner Californian, California’s official tall ship. Docents may also educate guests during public day sails offered most weekends.
Training includes lectures, readings, and walking tours focused on maritime history from the 16th through the 21st centuries. Classes are held Tuesdays from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. aboard the Berkeley. Membership in the Maritime Museum of San Diego is required to participate.
For those unable to attend Tuesday sessions, the museum offers a mentorship-based training option that pairs new volunteers with experienced docents. Registration and additional information are available at sdmaritime.org/docent-training. Questions may be directed to Docent Training Director Jim Cassidy at [email protected] or (661) 406-0605.
