Volunteering
Volunteer on Our Historic Ferry
The Wivenhoe, Fingringhoe and Rowhedge Ferry is a Community Interest Company run entirely by volunteers. While the original regular crossings ceased in 1961, our community revived the service in 1992. Today, we keep this proud local tradition alive.
We are looking for friendly people aged 18 and over to join our team to support at weekends from April to October. Volunteering with us is a wonderful way to spend time outdoors on our beautiful river and chatting with locals and visitors.
Available Roles
Crew: You will secure the ferry to the pontoons, take passenger payments, and assist the skipper. Zero boating experience is required because we provide full training.
Skippers: You will take the helm and command the ferry. You must hold a PB2 licence. We provide extensive hands-on training on our specific vessel so you feel completely comfortable taking charge.
Flexible Commitment
Our weekend shifts last for about three hours. There is no minimum expected number of shifts you should do, so volunteers simply help out when their personal circumstances allow. You might join us for an occasional shift every few weeks or more frequently if you prefer.
You will be joining a welcoming team connected by a volunteer WhatsApp group. We’ve been known to grab a well-earned cup of tea from the Rowhedge Rowing Club Tea Hut during our shifts.
Try a No-Commitment Taster Session
If this sounds like something you would enjoy, we invite you to join us for a taster session. Prospective crew members can head out on the water to get a feel for the vessel, chat with passengers, and observe how we handle payments and mooring lines. Potential skippers will have the chance to take the helm under the supervision of a trained skipper.
To arrange your taster session, please fill in this 30 second form. We will then be in touch to welcome you aboard.