Volunteers are our lifeblood; we would not exist without them. More volunteers are always welcome. Maritime experience is not required. We have lots of things to do aboard and many varied support activities away from the boats. Our time is donated in two ways: educate the young people of the San Francisco Bay Area; and restore and preserve our two vintage tugboats and turn them into working museum ships.

Educational goals of HTERS are introducing youth to industry and teaching the hands-on skills of troubleshooting, maintenance, and repair of the mechanical and electrical equipment found in the maritime environment. Various projects on the boats and the boats themselves are our means to educate the youth who come aboard, fuel their desire for learning, and inspire confidence in themselves.

Restoration efforts are transforming our fleet of two vintage tugboats into working museum ships. Our projects run from painting the steel decks, to rebuilding the diesel engines, to running the boat. Each project has an educational aspect and a learn by doing component.

If you have questions, comments, or want additional information about how to volunteer please contact us at volunteer@hters.org.