A new initiative from a social enterprise is now available for individuals aged 18-29 to receive compensation for preserving the waters surrounding the UK.

The SRS will provide opportunities for youth to voyage out to sea and participate in essential efforts to protect the oceans of Britain.

Sea rangers will carry out a range of roles on sailing vessels, including maintenance work, climate research and monitoring. The day-to-day job can involve “anything from scrubbing the deck and preparing the food, operating the wind-powered vessels [that also have an engine onboard for safety], maintaining equipment, to more complex jobs like processing samples they collect at sea, making note of wildlife they observe, route planning and engineering – which is the more science element of it” according to SRS CEO Wietse van der Werf.

SRS was established in the Netherlands in 2016 and collaborates with government agencies to conduct biodiversity restoration in the oceanic regions of the Netherlands and France. Currently, they have a total of 120 employees.

The UK launch of the project will expand its reach and bring the company one step closer to its goal of restoring 1 million hectares (2.47 million acres) of ocean biodiversity by 2040, while also providing training for 20,000 individuals pursuing careers in the maritime industry.

The goal is to offer employment opportunities to youth who are passionate about protecting the environment, but may be constrained by conventional job options.

Werf said: “There is a younger generation out there that cares very much for the climate, for the planet. And, so far, I think the opportunity to do something about it is often limited to either activism or some fairly sort of academic intellectual type approach.

The concept behind this is that our goal is to generate employment opportunities for workers in manual labor industries. This goes beyond simply installing solar panels or working on offshore windfarms. We are actively involved in the restoration of nature and performing necessary tasks.

The position is not suitable for those who are easily discouraged. In order to assess the suitability of applicants, they are required to participate in a demanding bootcamp that includes various challenges to evaluate their motivation, teamwork abilities, and ability to learn.

According to Werf, the boot camp serves as a means for us to choose the young individuals who will join our ship’s crew. Our goal is not to train soldiers but to create an environment that allows for growth while still prioritizing safety. It is not about being the most physically strong, the fastest, or the smartest. Rather, it is about demonstrating a willingness to work on personal development. This is when candidates have the most potential in our perspective.

Werf came up with the concept of the SRS after witnessing harmful and unlawful behavior at sea during his time as a ship engineer in Antarctica. Having also spent time in impoverished coastal areas with a high number of unemployed young people, he envisioned a business that could make a positive and lasting difference both environmentally and socially.

He suggested that in order to effectively manage the oceans and promote sustainability and climate mitigation in coastal areas, we should prioritize training and hiring individuals who are able to do this work.

“In cities such as Grimsby, Port Talbot, and Portsmouth, where there once was a flourishing industry, there is now a growing trend of job loss. I believe it is crucial to initiate a program that can bring employment opportunities and create sustainable changes in these areas.”

Newly hired individuals will commence voyages from Port Talbot, the current location of the vessel, and serve as full-time sea guardians. They will also receive assistance in securing employment with various institutions such as government agencies and research centers.

Werf stated that they have partners who are actively seeking to recruit young individuals, and they are able to facilitate that connection. The position of sea ranger serves as a strong foundation for a career in the maritime industry.

The Bootcamp registration is now available. Applicants must be between the ages of 18 and 29, but prior experience is not necessary for applying.

Source: theguardian.com