Team OCEAN Boater Education & Stewardship Volunteers

Become an on-the-water ambassador for the Florida Keys by volunteering with Team OCEAN, a stewardship program of NOAA’s Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary.

Team OCEAN volunteers spend time at popular reef and sanctuary sites, helping boaters and visitors understand how to enjoy these remarkable waters responsibly. Through friendly, informative outreach, volunteers share guidance on proper mooring buoy use, reef-safe boating practices, and ways to prevent damage to sensitive coral and seagrass habitats.

The program offers ocean enthusiasts an opportunity to turn their passion for the Keys into meaningful conservation action. By educating people directly on the water, volunteers help foster responsible recreation while supporting the long-term protection of the marine sanctuary and the wildlife that depends on it.

Interested volunteers can join NOAA’s volunteer listserv to receive information about upcoming training sessions and opportunities to participate. Training helps prepare volunteers with the knowledge they need to confidently engage with boaters and serve as effective sanctuary stewards.

Whether you’re a local boater who knows the Keys well or an ocean lover looking for a rewarding way to give back, Team OCEAN provides a unique opportunity to combine education, boating, and marine conservation.

Get trained, get out on the water, and help protect the extraordinary Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary for generations to come!