Join the American Reef Coalition on Maui as part of the crew actively working to conserve and protect our ocean resources.
As a certified SCUBA diver, you're a skilled member of the crew. It's SCUBA with a purpose!
If you're not a SCUBA diver, you can help by snorkeling in the shallows, looking for assigned species, taking pictures, help with beach and marine debris clean-ups and more.
Crew Members are invited to join us on Maui to help in our efforts to conserve and protect our ocean resources. Your donation in time and membership dues off-set the costs associated to maintain our projects and programs. Our efforts are primarily concentrated on the islands of Maui, Molokini, and Lanai, with our base of operations on Maui.
CREW MEMBERSHIP
 $149 per person/per day.
The American Reef Coalition is an IRS designated 501(c)(3) nonprofit, so your Crew Membership dues are tax deductible.
Contact jennifer@americanreef.org or call 1-808-870-5817 for more information.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions:
What is a typical day like, working as a volunteer Crew Member?
Every day is different and changes with the weather. However, these are typical examples…
Example day 1: The weather report is for strong afternoon trade winds. We meet at the harbor at 7:00am and head for the island of Molokini, just 3 miles off Maui’s south coast to assess and repair day-use moorings. Molokini is a caldera formed from a massive volcanic explosion thousands of years ago. The island is more of an islet of only 24 acres above water. The island is a seabird sanctuary and the inside waters are a marine protected area. We multi-task by documenting assigned species and monitor coral health while assessing moorings. This will be a one or two tank dive with time permitting. With weather permitting, we stop at another reef along Maui’s south shore to perform the same mission. The wind comes up and we’re back at the harbor by 1:30pm.
 
Example day 2: The call is for light winds. We’re going to the Island of Lanai, just 7 miles off Maui's western shores, to assess and repair day-use moorings, survey reefs for any noticeable changes, look for invasive species and/or perform a marine debris clean-up on a remote beach. We leave the harbor at 7:00 am. Lanai is also known for its playful dolphins. We get back around 5:00 pm.
 
Example day 3: The call is for light winds. We leave the harbor at 7:00 am. We head toward Hana on Maui’s jungle filled east side. These are true expedition days. The reefs on this side of the island are out of range of commercial dive operators. We are looking for signs of any invasive species or degradation on selected reefs and for any change in the health of the ecosystem. These dives are amazing and you never know what we’ll find. We get back whenever we get back. On days like these, we are in no hurry to get out of the water.
 
Example day 4: The call is for strong afternoon winds. We leave the harbor at 7:00 am and head for Maui's west side to assess and repair day-use moorings, check on invasives and perform an underwater marine debris clean-up. On the way, we fish for our dinner and enjoy the calm water while we have it. We're back at the harbor by 2:00pm.
 
When can I join as a Crew Member?
You can email Jennifer@americanreef.org with your questions and requests for Crew Membership confirmation. We work year-round so just email your requested dates. If you're expecting whales...you should request volunteer time in the months of December thru April.
What’s included in Crew Membership?
As a Crew Member you are invited to join us as a volunteer helping in our many marine conservation projects. There is SCUBA diving (for certified SCUBA divers), snorkeling and island hopping while volunteering with ARC staff on marine conservation projects. You will also receive educational materials & training and drinks on-board the ARC boats or wherever our projects take us.
What about non-divers?
Non-divers can help by snorkeling in the shallows and looking for assigned species, taking pictures, helping with marine debris clean-up and crewing the boat. Everyone joins in the work.
Are Kids OK?
Only in Family Crew Memberships. For now, we are only accepting 4-Crew Members per day. If you would like to book the family, just remember you are limited to a total of 4, including the kids. And, you are volunteering on an ocean conservation work boat. We are NOT babysitters!! Now with that said…We love kids. It continues to amaze us just how much they absorb during these excursions. It’s usually the highlight of their trip and the ocean conservation message stays with them. email Jennifer@americanreef.org if you would like to reserve a Family Crew Membership and we'll block that time just for your family.
 
 
What should I bring?
If you’re scuba diving, bring your dive gear (we supply the air tanks) and preferably a 3-mill wetsuit. If you’re snorkeling, bring your snorkel gear and a light wetsuit if you tend to get cold. Don’t forget the sun block and if you tend to get motion sickness…Dramamine, Bonine, whatever works.
What’s the weather going to be like?
It’s Maui. We definitely have more good days than bad. However, winter and spring (December thru March) brings more rain and summer months bring more wind.
What’s the water temperature?
Water temperature will range from mid 70’s in winter to low 80’s in summer.
How many Crew Members are on each expedition?
Generally, no more than 4 Crew Members on any one expedition.
What’s expected of Crew Members?
Be in GOOD physical condition. You do need to navigate a rolling boat deck, be able to swim and walk on soft sandy beaches (more difficult than it sounds). Have a desire to learn and be a member of a team working to make real change. Preferably SCUBA certified, however snorkelers are welcome. No prior marine science background is necessary. We will teach you all you need to know to be part of the crew and steward of the ocean environment.
Does the boat have a bathroom?
Yes.
How does the tax deduction work?
The American Reef Coalition is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) marine conservation organization. All donations are tax deductible to the full extent of the law. When you make a donation, you will receive a receipt with all necessary documentation.
Volunteer Deductible Expenses
Out-of-Pocket Expenses in Giving Services
Volunteers may be able to deduct some expenses they accrue in giving services to a qualified organization. The amounts must be:
- Unreimbursed
- Directly connected with the services
- Expenses they had only because of the services they gave
Travel
Generally, volunteers can claim a charitable contribution deduction for travel expenses necessarily incurred while they are away from home performing services for a charitable organization only if there is no significant element of personal pleasure, recreation, or vacation in the travel. The deduction for travel expenses will not be denied simply because volunteers enjoy providing services to the charitable organization. Even if they enjoy the trip, they can take a charitable contribution deduction for their travel expenses if the volunteers are on duty in a genuine and substantial sense throughout the trip.
Deductible travel expenses
- Air, car, and bus transportation
- Taxi fares or other costs of transportation
- Lodging costs
- The cost of meals
Reporting
- Keep a daily log, and keep all your receipts.
- Ask the charity for a statement describing the purpose of your trip.
- Report your charitable contributions on Schedule A (IRS Form 1040).
For more information …
See IRS Form 526
Sources:
-Points of Light, “IRS Tax Deductions for Volunteer Services,” http://www.pointsoflight.org/resources/details.cfm?ID=10193
-IRS, Publication 526.
-“Your Money,” Sandra Block. USA Today 02/04/2002.
The American Reef Coalition is not in the tax advisory business. Consult your tax advisor concerning your particular tax situation and any possible tax benefits.
Please consult your tax professional for more tax information if you plan on deducting any travel expenses in relation to volunteering as a Crew Member. See IRS publication 526 for more information
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