The crew

A lot of people of different nationalities have sailed in our ships over the years. It would be too difficult to list them all.
There are no uniform motives for signing on a Viking ship and the backgrounds of the crew members are highly heterogenous. We have ordinary jobs or study during winter and transform to sailing Vikings during summer holidays.

Each of us has learned that life on board a Viking ship is hard, both mentally and physically. Coming down on the ground from a too romantic vision of the viking life can be traumatic, but instructive. Long voyages necessitate discipline as well as self-discipline. However, our voyages are not merely blood, sweat and tears and most of us have got rich and pleasant memories. Our minds have been broadened.
Some experience in sailing, rowing and practical skills in seamanship are valuable. Volunteering is a ruling and the crew share the cost of living on board. This, together with a simple lifestyle make it possible to stand on our own feet, like real Vikings.

Below is the contract (for the sailing in 2001), which crew members are requested to sign:

Agreement

I intend to be a crew member on the Viking ship Heimløsa Rus in 2001. I hereby attest to be acquainted with the characteristics and equipment of the ship, as well as with the risks related to the voyage. I am familiar with the travel plans and willing to follow the general principles of the Rus project and the Rus-fararna association. I participate in the activities at my own risk.
Every person is responsible for his or her eventual personal and material losses and personal costs that can follow from sea damage, accidents or other incidents. The crew and its property are not insured by the project and it is up to everyone to sign their own assurances. Everyone arranges and pays for his or her journeys to and from the ship, irrespective of where the ship, at the moment of embarking and disembarking, is. The cost of provisions and upkeep on board are shared evenly by the crew members. Those on board divide also the ship's running costs and maintenance, as well as port and canal fares.
I pay an advance fee of FIM 200 to the ship's fund, which is taken care of by Fredrik Koivusalo, who is the captain of the ship. The advance is not repayable. If the contract is signed after the 14th of March 2001 the advance payment is FIM 400.
Moreover I promise to follow the instructions and ways of action described in the booklet "Segla vikingaskepp - praktisk handbok i hur vi hanterar ett vikingaskepp" (1997). I am acquainted with the content of the booklet.

Two copies of this agreement are signed. One is kept by the crew member and the other by the captain.

______________________ _______________________ __________________

Crew member Name in block letters Place and date

On behalf of the project:

______________________ _______________________ _________________

Captain of Heimløsa Rus Name in block letters Place and date

Below are pictures of two crew members. To the left captain Fredrik Koivusalo, who has written this homepage and to the right Reijo Kallio, who has given a helping hand with the ADB-techniques.

______________________	_______________________	__________________
Crew member	Name in block letters	Place and date

______________________	_______________________	_________________
Captain of Heimløsa Rus	Name in block letters	Place and date