Claudia Breet’s story begins on a farm in the South West of England, where her life was filled with animals, open fields, and boundless adventure alongside her three siblings. The youngest of four, Claudia was known as the wild spirit of the family, often found exploring the fields or caring for the animals. “I was always outdoors, riding horses, climbing trees,” she says. She got her first rescued pony at only six months of age. Since then, she spent her time with horses building a connection with animals that would stay with her. 

Her childhood on a farm gave her a spirit of resilience – a quality she would soon test on a much larger stage.

The turning point: A career in racing and a heartfelt departure 

Claudia’s passion for horses took a professional turn when she started working in the equine industry from the age of 16, alongside her school and university studies. For years, she dedicated herself to the art and rigor of training horses, working with a renowned Olympian trainer, further honing her skills and deepening her understanding of the discipline, demands, and beauty of competitive riding. “Horses have always been my passion. I thought this was my path,” Claudia says.

However, after some time in the industry, Claudia realised she wanted to explore a career that not only involved her love for animals but also aligned with her growing interest in environmental work and making a positive impact. Determined to find a role that matched her values, Claudia began searching for opportunities that connected her passion for nature and adventure with a meaningful mission.

Finding her compass: Discovering the Sea Ranger Service

After leaving the equine industry, Claudia found herself at a crossroads, searching for a way to reconnect with nature in a meaningful, sustainable way. One day, an intriguing opportunity appeared in her feed: the Sea Ranger Service.

“It was everything I’d been looking for,” she says, “a job that combined adventure, conservation, and hands-on work. If I had to write down a job I wanted, it would be exactly like this.”

However, joining the Sea Rangers wasn’t as simple as filling out an application. Claudia faced a rigorous selection process for the bootcamp, starting with a selection day that assessed physical and mental endurance. After making it through that first hurdle, she received an invitation to the Sea Ranger Bootcamp, a training programme led by ex-military instructors and designed to push candidates to their limits. “We had this one exercise where I was the only one allowed to speak in a team, guiding everyone through the terrain. I had to keep everyone motivated without hearing a single reply,” she laughs, describing the strange challenge of leading a silent team. “It taught me so much about resilience, patience, and what it really means to support each other.”

Despite the challenges the experience cemented her desire to join the Sea Ranger Service. “It was demanding, but I loved every second of it,” she says. Her perseverance paid off, and she finally joined the Sea Rangers, setting sail on a career that was as much about adventure as it was about conservation.

A new chapter at Sea

When Claudia officially joined the Sea Ranger Service, she felt a rush of excitement mixed with anticipation. Working on assignments that included marine mammal monitoring and wind farm data collection, Claudia quickly found herself immersed in the world of ocean conservation. Stepping into life at sea felt natural for her, and she quickly discovered a profound connection to the water. 

“Every day was different, and every day was incredible,” she says. “Seeing dolphins swim alongside the ship or recording whale sightings – it was a dream come true.”

As Claudia adapted to life on the ship, she grew close to her fellow Sea Rangers, a group that felt more like family than colleagues. Each Ranger brought unique skills, creating an environment where everyone supported and learned from each other. 

“Sea Rangers are true sunshine souls – genuine and full of light,” Claudia says. “I can’t wait to see where life takes them, to watch them blossom and bring that same spirit to whatever they do next.”

By the end of her first season, Claudia was navigating and handling the ship alongside her team with confidence, a far cry from the newcomer she’d been just months before.

Stepping up as a Senior Sea Ranger

Now a Senior Sea Ranger, Claudia’s role includes mentoring new recruits. The most rewarding part of her job, she says, is sharing her knowledge and helping newcomers feel at home on the ship. She hopes to instill in them the same resilience and passion that have defined her own journey.

When asked what advice she has for young people considering the bootcamp, Claudia encourages them to stay open-minded and embrace the lessons.

“Every single day, just try and take something from it,” she advises. “The bootcamp has something for everyone. Whether you’re an athlete ready to tackle physical challenges or someone who thrives on mental problem-solving, you’ll find your strengths and be pushed beyond them.”

From her first steps at bootcamp to her role as a Senior Sea Ranger, Claudia embraced every challenge, each one revealing new layers of resilience and purpose. “I’ve learned that it’s not just about what you do; it’s about who you become along the way,” she reflects. With a future wide open, Claudia is ready to keep exploring, learning, and inspiring others to find their own path to protecting our planet.