You always said “One day…”
Make that day today.
You always said
“One day…”
Make that day today.
If you’ve always wanted to use your unique talent and skills to transform lives and make your mark on the world, we’ve got a volunteer opportunity for you. The work of Mercy Ships impacts the lives of many – patients, families, and volunteers. It’s a transformative experience that enables personal and professional growth, and we’re looking for you to join us. Come aboard and find your crew.
The Experience of a Lifetime is Calling
The Experience of a Lifetime is Calling
Volunteering with Mercy Ships is a unique experience that allows you to help others and do work that matters.
Find Your
Purpose
“A life-changing
experience”
The Global Mercy® will be staffed with over 600 volunteers from all over the world — a community like no other. Come aboard and find your crew.
Community
Change your life while changing the lives of others. Improving access to healthcare in Africa is so desperately needed — join us and make your mark.
Impact
“It’s life-changing and life-giving”
40+ Years of Hope and Healing
Since 1978, Mercy Ships has been bringing hope and healing to people without access to medical care. Our hospital ships are filled with volunteer doctors, nurses, mariners, IT staff, and more. Together we provide free surgeries and care to thousands of patients each year, like Aminata who was born with a cleft lip that made eating and speaking difficult. Thanks to our volunteers, today she smiles brightly and lives a life full of promise. She’s like one of so many children whose lives you will transform onboard.
Through the faithful support of so many, over 2.8 million lives have been impacted. Our volunteers are the heart of our mission, and everyone has a place onboard. Ready to find yours?
Why a Ship?
50% of the world’s population lives near a coast, our floating hospitals are the best way to reach and treat people in need.
Why Africa?
There are only two physicians per 10,000 people in sub-Saharan Africa, many people suffer and die from treatable conditions.
Why You?
It takes a wide range of people and skills to run a hospital ship, and our all-volunteer crew makes it happen. If you want to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others – including yours – we’d love to meet you.
Ready to Start Your Journey of a Lifetime?
Here are a few things to know:
• Our crew is made up of volunteers who pay their own way
• English language proficiency is required for all positions onboard
• Mercy Ships is a Christian organization who serves people of all faiths
• Our recruiters are ready to help you find your ideal position and guide you through the process
Ready to Start Your Journey of a Lifetime?
Here are a few things to know:
• Our crew is made up of volunteers who pay their own way
• English language proficiency is required for all positions onboard
• Mercy Ships is a Christian organization who serves people of all faiths
• Our recruiters are ready to help you find your ideal position and guide you through the process
How to Apply
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this a volunteer position?
Yes, all Mercy Ships ship-based positions are unpaid, volunteer opportunities.
What languages do I need to know?
English proficiency is required for all positions in Mercy Ships, and fluency is required for some positions. French is beneficial, but not required unless stated on the job description.
For English proficiency, while Mercy Ships does not currently require proof of examination, we use the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) as a reference for English proficiency. All volunteers must be at level B1 on the CEFR scale (Independent User – Threshold or Intermediate) or higher in order to join onboard.
Level B1 summary:
- Can understand the main points of clear standard input on familiar matters regularly encountered in work, school, leisure, etc.
- Can deal with situations likely to arise while traveling in an area where the language is spoken.
- Can produce simple connected text on topics that are familiar or of personal interest.
- Can describe experiences and events, dreams, hopes, and ambitions and briefly give reasons and explanations for opinions and plans.
You may refer to the full summary of each level by clicking here.
How much does it cost?
Volunteers are responsible for crew fees, personal expenses, and transportation to and from a ship’s location. Crew fees are paid by all adult volunteers and vary in amount depending on commitment length and country of residence. Financial support is available for volunteers serving 24+ months, or for any crew in qualifying maritime roles. Contact a recruiter for more information.
Who can apply?
Mercy Ships welcomes a wide range of skills and demographics – we have a place onboard for you! Here are a few details to keep in mind: All volunteers must be between 18 and 70 years old* to join, must be in good health, and meet the physical demands of living onboard. Married couples and families are welcome to apply! (* temporary upper age limit due to COVID measures.)
How long does the application process take?
We recommend that volunteers apply six months before their preferred service dates, but the application process can be expedited. Applications can remain on file for up to two years. For an overview of the application process, check out our How to Apply page. If you have completed your application and have questions, contact us here.
Where are the ships? How do I travel to a ship?
Mercy Ships primarily delivers care and service in West Africa. All volunteers fly into an airport close to a ship’s port location and are transported to their ship by a Mercy Ships representative. (Don’t worry! Our team will guide you when the time comes to book your air travel.) Sailing isn’t involved unless your service dates line up with a sail – we remain in port for 10 months. For more info on our ships, visit Our Ships.
Do you require the COVID-19 vaccine?
We require several inoculations for all volunteers serving onboard.
- COVID-19
- Hepatitis B
- MMR
- Tetanus / Diphtheria
- Tuberculosis testing
- Yellow Fever
- Hepatitis A and Typhoid – only required for some roles
For detailed information regarding how Mercy Ships is operating during COVID-19, click here.
Connect with us for more details.
Ready to start now? Let’s go.
Connect with us for more details.
Ready to start now?
Let’s go.