Getting ready to sail in 2021; we need you!
There’s a global surgical backlog thanks to COVID-19 and in West Africa, the lack of access to essential surgery has escalated. We’re ready to do something about it – but we need your help. We’ve got a Big Ask – but say yes and your courage and compassion will change lives. We need to get the Africa Mercy underway to bring essential surgery to West Africa and we need volunteers willing to spend two months on board caring for our crew and patients. Can you come with us?
Join us
Mercy Ships is a faith-based hospital ship charity providing free essential surgery for some of Africa’s most marginalised people. We offer amazing volunteer opportunities for people with a passion to change the world.
Each crew member is an integral part of providing life-changing operations to children who have been ostracised, and adults who have experienced a lifetime of needless suffering.
As we prepare to return to Senegal, financial assistance is available before August 2021 for volunteers serving two months or more, in a variety of different roles
Long term volunteer positions
- Opportunities include maritime, medical and operational roles
- Critical positions for 1-3 years of service
- Leadership and management volunteer roles that last for 2-5 years,
- Children of long term on-board volunteers attend the on-ship school
Click here to see available positions
Short term volunteer positions
These vary in duration from 2 weeks to 10 months, depending on the role requirements. You can see the minimum volunteer commitment requested in the available positions summaries.
Areas of volunteer service
We need a wide range of people from many backgrounds to keep the ship and its hospital running smoothly. Which role has your name on it?
- Electricians
- Tradies
- Mariners
- Teachers
- Computer and IT specialists
- Photographers, videographers and writers
- Theatre, paediatric and other nurse specialities
- Catering staff
- Specialist medical staff
- and roles for people who simply want to volunteer wherever help is needed
Now’s the perfect time to find out more!
Find out about volunteer assistance for Kiwis
- Check out all the available positions here
- Get in touch with us via our volunteering form so we can keep you up to date on further on specific opportunities
- Read the questions most frequently asked by people considering volunteering here
- Watch our volunteering webinar
- Talk about volunteering with Sharon Walls in our Auckland office on 0800 637297 or 09 9504303, or contact by email
There’s a place for you on board!