50% of the world's population lives less than 150 km from a coast. A hospital ship is therefore the best way to access and treat the population.There are only two physicians per 10,000 people in sub-Saharan Africa, many people suffer and die from treatable conditions.
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.
Come aboard and find your crew.
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 the do-good adventure of a lifetime for you! Mercy Ships’ work not only impacts the lives of our patients and their families, but our volunteers are also impacted too. It’s a transformative experience that enables personal and professional growth, and there’s a place for you to join us.
Each year, hundreds of volunteers from all walks of life step into opportunities in a wide variety of technical, medical and general roles.
Together we bring hope and healing
Mercy Ships has been bringing hope and healing to people without access to medical care for more than 40 years. Our hospital ships are filled with volunteer medics, IT staff, tradies and many more people who just want to help where they can.
Together we provide free surgeries and care to thousands of patients each year, and help increase access to essential surgery by strengthening local health care systems.
We see the future transformed for children like Aminata who was born with a cleft lip that made eating and speaking difficult, and Sema whose legs were so severely bent that he couldn’t even walk to school. Thanks to our volunteers, today our patients can smile brightly and live a life full of promise. There are many more whose lives you will help transform on board.
Through the faithful support of so many, over 2.8 million people have been impacted by care received by Mercy Ships. Our volunteers are the heart of our mission, and there’s a place for you on board.
Are you ready to make your mark with Mercy Ships?
Ready to start your journey of a lifetime?
Here are a few things to know:
- All the roles on board are volunteer opportunities, varying in duration depending on the role itself. Your service on board could be weeks, months or even years – depending on your availability
- Our ships spend 10 months each year in a different sub-Saharan African nation. You will need to fly to join the ship’s crew on location
- We’re an international faith-based charity serving those in need in reflection of our values, and regardless of ethnicity, religion or gender.
- When you’re ready, one of our recruiters is ready to hear from you.
Africa Mercy
Global Mercy
