50% of the world’s population lives less than 150 km from a coast. Therefore, a hospital ship is the best way to reach 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 you'd do something amazing. 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 an 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.
Each year, we have many volunteers from all walks of life step into opportunities in a wide variety of technical, medical and general roles.
Come aboard and find your crew.
40+ Years of Hope and Healing
Mercy Ships has been bringing hope and healing to people without access to medical care since 1978. Our hospital ships are filled with surgeons, nurses, mariners, IT staff, and many more volunteers.
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 on board.
Ready to find yours?
Ready to Start Your Journey of a Lifetime?
Here are a few things to know:
- Though the community onboard is a vibrant, global one, English proficiency is required for all positions in Mercy Ships.
- All roles are unpaid, and all volunteers contribute monthly to help cover their housing costs.
- When you’re ready, one of our recruiters is ready to hear from you.
Africa Mercy
Global Mercy
“Five billion people in the world live without access to safe, timely, affordable surgery. Our family is proud to be part of an organisation working to change the global surgery crisis by transforming lives and extending dignity to thousands of people in great need.”