FAQ: General
Frequently Asked Questions: General
What kinds of positions are generally available on a Mercy Ship?
The complex nature of Mercy Ships projects and programs demand a wide range of skills. For a list of positions that are generally available and the minimum commitment for each, please see Typical Positions Available on a Mercy Ship. For a detailed list of what positions are currently available, please see our Opportunities Available lists.
What length of commitment is required to volunteer with Mercy Ships?
Mercy Ships provides opportunities to serve either as a Short-term (two weeks to two years) or Long-Term (minimum two years) however preference is given to those who can serve 4 weeks or longer for most positions. Those wishing to serve for more than nine months must first successfully complete On-Boarding Program (Foundations of Mercy Ships & Gateway).
Please note: Married couples wanting to serve by themselves will only be accepted for a maximum of three (3) months.
Where can I get more information about volunteering with Mercy Ships?
To obtain more information about volunteering with Mercy Ships, we suggest you attend an Foundations of Mercy Ships (FMS) program at the International Operations Center, which is offered 3-4 times per year.
In addition, we offer an Introduction to Mercy Ships-Europe program in Holland twice a year for our European applicants.
How much does it cost to serve with Mercy Ships?
The amount required to serve with Mercy Ships includes transportation to and from the ship, crew fees and personal expenses - budget.
What assistance or scholarships/funds are available for persons who need help to raise the required funds to volunteer with Mercy Ships?
Subject to the skills of the individual and availability of funds, Mercy Ships may provide financial help to persons on a case by case basis. If interested, please indicate on your application that you would like assistance in fundraising
How do I apply?
Applications for service with Mercy Ships are accepted year-round. Processing usually takes 2-6 weeks.
- Read through the Frequently Asked Questions.
- Check the Opportunities Available.
- Download an Application.
- Complete the application.
- Mail, fax or e-mail application to the Mercy Ships HR office in Texas (as directed).
How far in advance should I apply to volunteer with Mercy Ships?
If possible, applications should be sent in for processing at least 3 to 6 months in advance. For some positions and for some time periods, additional time is required.
What references are required to apply?
When applying to serve with Mercy Ships, three references are required; one from your pastor or spiritual leader, one from a friend, and one from your employer.
Please note: If you are not able to provide an employer or pastor/spiritual leader reference, return the reference forms along with a note explaining why it is left blank. Submit a substitute reference from a person who has functioned in a supervisor/mentor or coach role for you.
Can I apply if I am not a Christian or currently not attending a church?
We regularly have non-Christians and/or those who are not currently a member of church apply to volunteer. Although the vast majority of our staff and volunteers are followers of Jesus, we will consider all applicants. At the discretion of the Managing Director, non-Christian volunteers may be accepted short-term, based on their skills and our needs.
However, all volunteers must have a lifestyle consistent with our Core Values and be willing to adhere to our Code of Conduct.
I am not currently working and therefore do not have an employer’s reference. Can I still apply?
Yes. Just return the reference form blank along with a note explaining your situation (for example, retired, student, unemployed, or have not yet told employer about my plans), and submit a substitute reference from a person who has functioned in a supervisor/mentor or coach role for you.
Can single parent families volunteer to serve onboard?
The ship is very limited in the number of family cabins available and therefore they must be allocated to crew that can work full-time in a critical operational position on board. When we accept any family unit, we expect one of the parents to work full-time while the other parent's main responsibility (due in a large part to safety issues) would be to take care/watch after their children when they are not in school. This would not work in the case of the single-parent family, as their time would have to be split between their parental and shipboard duties and therefore not allowing the crew member to work full-time.
Is proficiency in English required in Mercy Ships?
Yes. English proficiency is required for all positions in Mercy Ships, and fluency is required for some positions.
Is a foreign language required to serve in Mercy Ships?
No. However a working knowledge of French is very beneficial for several countries in which we serve.
What countries does Mercy Ships serve?
Mercy Ships currently works primarily in Western Africa.
How much sailing is involved in serving on a Mercy Ship?
The typical 12-month cycle of a Mercy Ships vessel is:
Field Service (in a developing nation) 8-10 months
Shipyard (& drydock) 1-2 months
Sailing (cumulative) 1 month
Please see the Mercy Ships Africa Mercy Schedule 2010 - 2011 for more information.
If I serve on one of the ships, will I be working with the local people?
All of our volunteers work with the local people to some degree. Some (for example those who serve in the hospital) will likely have more direct contact, but there are opportunities throughout the week made available for crew to participate in during their time off from work. These include visits to prisons, orphanages & programs sites as well as working with the 100 or so local Day Workers.
What do crew do after work?
After work, crew often get together for fellowship and fun. This may include going out for dinner or dessert, playing board games in one of many lounges or on one of the decks, watching a video, or attending an informal Bible study/prayer meeting. Others use the time after work to e-mail friends, write home, practice music or get involved with the many Mercy Ministry opportunities conducted off the ship.
Do I need a passport?
Yes. A current passport is required for service with Mercy Ships outside of your home country.
What facilities are available on a Mercy Ship?
Weight Room
Internet Café (24 hrs)
Satellite phone (US Phone number)
Academy(for children of long-term crew)
Ship Shop/Snack bar
Starbucks Cafe
Playground for kids
Crew Clinic
Please click here to view our "360 Tour" of the Africa Mercy.
Is there a movie room on board?
Yes, we have a small room on board which crew use to watch movies. We also have 3-4 satellite TV stations, which typically is set to various news and sports channels and can be watched in the lounges.
Is there a loaning library?
Yes, the Africa Mercy has a very nice library on board which has current books, magazines and videos to check out.
How does one obtain permission to drive one of the ship's vehicles?
Permission to become a ship's driver is managed through your department head and typically only for long-term crew.
Do I need an international driver's license?
An International Driver's License is required for those who are approved to drive Mercy Ships vehicles.
Is it possible to rent one of the Mercy Ships vehicles to go on a trip?
If you are assigned to be a Ship's Driver, you can sign out a vehicle for up to 4 hours during weekend time, and another 4 hours on a weekday evening. You can combine hours with other Ship's Drivers to do a day-trip. For overnight trips, you'd generally need to rent a car locally or take a taxi.
Is there a piano(and other instruments) that crew memebers can use on board?
Yes. There are 2 pianos - an upright in the cafe area, and a grand in the Internation Lounge, as well as a keyboard. There is also a drum kit. (These are for people who already know how to play/use the instruments, to minimize wear and tear!) Other instruments you would need to bring or borrow as they are privately owned.
Is there anywhere to cook on board?
Yes. There is a "Crew Galley" which has several work stations and ovens can be used any time. It is equipped with pans, utensils, cookie sheets, etc. You can buy basic ingredients in the Ship Shop.
What medical services are available on a Mercy Ship?
A Crew Clinic, staffed by a Health Provider and/or Crew Nurse and a Dentist is available to care for the physical health of crewmembers.
Are physically impaired people able to volunteer with Mercy Ships?
Due to the limited confines of a Mercy Ship and compliance with ship safety standards, it is not possible for physically disabled persons to volunteer on a Mercy Ship.
What health or age restrictions apply?
Mercy Ships requires all volunteers to be at least 18 years old and in good physical condition. All applicants are required to complete a medical history and physical evaluation. Some pre-existing medical conditions (for example: insulin dependent diabetes, heart conditions, pregnancy, immune suppressed conditions, etc) may disqualify service at some operating locations due to maritime regulations and availability of medical care. There is no upper age limit for service.
Can families serve with Mercy Ships?
Housing for families is very limited and is usually reserved for long-term crew and/or critical positions. See FAQ:Families for more information.
Can Mercy Ships use some supplies if I bring them with me?
The Internationally based Procurement team we have at Mercy Ships has spent many years building up a broad donor/vendor base both in the US and Europe and only procure items that are on a specific needs list sent from our field locations. We ask that you do not contact vendors directly on behalf of Mercy Ships to ask for favor with suppliers for items you think our field locations need. If you have any contacts with potential donor companies, please contact us at giftinkind@mercyships.org so we can work with you to do a coordinated ask for items that are on the field locations needs lists so we can get our teams on board the Africa Mercy and other field locations exactly what they need.
