Code of Conduct
Africa Mercy: Dress Code
The clothes we wear and the way we look communicate a message. Recognizing that our crew come from over 30 nations and we are guests within the culture of our West African host nation, we have established this dress code in an effort to be as culturally honoring as possible amongst the broadest number of people. We thank you in advance for your compliance and willingness to embrace this code while on board.
WOMEN (13 years and older)
Outside of your cabin (excluding the pool area), this attire is required at all times, including the Ward.
TROUSERS, JEANS, SKIRTS & DRESSES:
- Trousers, jeans, skirts and dresses - knees must be covered, even while seated
- Capri’s (3/4 trousers are acceptable).
TOPS:
- No tight tops, low necklines, or skin showing between top and trousers or skirt
- No spaghetti strap tops.
SHORTS:
Shorts may be worn: outside of “work hours,” on the ship, dockside or at the beach but they must be mid-thigh or longer
Shorts may NOT be worn:
- During work hours (Monday to Friday 0800 – 1800)
- During Community gatherings (Monday morning and Thursday evening)
- In Reception and the Ward
- At any time when there is a formal function onboard
- Travelling to and from the beach/pool.
Sporting Activities: clothing used for sports such as aerobics or running may be tighter fitting than allowed for normal wear. Do change immediately following the activity.
OTHER REQUIREMENTS:
- Do wear a bra; the straps should not be visible
- Do wear a petticoat/slip with sheer (see-through) dresses or skirts
- Swimsuits must be one-piece or a modest tankini: no high cut legs and no visible skin between the top and bottom
- Earrings are the only preferred body piercing, but a small discreet nose stud is acceptable
- Except in your cabin and at the pool, shoes or sandals must be worn at all times.
MEN (13 years and older)
Outside of your cabin (excluding the pool area), this attire is required at all times, including the Ward.
TROUSERS, JEANS, SHORTS:
- Long trousers for conducting official ship’s business, church, or visiting people are appropriate
- Shorts are to be mid-thigh or longer
- Shorts may NOT be worn:
- During Community meetings (Tuesday morning and Thursday evening)
- At any time when there is a formal function onboard.
TOPS:
No tank tops with deep armholes (unless at the beach or involved in a sporting activity)
OTHER REQUIREMENTS:
- No visible body piercing is preferred, but earrings will be accepted
- Boxer or shorts style swim-trunks are required. No tight-fitting swimwear
- Except in your cabin and at the pool shoes, or sandals must be worn.
FOR CHURCH:
Ladies:
Dresses/skirts (with shoulders & knees covered) are the required attire in Africa.
Men:
Smart-casual or formal wear (trousers and shirts) are the required attire for Africa
No jeans, shorts, t-shirts or flip flops.
Note: Many crew members have clothes made using local fabrics and tailors and wear these to church.
