Entry Training
Gateway: Prearrival Information
IMMUNIZATIONS REQUIREMENTS
All required immunizations for shipboard service (see Immunization and Malaria Prevention - under Africa Mercy Pre-arrival Infomation) must be completed before coming to Gateway.
WHAT TO BRING FOR GATEWAY
FOR CLASSROOM PHASE
- Insect Repellant
- Sunscreen
- Clothing. You are expected to maintain suitable appearance and dress… it is important that your personal appearance reflects credibility on Mercy Ships…Modest apparel is essential to community life. All Mercy Ships Crew and volunteers are encouraged to honour each other in their choice of attire.
- While attending Gateway, the dress code is casual. You may want to bring ‘church clothes’ for Sundays and any special events.
- depending on when you join us -- temperatures in winter range from 20-70 degrees F. So be sure to bring a warm coat as well as long sleeved shirts or sweaters. In contrast, temperatures in May through September can reach over 100 degrees F. Long shorts, capris and t-shirts are appropriate.
- Swimsuits. Basic Safety Training includes a pool practical. Many like to wear a t-shirt or cover-up during this exercise but the facility does not allow any cotton clothing in the pool. If you would like to wear a t-shirt or shorts over your swimsuit, please bring something made from polyester or lycra (exercise gear). Also, there is an outdoor pool on the campus. Pool guidelines require one piece suits for women and boxer type for men.
- Walking shoes or Athletic shoes. If you are planning on using the gym while here, no black soles are allowed on the basketball or squash courts.
- Personal Toiletries
- Alarm Clock*
- Styling appliances*
* Voltage in the United States is 110AC
** Sheets, Blankets, Pillows and towels are provided
Optional Items
- Umbrella
- Pool Towel
- Flashlight
- Raincoat
- Sewing Kit
- Laptop
- Shower Shoes
FOR FIELD SERVICE (most of which will be useful for those serving on board the ship as well)
- Bible
- Passport
- Flashlight and extra batteries
- Candles (the power in your room will go out at times)
- Sun block
- Mosquito repellent
- Liquid hand sanitizer
- Work clothing (there is a good chance that clothing will be ruined depending on activities)
- Dress clothing for church (see note below)
- Sturdy tennis shoes or work shoes and a pair of dress shoes for church
- Strap-on sandals or water shoes
- Toiletries (shampoo, soap, toothpaste, deodorant, etc.)
- One pool/beach towel per person
- Sun glasses
- Baseball cap or hat
- Personal spending money
- English/French dictionary
- Digital camera or regular camera with extra film and batteries
- Wet wipes
- Battery powered alarm clock
- Back pack or travel pack
- Appropriate swim wear; one-piece suits for women and boxer or shorts type swim suits for men
- Twine for a clothes line in your room and clothes pins to dry laundry
- Leather work gloves
- Notebook and pen
- Water bottle
Optional, but helpful:
- Pocket knife/multi purpose tool (can not be in carry-on luggage)
- A musical instrument for Worship if you play one
- Daily diary or journal
- Pictures of your family
- Some past participants have also brought tea, washcloths, games, cards, books, ziplock plastic bags, rain gear, duct tape, Gatorade type powder, reading light, personal coffee cup.
Note: Due to the culture, we recommend that men wear long pants for dress (cotton slacks, Dockers), and shorts or jeans and T-shirts for work. Women can wear dresses or skirts and tops with short sleeves for both dressy as well as work. Women can also wear jeans or Capri’s for work.
