Pre-arrival Information

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Africa Mercy: What to Bring

Clothing

Clothing on board is generally conservative yet casual. You will need some nice clothes for special events and church. A good measure is to bring enough clothes for a week to ten days. For more information please select "Dress Code" and "Uniform Guidelines" on top of the page. In addition, we suggest you bring the following:

  • light sweater/jacket;
  • rain jacket and or umbrella (especially during rainy season – May thru Sept);
  • Steel-toe capped boots/shoes (Deck & Engineering departments only).

 

Toiletries

Most toiletries are sold in our shop, but selection is limited- so bring your favorite brands if you are a picky shopper! Also please bring any need you have for fingernail polish, polish remover, hair color and perfumes as they cannot be shipped to you via mail or container due to harzardous materials regulations and may not be available in the Ship Shop. For a list of items typically available in the Ship Shop, please select "Ship Shop Items" link on top of the page. 

 

Bedding & Towels

For those staying more than 3 months:

  • Sheets for a single or twin bed

Note: The couple's beds are two single beds put together so bring eiher two single sheet sets or one king size set.

  • Several bath towels, wash cloths and hand towel and a seperate towel for the beach or pool.

For those staying for less than 3 months:

  • The ship provides your bedding and towels except for the beach and/or pool.

Note: Bedspreads or Duvet covers and pillows are provided for all crew. 

 

Prescription Medications

Please bring up to a one-year supply of any prescription medications you need.

 

Contact Lenses

Weather conditions in Africa can make wearing contacts difficult. Please bring a pair of glasses with you. Also make sure that you bring a sufficient supply for your entire stay.

 

Useful Things to Consider Bringing

Some of the following items can be purchased on board at the Ship Shop:

  • Laundry bag
  • Small Flashlight
  • Sunglasses
  • Mosquito Spray (any brand or DEET content is left to your preference)
  • Sun screen/block (SPF 15 or higher)
  • Sleeping bag/mosquito net (for those who may want to travel off the ship)
  • Tableware: plate, cup and cutlery if you want to eat outside the dining room
  • Stationery
  • Network cable (for laptop computer – see E-mail/Internet for more info)
  • Phone card
  • Hair dryer / curling iron
  • Electrical adapters (all voltage on board is 220v, British plug) Any appliance that is rated for 220 volts, 230 volts or 240 volts, 50Hz will operate onboard the ship.
  • Non-prescription/over the counter medications
  • Battery operated alarm clock
  • 10 to 15 foot (3 to 4.5 meter) internet/ethernet cable if you would like to access the internet in your cabin
  • Mobile phone (see communications regarding options to use your mobile phone in West Africa
  • ipod or Mp3 player
  • Musical instruments – remember, space is limited
  • Digital camera
  • Backpack (for day trips)

 

Documents

Do not put these in your checked luggage, keep them accessible

1. Passport (valid and current a minimum 6 months after the time of your travel, but suggest longer depending on your length of time with us)

2. Immigration documentation (you should have received this from your Placement Facilitator 2 weeks before your departure)

  • Official letter certifying you are joining Mercy Ships as a crew member (on Mercy Ships letterhead with your name listed)
  • Copy of Visa Waiver letter from Togolese government
  • Copy of Protocol agreement for Togo
  • Letter for Air France to clarify visa waiver for Togo (as needed)

3. Yellow WHO card (Immunization booklet) – you must show proof of yellow fever immunization to enter Togo and most African countries.

4. Driver’s License - Only crew who have been authorized by their department head will be able to apply to drive Mercy Ships vehicles with preference given to long term crew.

5. Ship’s Phone number – +1 (954)538-6110

6. Return Airline Ticket (if applicable)

 

For Mariners:

Before joining please ensure you bring all your original sailing documents with you including but not limited to, Certificate of Competency with endorsements, Discharge Book, Passport, valid Medical, GMDSS, Crowd Management, etc., as these papers will be verified on board upon joining the vessel. Failure to bring originals may result in not being able to serve in the position you have been accepted to.

 

Luggage

Preferably duffle bags, suitcases are difficult to store.