With Marine, Trades and Operations Volunteers, Our Ships Become Hospitals
Marine Deck, Marine Engineering, Logistics, Supply & Operations
Mercy Ships marine, trades and operations volunteers are enablers that help facilitate access to free healthcare in low-resource countries. Volunteer opportunities are available in the deck, engineering, logistics, supply, and operations departments. Skilled tradespeople help with the infrastructure delivery processes that support the medical and crew care we provide. Each part of our hospital ship and equipment receives preventive maintenance and repair. So, get on board if you are inspired by continuous learning, fresh challenges, and the opportunity to connect with an inclusive international team fulfilling an extraordinary mission. It is a shipboard experience like no other. Make your mark today by providing mechanical, plumbing, electrical and engineering solutions that make a difference.
Why You are Needed
Each year, marine, trades and operations volunteers from 60 nations serve on board our fleet doing humanitarian work.
CURRENT TECHNICAL VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
Career growth opportunities are available in the following fields
We are here to help you in your volunteer journey!

Catherine Tremblay



Volunteering for Mercy Ships
What you need to know to volunteer in Africa:
Accommodations
There are a limited number of cabins for families and married couples. Single people share a cabin with between 3 and 9 people.
Meals
Onboard, meals are provided. Special diets can’t be catered. There is also a Starbucks cafe with a snack bar and shop.
Amenities
The ships are equipped with a laundromat, recreational and sports areas, a school for children of volunteers, a medical crew clinic and Wi-Fi.
Experience
You may have the opportunity to leave the ships to explore the city and its surroundings, go to the beach, the market or participate in volunteer off-ship opportunities.
Time Comitment
Volunteers must be engaged in this humanitarian work for a period from 3 months to 2 years. For long term comitments, training may be provide.
Requirements
You must be a minimum of 18 years old, have a good knowledge of English and meet immunization requirement.
Core Values
We are an inclusive faith-based organization. We ask our volunteers to respect the core values of Mercy Ships and our code of conduct.
Regulation Forms
Volunteers are subject to maritime law: various codes and regulations have to be signed on board. A medical form provided by your doctor is required to vouch for your good health.
Volunteer Opportunities With Mercy Ships
Live out your values, apply your skills overseas and expand your professional and social network. To help provide safe, accessible, and free health care in Africa, Mercy Ships uses the experience and expertise of volunteer crew members. So, embark on an adventure today that will make a difference in the lives of others strengthen community, and invest in the next generation’s future.
Want to serve but it’s not the right time?
Consider helping volunteers in their fundraising efforts.