Find your place on board.
Your personal talents can give hope. Join a volunteer
crew as unique as you and use your skills to
help transform lives.
Make "one day" today!
If you’ve always wanted to use your unique talent and skills to transform lives and make your mark on the world, we’ve got a volunteer opportunity for you. The work of Mercy Ships impacts the lives of many – patients, families, and volunteers. It’s a transformative experience that enables personal and professional growth, and we’re looking for you to join us. Come aboard and find your crew.
"A life-changing
experience"
"Everyone has
a role to play"
"It's life-changing
and life-giving"
45+ Years of Hope and Healing
Since 1978, Mercy Ships has been bringing hope and healing to people without access to medical care. Our hospital ships are filled with volunteer doctors, nurses, mariners, IT staff, and more. Together we provide free surgeries and care to thousands of patients each year, like Aminata who was born with a cleft lip that made eating and speaking difficult. Thanks to our volunteers, today she smiles brightly and lives a life full of promise. She’s like one of so many children whose lives you will transform on board.
Through the faithful support of so many, over 2.8 million lives have been impacted. Our volunteers are the heart of our mission. Are you ready to find your place on board?
Start your journey of a lifetime
How to Apply
What to Know Before You Go
- Our crew volunteers pay their own way
- English language proficiency is required for all positions
- Mercy Ships is a Christian organization who serves people of all faiths
Our Recruiters are ready to help you through the process so you too can find your place on board!
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, all Mercy Ships ship-based positions are unpaid, volunteer opportunities.
English proficiency is required for all positions in Mercy Ships, and fluency is required for some positions. French is beneficial, but not required unless stated on the job description.
For English proficiency, while Mercy Ships does not currently require proof of examination, we use the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) as a reference for English proficiency. All volunteers must be at level B1 on the CEFR scale (Independent User – Threshold or Intermediate) or higher in order to join onboard.
You may refer to the full summary of each level by clicking here.
Volunteers are responsible for transportation to and from a ship’s location and personal expenses while on board. Financial support is available for volunteers serving 24+ months, or for any crew in qualifying roles.
Mercy Ships welcomes a wide range of skills and demographics – we have a place on board for you! Here are a few details to keep in mind: All volunteers must be over 18 years of age to join, must be in good health, and meet the physical demands of living on board. Married couples and families are welcome to apply!
To learn more about Medical Requirements, visit this page: Medical Conditions for Volunteers
We recommend that volunteers apply six months before their preferred service dates, but the application process can be expedited. Applications can remain on file for up to two years. For an overview of the application process, check out our How to Apply page.
Mercy Ships primarily delivers care and service in West Africa. All volunteers fly into an airport close to a ship’s port location and are transported to their ship by a Mercy Ships representative. (Don’t worry! Our team will guide you when the time comes to book your air travel.) Sailing isn’t involved unless your service dates line up with a sail – we remain in port for 10 months. For more info on our ships, visit Our Ships.
To view our Immunization Checklist, click here.