
Volunteer today. On board From home
We need all kinds of volunteers, not only with medical or maritime knowledge.
More than 1,200 volunteers from over 60 countries serve with Mercy Ships each year.
Our ships are like miniature cities with over 400 crew at any given time. There is a bank, a shop, a hairdresser and even a cafeteria on board. We need skilled computer mechanics, electricians, plumbers, cooks and all types of professional workers, both skilled and unskilled.
One thing that is required is to be able to speak English. This is because our team is made up of crew members from over 60 different nations, so the official working language on the ship is English. Maritime regulations stipulate that all our crew members have at least an intermediate level of English.
If you don’t speak English, or simply don’t want to travel that far, you can also help directly from your own home.
Maybe you can help us by offering your professional skills directly from your own home with things like: accounting, web programming, graphic design, legal advice, video editing and much more…
You can also help raise awareness or find the resources we need to carry out our work.
For more information please contact us.
Vivien's experience on board.










With 50% of the world’s population living near a coastline, our hospital ships are the best way to reach and treat people in need.
93% of the population in sub-Saharan Africa does not have access to timely, affordable and safe surgery. Many people die each year for lack of medical care.
From two weeks to two years, depending on availability.
It takes a wide range of people and skills to run a hospital ship, and our team of volunteers makes it possible. If you want to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others, including your own, we’d love to hear from you.
Request
Fill in the form "Apply for Volunteering".
Waiting time
If the position for which you have applied is not immediately available, we will be in communication during the waiting time.
Application Review
The Mercy Ships team will review the application.
Admission letter
Once the position and your availability align, the team will send you your admission letter and information.
Get on board!
This, of course, is the most exciting step in the process.
For more information, here is a page with all the different positions and options for volunteers.