Discover your new purpose
When you volunteer with Mercy Ships, you do much more than serve in humanitarian work. You become part of a global community that brings hope and healing onboard to those most in need.
Discover your purpose
Change the world with us
Not only will your volunteering with Mercy Ships make a meaningful difference in the lives of others—it will impact yours, too.
Do impactful work
Serving communities with Mercy Ships means you’re making an impactful difference in the lives of others, while transforming your own.
Make friends for life
Joining Mercy Ships offers the chance to serve and grow together with friends, experiencing impact that will last a lifetime.
Invest in your skills
Many of our volunteer areas offer ongoing training opportunities as a way of investing in the future of our crew.
Work hard, play hard
Each country we serve has its own unique culture and beauty, making every field service an exciting opportunity to explore.
Our mission
90% of the population in West and sub-Saharan Africa can’t afford medical care or live too far from a hospital to access treatment.
This is a global crisis Mercy Ships is actively fighting to change with the help of 2,500 volunteers every year.
Bringing free healthcare since 1978
For more than 45 years, we’ve performed over 119,400 surgeries and 547,600 dental procedures entirely for free, thanks to generous donors and compassionate volunteers from all around the world.
55,800
trained professionals
119,400
surgeries performed on board
547,600
dental procedures
Find your place on board with us
It takes a whole community to run hospital ships. Whatever skills or experience you have, there’s a role for you at Mercy Ships. Every job on board comes together to change the lives of those we serve.
Some of our open positions include:
“The more I’m seeing peoples’ lives being transformed, the more I realize this isn’t me giving away two years: It’s me gaining two years. For me, it’s more like a gift.”
Eugene Ampadu
Videographer
Wonder what life is like on board?
Life on board with Mercy Ships is a unique experience like none other. Our hospital ships are equipped with everything you need to work hard—and play hard!
The experience of a lifetime is calling.
Find out how you can make a lasting impact with our guided quiz that connects your strengths to life-changing opportunities.
3 simple steps
How to apply
Bring your expertise, skills, or heart to serve—there’s a role for you. Applying is easy and secure, and it’s only together that we are able to bring hope and healing.
Upcoming ship schedules
Madagascar: May
Ghana: September
FAQ
How long can I serve?
Mercy Ships provides both short-term and long-term opportunities to serve for various lengths of time, from 2 weeks to 2 years. All positions have both minimum and maximum lengths of commitment.
How much does it cost to serve with Mercy Ships?
Does Mercy Ships cater to special diets?
What are the medical requirements to serve with Mercy Ships?
