Instructions

Please read through the instructions below before completing the online application. If you have questions, contact us at [email protected] or call us at +1 (903) 939-7045.  To download a copy of these instructions, click here. 

FEES / COST

Volunteers pay for their transportation to and from the ship’s location as well as crew fees and all personal expenses (see sample budget).  Crew fees vary depending on the length of commitment as well as what nation the volunteer comes from.  For those unable to raise support, assistance may be available. If you apply for and accept a position, you are responsible to ensure that adequate funding is in place before joining.
 

LANGUAGE REQUIREMENTS

English proficiency is required for all positions in Mercy Ships, and fluency is required for some positions.  We use the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) as a reference for proficiency.  All volunteers must be at level B1 on the CEFR scale (Independent User – Threshold or Intermediate) or higher in order to join on board. Proficiency in French is required for some positions – if so, it will be noted under the requirements for the opportunity.
 

MEDICAL / HEALTH REQUIREMENTS
 
Due to maritime regulations and other circumstances, some medical conditions may disqualify candidates from volunteering. A current Personal Health History and Physical Evaluation are required from all applicants and will be sent to you to complete after you submit your application. A recent, non-Mercy Ships evaluation may be an acceptable substitute if it’s been completed in the past 12 months and there have been no changes in your health history.
 
All volunteers must obtain several immunizations before serving with us. For a complete list of requirements, click here. This is just for your information/planning at this point in the process.
 

ON BOARDING TRAINING

Everyone is welcome to attend our On Boarding training program, but it is only required for those accepted to serve with us for one year or more (Level 3 or 4 commitment).
 

ACCOMMODATIONS
 
Housing for couples is limited and may affect when you can serve. Family cabins are typically reserved for critical and/or longer-term (2 years +) positions.  Due to housing limitations on board, we are not able to accommodate single parent families or families with more than four children. 
 

LICENSURE FOR HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONALS

Medical professionals are required to be licensed in their home country and have at least two years of post-licensed experience. Other requirements are noted on the opportunity posting.
 

REFERENCES AND BACKGROUND CHECKS

Two references are required prior to acceptance and will be requested after you submit your application.

Some roles require background checks / criminal records checks, and you’ll be informed if it’s needed for your application. 

CAN I APPLY FOR MORE THAN ONE POSITION?

At this time, it is not possible to apply for more than one position. If you are interested in more than one position, please apply for the one that interests you the most.  Let us know about additional positions of interest by using the comment field found on the final page of your application.

CAN I SAVE MY PROGRESS AND FINISH THE APPLICATION ANOTHER TIME?

Progress in our online application can be saved and submitted at a later time, or it can be completed and submitted at once. Each section of the application must be completed before the application can  officially be submitted for a position.
  
 WHAT KIND OF DOCUMENTATION WILL I NEED TO COMPLETE THE APPLICATION?

WHAT HAPPENS AFTER I SUBMIT MY APPLICATION?
 
Once you submit your application, you’ll be directed to our online application portal. Your messages, tasks, and documentation will all be there, and you’ll hear from your Volunteer Coordinator 3-5 business days after you submit your application. Reviews can take anywhere between 2 and 4 weeks once you have submitted all the required documents.