FAQ
General FAQs
What are the medical requirements to serve with Point of Difference ?
Click here for a list of medical requirements to serve, including required immunizations.
What kinds of positions are available?
The complex nature of Point of Difference projects and programs demands a wide range of skills. We need biomedical technicians, sterilization technicians, marine officers, engineers and ratings, teachers, mechanics, and photographers, and so much more.
For a current list of opportunities, please click here.
Does PoD cater to special diets?
What do crew do after work?
Where do crew come from?
Family FAQs
Can married couples with/without children serve on board?
Housing for couples is limited, but we have cabins for married couples. Family housing is reserved for long-term crew where one spouse is filling a critical position.
If we are a couple, how will our placement be managed?
We love when couples volunteer together. Placement will be dependent on respective roles being available at the same time, as well as the availability of couples housing.
Can non-married couples serve together on board?
We welcome couples who are not married to serve together. However, please note that you will be allocated separate cabins, and along with all crew members, should familiarize yourself with, and agree to abide by our Code of Conduct, specifically as it relates to relationships.
Can I volunteer without my non-adult children?
We believe that families are important and encourage our crew to maintain a healthy life/work balance, which includes not being separated for more than a three-month period. For parents (single or otherwise) who can show proof of extended family caring for their teenage children, an exemption may be warranted.
Please Note: Family includes spouse, children under the age of 16, and/or vulnerable adults under the care of the crewmember.
Can single parent families volunteer to serve on board?
The ship is very limited in the number of family cabins available and therefore they must be allocated to crew that can work full-time in a critical position on board. contact us for more information and or ideas
What are the advantages for children living on board?
Children are introduced to many new cultures and nationalities on board a Mercy Ship. They have opportunities to join their family in interacting with and learning from the patients that we serve. . In addition, crew life on board does often begin to feel like a large family, with many positive role models and friends for the whole family.
Many of our families have reported that they have treasured the chance to spend their days together, eat their meals together, and have fun while serving together.
What are some of the disadvantages for children living on board?
The nature and environment of some of the port cities we are docked in means sometimes a lack of freedom and possible boredom due to the lack of outdoor play space. While we have a great play area on deck, the limited options & facilities for extracurricular activities such as gym, sports, dance, etc. can be challenging. Additionally, making friends and then having to say “goodbyes” when they leave can be difficult.
What is there to do as a family on our off time?
For on-ship activities, both PoD are furnished with swimming pools, and with ample deck space and equipment for playing. Families can also find an Internet Café / computer room, and a well-stocked library of books and DVDs.
For off-ship activities, and depending on port location, there are typically places to visit ashore, like parks or local hotels with pool facilities. There are often local beaches, and PoD will provide guidance on their safety for crew. PoD also helps to arrange crew activities, including days out to different local places of interest – markets, nice restaurants, etc. There are plenty of opportunities to travel and see the country in which we are serving.
What would our cabin be like, and how big are the beds?
more information Comming
What are the special rules for children?
Point of Differnece has a safe and family-friendly environment. There are some guidelines for children’s protection, and of course, parents are ultimately responsible for their children. Younger children (under 10) must always be supervised and cannot wander around the ship without an adult. There are rules on foodservice, for example, and general safety rules that all crew are expected to follow.
Applying to Volunteer
Are background or criminal record checks required?
Background checks or criminal record checks are required for certain positions, including the following:
- Teachers / Academy staff (a valid Working with Children certificate or equivalent would also be sufficient)
- Finance / Sales staff
- Chaplaincy
- Crew and Hospital Physicians
- Any individual who would like to volunteer with the youth group on board, or volunteer with the Academy
- Any individual joining for one year or more
- Any Norwegian or UK citizen or resident
All checks / certificates are held valid by PoD for two years.
How long does it take to be reviewed?
PoD begins reviewing applications as soon as all application items are submitted from the applicant. Processing applications and reviews usually take 3-8 weeks. Timing depends on several factors including the necessity for interviews, workload of the People and Culture team, and timing of the staffing period.
All applications go through the following reviews prior to final acceptance on board:
- Medical review – do you meet the health requirements as outlined byPoD?
- Role review – are you qualified for the position for which you’ve applied?
- Other reviews are based on expected commitment length, but may include:
- Chaplain / Crew Care Review – are you in a good place to thrive in the community?
- Academic review (for children – if coming as a family)
Are interviews required?
PoD utilizes the Spark Hire tool, which allows for a one-way interview with applicants. If one is requested, applicants are given a set of questions to answer and may record their responses when convenient for them, within a certain timeframe. The interview recordings are shared with the relevant reviewer or team leader for consideration.
For more in-depth interviews, you may be asked to meet with us for a two-way interview via video meeting or phone call. We don’t often conduct interviews for those applying to join for less than a year, though at times the supervisor on board may request one to better understand your previous work experience and suitability for the role, as well as provide you with details of the position and what you could expect if approved.
Typically, we would interview for the following positions:
- All managers
- Communications team
- Academy teachers
- Senior engineers and officers
- Chaplains
- Information Services team
- Finance team
- Supply team
- People and Culture team
- Staff Development team
- Administrative positions
We may also conduct a brief interview if there are concerns regarding English language proficiency, as we require CEFR English Level
How far in advance should I apply to volunteer with PoD?
If possible, applications should be sent in for processing at least 6 to 8 months in advance. For some positions and for some time periods, additional time is required. If you wish to apply as a family, we recommend applying at least one year in advance of when you would like to join.
Can I apply if I am not a Christian or currently not attending a church?
What is final acceptance to join Mercy Ships based on?
Complete application
Scheduled placement (confirming dates to serve on board)
Formal interview with the department head (as needed)
Completed Academy application(s) and availability of space in the relevant grades/classes – for family applicants only
Availability of an appropriately-sized family cabin on board – for family applicants only
No recent (~6 months), major life change (major life events = marriage, the birth of a child, divorce, etc.) or major health changes. This is not necessarily a disqualifier to serve but may necessitate a re-evaluation of your application.
Why might my application be denied?
Role requirements: if you do not meet the requirements for the role for which you are applying, including the requirements listed on the job description for necessary skills, licensure, and English proficiency.
Medical/Health: due to maritime regulations, there are certain medical conditions that would disqualify someone from serving on board, including:
- Some heart conditions
- Bleeding disorders
- Insulin-dependent diabetes (for service in Africa)
- Immunosuppressive medications
- Active hepatitis
- Neurological condition causing persistent weakness, paralysis, or paresthesias
- BMI over 35
- Pregnancy where service on board will exceed 24 weeks of gestation
- Schizophrenia / Psychoses
- Cystic Fibrosis
- Significant vision or hearing loss
- Mobility issues
- Refusal or inability to comply with vaccination requirements
This list is presented as a guide and is not comprehensive. During a medical review, anything that needs extra attention or documentation will be addressed by our medical reviewers.
Maritime regulations: if joining in a maritime role, our flag-state of Malta only accepts certain certifications for crew from certain countries. Please see the above question “With what countries does Malta hold bilateral agreements to accept mariner documentation and licensure?” for the full list.
Commitment length: you may be denied or redirected to other, shorter opportunities if you are not able or willing to join our Community of Faith (required for all crew serving 1+ years) or if your family situation prohibits you from serving in a longer capacity (if married, and their spouse is not applying, for example).
Housing: if there is no available housing/cabin space for the time you are hoping to join.
For some of these denial issues, we may be able to redirect you to another position, another time to join, or accept you into our Talent Community (wait list).
Talent Community
What is the Talent Community?
The Talent Community is our waiting list for applicants awaiting their opportunity to join us on board.
Why would I be placed into the Talent Community?
- The position/role you applied for is not available because it is currently filled by another volunteer.
- Or, your dates of availability do not match our current openings. The Talent Community places you “on-call” for the future.
What happens in this step of the process?
- Once we confirm that you meet the requirements for the position/role, you will be placed into our Talent Community.
- You may need to complete some additional tasks while you wait (ex. Submitting certain forms, an updated certificate, completing an initial video interview to have on file, etc.)
- Anything that needs to be completed will either be assigned in the ‘Task’ section of your application account, or you will be asked to send them as an attachment to a message.
How long do people usually wait in the Talent Community?
- Our aim is to find a position/role on board for everyone. Some applicants may wait for a few months, while others may remain in our Talent Community for a year or more for their opportunity to serve. We do know it is hard to wait, and sincerely appreciate your patience!
What happens when my position/role is available?
Will I hear from you while I wait?
How can I learn more about life on board while I wait?
- Follow us on Social Media