Home - Mercy Ships

Over 50% of the world's population lives near a coast. Our ships are the best way to reach people in great need.

Empowered by your generosity, we send our hospital ships, crewed by selfless volunteer medical professionals, to people in dire need of medical care. Your donations are the driving force behind our mission.

Serving those in need since 1978

Globally, 5 billion people lack access to safe surgery. Children, teens and adults suffer and die every day from treatable causes, and one child in eight will die before age 5.

Our hospital ships are staffed by a vibrant community of volunteers from around the world. From our volunteer surgeons, nurses and therapists to our volunteer teachers, mechanics and crew, everyone has a part to play. Join us as a volunteer and help bring state-of-the-art medical care to people in great need.

Our Mission

Adama, eye patient, at home after her surgery.

Help save & transform lives.

Give Monthly

Your gift multiplies in impact to bring free life-changing surgery and improved healthcare to the world's forgotten poor.

Driven to provide hope & healing.

Mercy Ships began our mission in 1978 to provide hope and healing to those in need. Each year we send hospital ships filled with volunteer professionals who selflessly provide life-changing surgeries to children and adults who otherwise would go without. Together we are saving lives.

It Starts with a Location

Because 50% of the world’s population lives near a coast, we can provide more surgeries for more people with our floating hospitals.

We're Built on Efficiency

In regions where resources are scarce, a state-of-the-art hospital ship is the most efficient way to deliver free surgeries.

We Create Lasting Change

Our programs include training local professionals, providing new medical tools and resources, renovating facilities, and more.

The power in a hug. Or a helping hand.

The work we do together is nothing short of compassion made physical — providing a healing touch that is transformative in the lives of our patients, our volunteer crew and anyone involved in our mission.

Dr. Sara Kwok carries cleft patient, Saliou on board. | Senegal

Your professional skills have the power to transform lives.

If you’ve always wanted to use your unique talent to transform lives and make your mark on the world, we’ve got an opportunity for you. The work of Mercy Ships impacts the lives of many — patients, families, and volunteers. Sharing your skills as a volunteer on board our hospital ships is a transformative experience that enables personal and professional growth. Join us.

Volunteer with us

Will Creene, radiology technician | Africa Mercy

Impacting millions, globally.

Through surgical care, medical training, and infrastructure development, we impact millions. With your help, Mercy Ships is working to meet the overwhelming need for safe surgery worldwide.

Lives Impacted
Surgical Procedures
Professionals Trained
Annual Volunteers

Stories, Press Releases & Blog

Explore the latest from Mercy Ships.

Let’s make a difference.

Help bring hope and healing to people in need. Join us with your support.

Mercy Ships
Transcending Borders

Changing Lives

In regions where resources are scarce, our state-of-the-art hospital ships are the most efficient way to deliver medical care to those in need.

Over 50% of the world's population lives near a coast. Our ships are the best way to reach people in great need.

Serving those in need since 1978

Help save & transform lives.

Give Monthly