About this role
Mercy Ships is an international charity that brings hope and healing to the world’s forgotten poor through state-of-the-art hospital ships. Since 1978, our volunteer crew—made up of medical professionals and skilled workers from over 60 nations—has delivered free surgeries and medical care to over 2.8 million people in Sub-Saharan Africa, transforming lives one patient and one port at a time. Join our global team of over 3,000 volunteers and help us change lives daily.
About this role
The Mechanic / Fitter is responsible to carry out machinery maintenance and repairs, including mechanical overhaul and repair work on marine engines, pumps, hydraulic, pneumatic equipment and valves, and repairing plumbing system equipment. A job that will take you all over the ship, responding to issues and daily bringing solutions to a diverse range of mechanical issues.
What you will contribute
Technical
- Mechanical overhaul and repair work on marine engines and related equipment
- Repair and maintain pumps, hydraulic, pneumatic equipment and valves
- Operate hand tools associated with marine engines
- Service and fit various machinery components
- Repair machinery, engines and related equipment
- Troubleshoot and repair plumbing system equipment
- Alignment, fitting, fabrication, grinding, drilling, tapping
- Pipe fitting and flange assembly
- Welding or hot work (if applicable and certified)
- Familiarity with lock out/tag out procedures
- Permit-to-work systems
Quality, Health, Safety & Environment (QHSE)
- Follow all safety measures as defined in the company Safety management Systems
- Participate in regular drills and join emergency teams as required by the Safety Officer
- Report non-conformities, accidents involving personnel or vessel, and hazardous occurrences to the Company
- Proper use of PPE and safe lifting practices
Mission Support
- Share in the support and furtherance of the Christian community through lifestyle and exhortation
For This Role, You Will Need
STCW Certifications
- Certificate of Proficiency in accordance with STCW VI/1 Basic Training
- Certificate of Proficiency in accordance with STCW V/2-1 Crowd Management
- Certificate of Proficiency in accordance with STCW VI/6-1 Security Awareness
- Certificate of Examination in accordance with STCW I/9 Medical Fitness and Minimum In-Service Eyesight
Additional Certifications – Strongly preferred but not required
- Welder Performance Qualification (WPQ) – ISO 9606-1 or AWS D1.1/D1.2 or ISO 17660
- Welding Procedure Qualification (WPQR) – As per ISO 15614 or ASME IX
- International Welding Specialist (IWS) or International Welder (IW)
- ISO 13585 (Brazers)
Mission and Community
- Supportive of Mercy Ships mission and vision and committed to its core values
- Work collaboratively with integrity and demonstrate accountability
- Able to live in and contribute to community life, requiring stable and healthy interpersonal skills
- Ability to lead in a multi-cultural setting
Administrative
- Competent in Windows, Microsoft Office Programs
- Ability to communicate proficiently in English in both written and verbal forms
- Strong attention to detail
Problem Solving
- Ability to solve problems and resolve conflict
Education and Experience
- Successful completion of Mercy Ships Onboarding program(s) for commitments of 12 months or more.
- Relevant apprenticeship and work experience working on ships
- Previous experience in mechanical servicing/fitting of plant or machinery throughout the ship
- Previous Shipyard mechanical work or shipyard/ offshore/ heavy industry fitting experience (1-3 years)
The experience of a lifetime is calling.
More than 1,200 volunteers from over 60 nations serve with Mercy Ships each year.
At Mercy Ships, we are proud to be recognized around the world for the life-changing surgeries and training we deliver. We could not achieve this without our dedicated community of talented volunteers.
Imagine finishing your shift and stepping onto deck as the sun sets—knowing that today you’ve helped transform the lives of those who need it most.