We will get back to you in 48-hours or less!

One thing I have some experience with is living on board a ship. Before I came to YWAM I worked on a cruise ship for 4 years where I would live on board for up to 7 months at a time. We worked 7 days a week, 10 hours a day. Over the years I learnt a lot about how to live well on board a ship. So when I came to YWAM Townsville in 2008 and the leaders here started talking about getting a ship for ministy in Papua New Guinea, I didn’t think twice about the opportunity to once again live on board a ship. So in July 2010 I lead our first YWAM Medical DTS and took my team on board for portions of the school.

Now, the ship we had back then was the M/V Pacific Link, a 37 metre fishing boat that had been transformed into a medical ship….far from the 294 metre cruise ship I was on but there were still a lot of similarities to ship life, regardless of the size of the ship or persons on board, and the lessons I learnt during my years on the cruise ship helped me live well on board. Here are a few.

 

1. Maintain a good routine

When you are ‘go go go’ as you tend to be on a ship, there is always something on and somewhere to be, it is important to find routine. Keeping a good sleep schedule despite people always being around, eating as well as you can, exercise, and getting rest are all important things to make sure you do.

 

2. Get a Kindle (or other reader)

I remember when ebooks started to become a thing, I couldn’t believe that I no longer had to choose just a few books to take with me on the ship, but could take hundreds on them on one device! I love my kindle, the fact that on airplane mode it lasts weeks, and that I can have so many books with me wherever I go. When things are busy on board it can be very refreshing to disappear into a book for an hour or so.

 

3. Exercise

I know I mention this in routine, but it is so important for our overall wellbeing to do something active regularly. Living on a ship with limited space, it takes more effort to get up and do something, but making it a priority is key. On our current medical ship, MV YWAM PNG there’s a treadmill, and few stationary bikes, some weights, and a rowing machine. Plus LOTS of stairs! Exercise on a ship is possible, you just need to commit to do it 🙂

 

4. Eat well

Now, this can be difficult as your food is bought and prepared for you, but I believe there are things we can do to keep things healthy. Bring healthy snacks from home….fried dough balls, chocolate, and ice cream are oh so tempting to eat when you hit the ports and can finally buy something of your own to eat. Prepare for this by taking your favourite treat from home, and stock up on things that you like and are good for you.

 

 

5. Find some space to yourself

As I type this I can imagine many of my past students scoffing ‘find space on the ship, impossible!’. I agree it is hard, but I disagree that it is impossible. When you get on board, find a spot that you feel comfortable in, where you can reflect, read or listen to music and have a moment to yourself. For me personally, I usually find a spot on the sundeck or side deck where I can look out over the horizon and just enjoy the beauty before me. Doesn’t matter where in the world I am, I just love watching the water or coast line.

 

 

6. Bring seasick medication!

Ok, this one I don’t actually do, I have been incredibly blessed with good sea legs and I don’t get sick. If you KNOW that you won’t sick then you can ignore this one, BUT if you are not 100% sure. Take. The. Medication. I can not tell you the number of people who have regretted their choice to “see how I’ll go”. Once you start feeling sick, it is too late my friend. And don’t make the mistake of thinking that because you did ok on the sail to the first location on sea sick medication that you will be fine without it on the way back. Many more have regretted that choice.

 

 

There are many other things I could probably talk about but I’ll leave you with this final thought…

Enjoy the experience. Most people on board our ship are there for just a short time. Maybe a 2 week outreach, or as part of their Discipleship Training School outreach. You don’t have to go hard for 7 months, so don’t hold back. Spend time in the dining hall chatting to the other volunteers, make new friends in the villages and soak up every moment. Trust me, 2 weeks goes by very fast. 

Written by: Helen Middleton

Helen Middleton

Helen joined us on staff in 2009. She is Australia born but grew up in Jersey, Channel Islands in the UK. Helen is passionate about seeing people understand who they are, discovering their gifts, and finding their purpose. Being active, heading outdoors and enjoying a good read in a hammock are just a few of her favourite things. She enjoys leading DTS’s and has been involved in leading 11 so far!

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Discipleship Training School - Townsville Campus

Our Discipleship Training School (DTS) gives you the opportunity to set aside five and a half months of your life to grow in your faith while serving the world around you. After 13 weeks of training and discipleship at our campus in Townsville, Australia, we take you on nine weeks of cross-cultural outreach. The DTS is a life-changing experience!  

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  • 26 January - 27 June, 2025
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  • 19 October, 2025 - 20 March 2026

 

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Discipleship Training School - Port Moresby Campus, Papua New Guinea

The DTS will run from our satellite campus in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea. The DTS will include a unique combination of discipleship, hands-on missions experience during both lectures and outreach, and the opportunity to make history as we establish a new campus in Port Moresby for generations to come.

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  • 13 July - 12 December, 2025

 

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Introduction to Global Health & Development

Be immersed in a powerful combination of essential basic healthcare knowledge and community development training, with a focus on preventing illness, promoting holistic wellbeing, and empowering communities to develop their strengths.

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Port Moresby Campus
  • 14 July - 13 December, 2024
  • 13 July - 12 December, 2025
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HLT31220 - Certificate III in Basic Health

HLTAID009 -  Provide Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation

HLTAID013 - Provide First Aid in remote or isolated site 

HLTAID014 -  Provide Advanced First Aid

HLT31220 - Certificate III in Basic Health

HLTAID009 -  Provide Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation

HLTAID013 - Provide First Aid in remote or isolated site 

HLTAID014 -  Provide Advanced First Aid

 

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Global Health & Development Gap Year

Our Global Health & Development Gap Year calls those whose heart beats to see communities thriving - physically, socially, emotionally, and spiritually. The Global Health & Development Gap Year is designed for both those that have experience in the health / community development industry, and for those who are starting out on their journey of healthcare in missions.

10802NAT - Certificate III in Discipleship (Non-Current - in transition period)

HLT31220 - Certificate III in Basic Health

HLTAID009 -  Provide Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation

HLTAID013 - Provide First Aid in remote or isolated site

HLTAID014 -  Provide Advanced First Aid

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26 January - 12 December 2025

 

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During the course, you will have an opportunity to dig deep into the Bible, reading through all 66 books, gaining an overall perspective of God’s story. You will learn techniques for effective Bible study, and your speakers will help unlock the Bible’s fascinating content.

You will also be taught on topics. For example – you will look at Worldview and Origins as you study through Genesis, Exodus, and Job. Or you might look at Leadership and Worship as you study the life of David in 1 & 2 Samuel, 1 & 2 Chronicles, and the Psalms. Each book is filled with insights to be discovered!

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We have a range of pathways within our training and ministry that allows you to specialise in your area and grow your skillsets. From Hospitality to Global Health you can upskill yourself while impacting those around you

 

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Joining us for a Discipleship Training School (DTS) or Gap Year with us soon? We have compiled a few resources to help prepare you for the amazing journey that’s ahead!

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Our recently developed YWAM Precinct located in Townsville’s CBD is the perfect hub for youth to find belonging and empowerment. A high, medium and low ropes course, brand new cafe, and multi-purpose warehouse space for seminars and other activities allows youth the opportunity to flourish through adventure based learning.

 

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As a Youth Ambassador you will have the opportunity to lead your peers and the wider community in helping to support the work of YWAM Medical Ships in Papua New Guinea.

 

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We know that really quality, committed youth workers, teachers and families are some of the best things young people can have in their formative years. Our hope is to make your job a little bit easier by offering adventure based learning, mentoring resources, leadership and training pathways, and service based learning opportunities for youth. 

 

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YWAM operates a home in Townsville for at-risk youth. YWAM receives tenant referrals from local collaborating youth support organizations.

 

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We have the hope to create a safe environment for the youth of Townsville to be, believing everyone has the right to hope for an abundant and healthy life physically, mentally, socially, and spiritually. YWAM works in partnership and by invitation through Australia and Papua New Guinea.

 

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Make an Impact during your Summer as you engage in epic adventure, learning and serving. 

Gain valuable skills through hands-on learning experiences at The Stable and the new YWAM Precinct, complete with hiropes and rock climbing wall.

 

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Vocational education is one of the best ways for young people to explore their passions and get equipped. We offer several registered training programs for youth. In addition to all of the expected elements of a training program, our courses have an emphasis on building good character and the soft skills needed to be employable, while also giving students the chance to practice their skills within our organisation. 

 


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Adventure based learning programs are complete with a high, medium, and low ropes course, cafe, and multi-purpose youth space to run programs with a ‘learn by doing’ and ‘challenge by choice’ philosophy.
 

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Precinct Cafe

Help build healthy lives and communities in Australia and Papua New Guinea while dining at the YWAM Precinct Cafe

YWAM Precinct Cafe is a not-for-profit cafe located at 312 Walker Street in Townsville’s CBD.

 


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Dental Trailer

YWAM Medical Ships is now operating a Dental Trailer in collaboration with key stakeholders in Port Moresby with the purpose of providing dental services, training opportunities, and health education to schools in the National Capital District.

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Ship Outreaches

YWAM Medical Ships - Australia & PNG has been operating medical and training vessels in PNG since 2010.

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Delivering basic services in Papua New Guinea (PNG) poses enormous challenges with 84 percent of the population living in remote, rural areas.

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Join the YWAM Medical Ships team by becoming a Community Ambassador or Youth Ambassador in your local community.

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Mission Building is a volunteer program that gives you the opportunity to experience life at our campus all while supporting our work in Australia and PNG. Join us for two weeks to three months at a time that suits you!
 
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Youth Adventures is the ultimate service based learning opportunity for young people. We do all the work for your school or youth group so you can do the mission!
 

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