For Peter and Jacob, volunteering aboard the MV YWAM PNG has meant more than delivering essential services to remote communities—it has become the foundation for long-term careers in the maritime sector.
Both young men have contributed significantly during outreach deployments across Western Province, and have also gained hands-on experience through land-based patrols and small boat initiatives. In 2023, Jacob took on the role of Bosun aboard the MV YWAM PNG, supporting the day-to-day running of the ship, while Peter also continued to develop his practical skills as part of the maritime crew.
Building on their time with YWAM Medical Ships – Australia & PNG (YWAM MS), both men reached a major milestone this year: enrolling in the Mate Class 5 training course at Pacific Maritime Training College (PMTC), a progression made possible through a strong and growing collaboration between the two organisations.
YWAM MS and PMTC have been working together for three years, combining technical training with real-world experience. The MV YWAM PNG has served as a platform for the survival-at-sea component of the SOLAS course, with sessions delivered both onboard and at YWAM’s campus in Gabutu. PMTC also provides scholarships to select YWAM MS volunteer crew, ensuring accessible pathways for further education and professional qualification.
The 18-week Mate Class 5 course that Peter and Jacob are undertaking builds on their earlier completion of the General Purpose Rating 2 (GP2) course, also facilitated through this collaboration. The course equips them to take on officer-level responsibilities aboard small vessels—an essential step forward in PNG’s maritime qualification framework.
Upon completing their studies, Peter and Jacob will return to the MV YWAM PNG to gain the additional sea time required for certification, continuing their journey of service and skill-building.
“Volunteering with YWAM Medical Ships has taught me teamwork, compassion, and the value of serving others,” shared Peter. “It’s opened doors for my future in the maritime industry and allowed me to see remote parts of PNG, engage with communities, and develop friendships I’ll never forget.”
Their story is a compelling example of how strategic collaboration between training providers and service organisations can empower young Papua New Guineans. The YWAM MS–PMTC relationship is not only supporting the delivery of vital services to coastal communities—it is also building local capacity, opening career pathways, and shaping the next generation of maritime leaders.
YWAM MS is proudly supported by the PNG National Government, the Australian Government through the PNGAus Partnership, Henry Schein, Kumul Minerals, Western Provincial Health Authority, NCDC, Hiri Koiari Open Electorate, PNG Ports Corporation, Parkside Group, Port of Townsville, Ok Tedi Mining, Colgate-Palmolive, 1300SMILES, Honeycombes Property Group, Sir Brian Bell Foundation, Ela Motors, Mills Dental, Exxon Mobil, Mitsubishi Electric, Days for Girls, AkzoNobel, Lions Recycle for Sight, City of Townsville, Pro-Ma Systems, Pacific Islands International, Rotarians Against Malaria, AVIS, Coutts Redington, Mun, Pacific Marine Group, Medical Dental Solutions, Kingdom Air Conditioning, Dawson & Associates, Hu-Friedy, Trukai, Gearbox Solutions, Luminell, Lancini Property & Development, Wilson/Ryan/Grose, Universal Cranes, World Vision, PwC, Septodont, Mocom Australia, PVW Partners, 3M, GE Healthcare, Austal, FileMaker, and Pacific Towing.
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