Volunteer

Use your skills to help build healthy villages and a healthy Papua New Guinea

Volunteering aboard the YWAM Training and Medical Ship, MV YWAM PNG is an adventure-filled experience where you will have the opportunity to work alongside PNG’s local health workers and other like-minded people from around the globe around a shared vision: healthy villages and a healthy Papua New Guinea.

Our model is centred upon the value of the individual and their right to lead a full and productive life. With over 84% of PNG’s population living in rural areas, the isolation and lack of infrastructure makes delivering healthcare and training very challenging.

No matter what your role may be, you will have the opportunity to play your part as we work alongside national, provincial, and district health authorities to overcome isolation, strengthen rural health facilities, increase healthcare delivery, and help build capacity in the local health workforce.

Volunteering Positions How it works Dates and Cost

Tie in with a long-term vision

Even though you may only be onboard for a few weeks, your contribution ties in to a long-term vision and strategy. We align ourselves with the goals of PNG’s National Health Plan, and return to selected districts each year.

Promote Holistic Health

What we do in communities is much more than delivering clinical services. Activities may include water and sanitation projects, advocacy, community development, and working alongside local churches and organisations.

Go on an adventure of a lifetime

PNG is affectionately known as the “Land of the Unexpected.” With over 800 languages and 1,000 tribes, you’ll immerse yourself in one of the most diverse and beautiful nations on earth.

Volunteering positions

Whether you are an experienced health professional, a university student, an enthusiastic young person, a skilled mariner, a family, or a group of friends keen on adventure with purpose, we invite you to consider jumping aboard the MV YWAM PNG. Our volunteers represent a range of ages, skill-sets, and nationalities — including a significant number from PNG!

Roles Needed

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How volunteering with us works

Step 1: Apply

Complete our simple online application form. You can apply for one, or multiple outreaches in a row. The application will require you to submit a reference, resume/CV, and for medical and marine professionals, copies of your relevant qualifications. Your application will then be processed by our registration team at our headquarters in Townsville, Australia.

Step 2: Prepare to come

When your application has been successful, our team will guide you through everything you need to know as you prepare to join us. This includes guidance for your visa, travel vaccinations, booking flights, what to bring, and other important information.

Step 3: Join us!

Now the adventure begins! You will fly into Papua New Guinea and join the ship at the first port of the outreach. Once you arrive on board, you will be taken through comprehensive orientation and training before we sail to our outreach location.

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Want a clearer picture on what outreach could look like for you? Watch this video

Dates and Cost

Please note that these dates are subject to change. International volunteers should be advised that there are specific travel requirements in order to travel to PNG. Our team is happy to guide you through this process, should you be invited to join us on outreach.

Our registrar team is happy to chat about current costs of outreach with you.

The outreach fee covers

Food and accommodation
Transport costs (pick-up and drop-off at airport in closest city to outreach location)
Outreach uniform (two collared YWAM shirts)
Administration and resource materials
General ship up-keep and maintenance

What the outreach fee does not cover

Travel between your home country and the Papua New Guinean port where outreach begins
Visa for PNG
Personal spending money
Immunisations and malaria prophylaxis
Personal travel insurance policy
Professional indemnity insurance

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