MaritimeMercy.com

Teamwork is one of the most important component in accomplish Mercy Ships' mission to bring hope and healing to poor and needy of Africa. Volunteers from around the world joined the crew of the Africa Mercy for the Power the Vision project.

There is something unique about running a Basic Safety Training (BST) here in Texas. It is an aura of expectation and excitement on the crew preparing to join the Africa Mercy. For many of them it will be the first time they will work onboard a hospital ship serving the poor and needy in Africa. As an instructor I see first hand the fear of what an emergency may bring transformed into confidence. The safety training prepares them to face emergencies with knowledge of the equipment and procedures, and confidence in each other.

Survival at sea is known as Personal Survival Techniques (PST) training. This training includes donning a lifejacket, donning an immersion suit, boarding a life raft and flipping over a life raft. The PST is part of the Basic Safety Training – BST (STCW95).

On Monday, October 11, seventeen students began the Basic Safety Training – BST course here in Texas. Bellow are pictures of the Basic Fire Fighting (BFF).

On August 31, 2010, the Mercy Ships Maritime Training Center was awarded by Lloyd’s Register ISO 9001-2008 Certification. The Quality Management System (QMS) is a requirement for providing training and certification according to international maritime code Standard of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping – STCW-95. Achieving ISO 9001 Certification is the result of Marine Operations’ commitment to provide quality training and certification to our crew members. The training provides unskilled crew members the opportunity to become skilled professionals and Licensed Officers the chance to receive further training.

In order to maximize long term performance and to impact the vessel’s hospital, Mercy Ships is replacing the aging diesel generators of the Africa Mercy. The new generators will improve the services provided onboard and continue to help more people who do not have access to health care structure. The new generators will reduce emissions helping the environment and will have better fuel efficiency.