Mercy Ships floating hospital, the Africa Mercy, is the largest charity-run hospital ship in the world. Seafarers are the key workers who keep our ships operational and use their skills to deliver humanitarian development and transform thousands of lives each year. On International Day of the Seafarer, we honour seafarers everywhere and highlight four of our incredible marine volunteers who power our ships.
Rodrigo Silva is our Chief Officer. Originally from Brazil, Rodrigo oversees the deck’s maintenance, cargo loading operations, treatment of freshwater, and sailing. He also leads the fire teams, amongst many other things.
“One of the highlights of volunteering with Mercy Ships is that I can do what I know how to do and have my family with me. One of the cornerstones of seafaring life is that we are away and missing the things that are happening back home with the kids, with schooling, and with your spouse. Being onboard with Mercy Ships is different; you’re able to be together. So you can work and, at the end of the day, walk back to your cabin and see your family. It’s unbelievably good.”
When asked if he would recommend working at Mercy Ships to other seafarers, Rodrigo, without hesitation, said, “I would encourage seafarers out there to come. You can expect an inviting work environment and the satisfaction of seeing your work making a real difference in the lives of the patients we serve.”
Are you a maritime professional? Do you have what it takes to join us in strengthening the healthcare systems we serve? Come power our ships as we bring hope and healing to those that need it most. See where you play a part at apply.mercyships.org.
For Mercy Ships, #SeafarersAreKeyWorkers in providing hope and healing to the nations we serve!
