All you need to know to join

OM’s vessels have spent years sailing the seas sharing knowledge, help and hope from port to port. With a crew of many different nationalities and experiences, there are endless opportunities to grow and learn new things in work and in faith.  

With the ships always moving, people come and go and their crews are always open to receiving new volunteers who are ready to take on a challenge that can change their lives.   

Want to know more about joining the journey?  

Here are 8 steps that we think may be helpful to know, if you think joining might be for you! 

1. Get to know the Ship Ministry  

You'll most likely join one of our two ships: Doulos Hope or Logos Hope. Doulos Hope travels mostly around the Pacific Ocean, while Logos Hope has most recently visited places such as Europe, the Caribbean and Africa. Both ships change port every few weeks. Although different vessels, they each have the same vision of sharing knowledge, help and hope with the people they meet in the port communities visited.   

Life on board is built around teamwork and volunteer service — without the crew, the ministry could not continue. But there is no need to have prior experience. Those who have already been working professionally, or young adults straight out of studies, both join the ships to serve with the gifts they have — creating a unique community you might not have experienced before. 

On board you will learn many new skills as you join work in a department. There are many departments, where you will serve five days a week. From cleaning the ship to working in the engine room, serving in ICT, events, hospitality, bookfair, communications or in finance, to name a few, there are multiple opportunities for a wide variety of skill sets. To find out more about specific opportunities, click here. 

2. Who can join?     

OM’s Ship Ministry welcomes: 

• Anyone from 18 years old and in good health 

• All with a personal faith in Jesus 

• Anyone who passes all language and health requirements 

• Anyone who has a desire to grow closer to God 

• Skilled professionals wanting to use their expertise on board 

• Individuals ready to learn and be challenged 

• Whoever is ready to serve God and share His love 

3. How long can I stay?    

There are different options to choose from. All programmes start at different times during the year and you can decide which one to join: 

• 1-2-year programme, otherwise known as LAUNCH  

“Over the last year on board the ship, the Lord taught me patience, humility, and the right attitude,” a Swiss crewmember shared.  

• 3-month programme, otherwise known as 'STEP' (Short-Term Exposure Programme) 

“STEP has grown and stretched me in ways I didn’t know I could grow in. Without this time in my life I don’t think I would be ready for what’s next. God has definitely used this time to grow and refine me,” shared one crewmember from Australia.  

• Professional contracts for marine crew and technical specialists 

“I think Logos Hope is such an amazing place. After I visited twice, I think it took my heart… it will change your life. You will look at this world differently, when you’re giving and serving the Lord,” a dentist who served on board said.   

You can find more information here. 

4. The application process 

You can begin by connecting with your local OM office who'll help you with your application journey. They will need: 

• Basic personal information  

• Testimony and motivation  

• References  

• Relevant skill and/or qualifications 

This information is important to see whether 'ship life' is a good fit for you and to help better understand your skills and your personal goals.  

Visit OM’s website or connect with your local OM office to see current openings and opportunities here.  

5. Medical background checks and English tests  

All crewmembers need medical clearance, including relevant vaccinations, depending on where the ship is travelling.   

The shared language used on board is English. Therefore, if you are not a native English speaker, you will also be asked to take a simple language test for safety reasons. But don’t worry, most are able to pass it!  

6. Fundraising and preparation  

All volunteers raise support for their time on board. OM provides guidance, training and resources to help prepare. You can contact your local OM office for more here. 

7. Onboarding and training 

Crewmembers also receive training and orientation, covering:  

• Basic ship life and a tour of the ship itself  

• Safety and security procedures on board 

• Work and ministry 

• Living in a cross-cultural environment 

8. Are you ready to serve and grow?  

When new crewmembers finish their onboarding and training, they join a department, doing the critical work to help keep the ministry sailing and serving communities across the whole world.   

Life on board is different for each crewmember, but many people who have joined have found they were able to grow in ways they wouldn't have at home.   

“I realised on board that I have a passion for teaching and for discipling people… It is on my heart to see them grow in their relationship with Jesus. I've learned to trust in his timing and not in mine,” crewmember Paul (Germany) shared.   

FAQ: Do you have more questions? 

Find answers to more of your questions here. 

Do you want to join?  

If you feel a tug towards ship life, why not reach out to your local OM office or click here.  

Want to find out more? You might want to continue reading:  

• STEP On Board  

• Abigail (Zimbabwe) shares her testimony serving in the STEP programme.  

• Logos Hope New Joiner Experience