MV Africa Mercy is the largest non-government hospital ship in the world. She is operated by the Christian organization, Mercy Ships, and is crewed almost exclusively by volunteers. Crew members serve from as little as two weeks to many years. The ship is a conversion from the former Danish rail ferry, Dronning Ingrid. The conversion was completed in Newcastle-upon-Tyne, UK, between 1999 and 2007. The ship has five operating theatres and 82 ward beds. She serves primarily in Africa, with the mission of bringing hope and healing to the poorest of the poor.
Mick Dunne served as a Marine Engineer Officer in the Royal Australian Navy for 23 years, retiring in 2010 as a Commander. He holds a Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering from Sydney University, a Master of Business Administration from La Trobe University, a RAN Marine Engineering Charge Qualification, is a Chartered Engineer and holds a UK MCA Class 2 Certificate of Competency. He has served as a volunteer onboard the hospital ship, MV Africa Mercy with his family since July 2013. They have crossed the Equator three times, twice at the International Date Line, served in the Republic of Congo and Madagascar, and rounded the Cape of Good Hope. His wife, Tammy, works in the Supply Department onboard and their three sons attend the onboard school.
This presentation covered the conversion (briefly), the current machinery, the operations of the ship, the author’s experience onboard over the last three years, and Mercy Ships’ plans for the future.
The vote of thanks was proposed, and the certificate and “thank you” bottle of wine presented, by ***.
It is expected that Mick’s presentation will be written up in the November issue of TheANA.
