FAQ for your Sea Mercy Rotation

FAQ for Sea Mercy Rotation

Grace Kyser, one of our key volunteers on our Trial Run, put this FAQ list together for you. We will be adding to the list as more questions are asked by our volunteers.

Question Answer
What types of foods are available? Fresh fruits and veggies are available at a small market on shore of the harbor you will be starting from, but things are very expensive and variety is limited. Dry cereals are expensive, so if you want something special, be advised to bring it yourself
How much space is available for refrigeration if I want to bring something needing it? Although each vessel is different, they do have a small refrigerator which holds quite a lot, but once they leave the shore, there will be no further opportunities for them to resupply their foods. They also have a small freezer, but again, they are supplying foods for the entire time at sea.
What style of shoes work the best? Something easy to get on and off, dries quickly and is totally water tolerant. No shoes are allowed on the Catamaran, meaning everyone goes barefoot.
Can I bring my hairdryer? Yes, just let the captain know when you need to use it so he has adequate power to run it.
Do I need a plug adapter? No, the Cat uses US plugs but your travels outside of the FHCC will require adapters.
Do I need to wear dresses? You will be getting off and onto the catamaran and dinghy frequently, so dresses would not the best choice of clothing.
Can I wear shorts? Probably knee length shorts would be more appropriate than shorter shorts. You will be disembarking into the water at times to reach the shoreline, so something that dries quickly is best.
Will I be able to recharge my electronic devices? There are plug-ins in the cabins and in the galley.
Will we have access to internet/email? Some internet servers offer an international texting plan. When the Cat is near a tower, you may be able to pick up the signal. Best not to count on it, however.
Will we be able to buy a souvenirs? Some of the islands have handmade bowls but mostly they do not offer souvenirs. The main harbor has stores that do have souvenirs, however. Mostly t-shirts, small towels, etc.
Should I bring snorkel gear? There is some gear on board, but you may want to bring your own.
I am on a special diet. Will that be a problem? You will need to contact Richard Hackett about this question, or just bring what you are able to eat. Always fruits and veggies on board.
What language do the Remote Island people speak? The Health Ministry Team all speak fluent English. The remote islanders have less opportunity for education, so most of them are not fluent in English, otherwise they speak the local language.
Will we need or have translators? The Health Ministry staff will translate for you.
What is a typical daily routine? Typically breakfast on board, then dinghy to the designated island. Many times the villages will provide lunch, but not always, then it would be back to the boat for lunch, but that would be after the patients are seen.
Do I need travel insurance? It is always a good idea to have travel insurance which covers lost luggage, emergency medical evacuation for yourself, or other emergent situations.
If I carry a large suitcase, will there be space to store it? Although it is always better to use duffel bags for luggage (the roll up into small sizes when empty), there are storage areas in watertight spaces in different areas of our FHCC vessels should you bring hard luggage. The Captain will help with storing bags. You will have access as you need them.
What can I bring that might be useful to the islanders or crew? It was requested we bring toothbrushes, toothpaste for the islanders. Sun screen for the crew is needed and sometimes runs in limited supply, plus very expensive.
Will I need a rain jacket? You will be in the middle of the South Pacific Ocean, wind currents are unpredictable, as is the weather. It won’t hurt to bring a lightweight waterproof jacket.
Will we need bug spray? When in the villages, there may be need for bug spray, but not on the boat, usually.
What is the difference between a ‘charter’ trip and a ‘volunteer’ trip? A charter trip includes all your cooking and housekeeping. A volunteer trip means you will be responsible for helping the crew with meals, dishwashing, general housekeeping, plus maintaining your own bed and bath areas.
What is there to do in the evenings after a clinic day? After dinner preparation and clean up, discussion is encouraged about the day’s activities and suggestions that may be helpful. There is also time for snorkeling and swimming before the sun sets. Card games and video movies are available. The crew would love to see new movies if you want to bring some.
Should I bring snacks? Snacks to share are nice, but not necessary.
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