Hey guys whats up, as those following my Instagram would know I’ve been doing something completely
different, a different type of ship and so here is an YouTube update of my latest life
at sea.
After my chief mate license, I’ve decided to continue my sea time.
Catching a red eye flight to Papua New Guinea to join ship, except this time its not a containership.
The ship I’m joining…or rather… volunteering is the vessel called YWAM PNG, a 15 year old
catamaran that is formerly a cruise ship refitted into a medical ship.
This catamaran, with a double hull design offers a shallow draft, allowing the ship
to reach extremely remote communities of PNG.
More often than not, we are navigating in uncharted, un-surveyed waters
and sending out our own speed boats to do depth sounding surveys for the ship.
And that ofcourse will be saved for another vlog.
Crewed entirely by volunteers, the ship provides medical help, education and support
for those living in poverty or remote villages of PNG.
On this trip joined with me are 120 other volunteers that includes surgeons, dentists,
nurses, a captain, officers, engineers, ratings, media and many other.
The purpose of this trip, for me, was to do something out of my comfort zone while accumulating
maritime experience.
PNG has been coined land of the unexpected and itself, is a stunningly beautiful place.
Among all these amazing uninhabited islands, it became evident of how remote it is after
spending a few weeks here.
Electricity was non-existent in most villages and traveling was done with simple wooden
canoes to get across islands.
Their life are so simple, lacking the necessities that we take for granted while appreciating
the little things we often overlook.
With 84% of the population living in remote, rural areas, divided by complex river systems.
This meant that storing vaccines, getting medicine, getting medical assistance or first
aid is always a challenge.
A simple flu, fever or infection could mean certain doom.
And For that same reason 43% of the population are under the age of 15, one in four PNG children
will not live to celebrate their 40th birthday.
That is a lot of dreams cut short . The services that the medical ship provides here, makes
the difference of life and death for these PNG people.
We met this boy named John in the village,
with infection to both his legs and with his feet already rotted away.
He was carried by his brother 3 hours walk down the mountain because all the medical
assistance nearby were helpless to his condition, and without proper treatment it’ll become
fatal.
Now I don’t usually get emotional, but it really did sadden me
In the short time that I’ve spent here, there were a few cases where a child’s life
was clinging onto the end of the thread because of a simple illness.
A simple Illness that can be easily treated with modern medicine.
Shell shocked was an understatement, it was hard for me to wrap my head around what these
children are experiencing, having so little years alive yet dreadfully and hopelessly
waiting for their life to slowly end, believing that no help is available.
But this is where we step in, Providing medical help and education to young, and old.
We were able to give John treatment and send him across the islands to a large hospital
to get healed and receive possible prosthetic.
The future of a nation is only as bright as the children growing up.
Bit by bit to help them with our power and skills , however small it is, that is when
amazing things happen. Their standard of living improves, Babies are born healthier.
And the village thrives.
That is the mission of YWAM PNG.
Half a year ago i didn’t even know volunteering on a ship was a thing so I’m still adapting to it.
In the next few months I will be updating my life
onboard, the usual maritime stuff in addition to other professionals and their story.
The things we do here are unique and much different than what goes on onboard a
cargo ship.
A cargo ship would be crazy to even consider navigating in uncharted waters.
And with 150 life onboard its a big responsibility.
So stay tuned and if you are interested in helping YWAM, there are links below.
See you next time.