Code Of Conduct

All Team Members (Volunteers, Employees/Staff, Day Crew, and Contractors) are expected to follow this Code of Conduct and not act against it. This includes while at a Mercy Ships operating location, while representing Mercy Ships in public or online (including social media), or any time in a nation or traveling because of your work with Mercy Ships. This Code of Conduct does not include every rule or situation. Other policies may also apply, depending on your job or role.

All Team Members shall behave in a way that respects and supports Mercy Ships’ mission, vision, and values.

Mission

Mercy Ships follows the 2,000-year-old model of Jesus, bringing hope and healing to the world’s forgotten poor.

Vision

Mercy Ships uses hospital ships to transform lives and serve nations.

Core Values

• We love God.
• We love and serve one another.
• We are people of integrity.
• We are people of excellence in all we say and do.

Mercy Ships Team Members shall avoid the following:

• Any criminal act, as defined by applicable law.
• Any act not allowed by their visa or visa exemption.
• Fighting or attempting to injure someone in any way.
• Destroying or damaging property that belongs to others, including Mercy Ships.
• Dishonesty, theft, or cheating.
  Refusing to follow rules (insubordination).
• Regularly missing work without reasonable cause (non-performance).
• Breaking safety rules or common safety practices.
• Misusing private or confidential information.
• Gambling or placing bets for personal gain using Mercy Ships property, equipment, or Internet access.
• Using Mercy Ships property, finances, or equipment for personal benefit without permission.
  Other violations of organizational policy.

Mercy Ships is committed to a safe, healthy, and Christ-honoring culture for all who live within, work for, and interact with our community. We therefore maintain a Drug and Alcohol-Free Workplace Policy*.

We maintain a zero-tolerance rule against illegal possession or use of drugs, misuse of prescription medicines, and abuse of any substance. All prescription medications must be used only as directed and with a valid prescription.

Alcohol possession and consumption are not allowed at any Mercy Ships location (ship or land-based facility). An exception to allow alcohol at special events may be granted only by the location’s senior executive leader, who will ensure that such use aligns with our values.

All Team Members must report to work fit for duty, free from the influence of alcohol and without impairment from illegal drugs, misuse of prescription medications, or any medication whose side effects (such as dizziness, drowsiness, or operating restrictions) could affect safe judgment, coordination, performance, or decision-making, in accordance with the Mercy Ships Drug and Alcohol Free Workplace Policy.

• Driving: Team Members shall not drink any alcohol before driving. This replaces any allowances made above.
• Testing: Mercy Ships may perform drug or alcohol testing in accordance with the Drug and Alcohol-Free Workplace Policy*.

Every person is created in the Image of God and has the right to be treated with dignity. Mercy Ships will not allow any form of harassment. Harassment means unwanted, unwelcome behavior that intimidates, threatens, or demeans, creating a hostile work environment. This includes sexual comments, advances, or behavior. For more details, see Mercy Ships Harassment Prevention Policy*.

Mercy Ships follows the traditional, biblical teaching of the Christian church about marriage, gender, and sexuality. We believe that God designed marriage to be a faithful union between one man and one woman, and that sexual relationships belong only within marriage between a husband and wife. We believe God made humans male and female, and both together reflect God’s image and nature. In addition to these beliefs, same-sex sexual activity or transgender identities may be legally or culturally unacceptable in the locations in which we serve.

With this understanding, and for these reasons:

• Sexual activity between any two unmarried people is not allowed.
• Unrelated people of the opposite sex may not share a hotel room, be alone in a cabin/hotel room (except for room maintenance or other assigned work) or cohabit (live together in the same space).

Pornography is harmful to individuals and relationships, contributes to human trafficking and other crimes, and its use is inconsistent with Mercy Ships’ and Christian values. We are committed to it having no place in our organization, while offering support for those who seek proactive healing and recovery.

Team Members shall not go to places known for sexual activity, drunkenness, intoxication, or any other behavior that does not match Mercy Ships’ values or that the local community finds inappropriate or disrespectful. This includes, but is not limited to, bars, nightclubs, brothels, canteens, and similar places.

Team Members represent Mercy Ships and our values. When in a country at the invitation of the local government, we are expected to show respect and professionalism. Expectations for appropriate public dress can also vary between cultures. For these reasons, Team Members shall follow the dress code assigned by their location.

Smoking, e-cigarettes, or vaping is not allowed on any Mercy Ships facilities or property unless a concession is made by a senior executive leader or, on a ship, the Captain.

If you or a Team Member is struggling and seeking help, please know that you don’t need to struggle alone. The Chaplaincy & Member Care team* are available to help support the mental, emotional, and relational health of our Crew and Staff, and adhere to the Chaplaincy Confidentiality Policy*.

Mercy Ships is committed to fostering an environment where Mercy Ships Team Members and those we serve feel safe to raise concerns and report misconduct. If a Mercy Ships Team Member suspects or becomes aware of a violation of this policy, they are required to report it as early as possible in accordance with the Reporting Concerns Policy*.

Because integrity (being honest, trustworthy, and consistent) is one of our core values, we lovingly and respectfully serve the mission and one another by addressing when team members fall short of our shared values. Violations of the Code of Conduct will follow the Progressive Discipline Policy*. Consequences for violation of the Code of Conduct may include progressive discipline or summary dismissal depending on the nature and severity of the violation.