A dedicated mission’s vessel should….

“be able to transport a family for long-term deployment, along with 4-6 months provisions and personal effects.”

“optimize speed to minimize transit time, addressing passenger’s propensity for sea sickness.”

“be set up with a dedicated space for triage or an ambulatory patient, such as a missionary medivac.”

“have a private meeting room which can double-up as a scripture audio recording studio or translation workshop.”

“show up when others don’t.”

“have a utility crane for loading and unloading cargo.”

“be capable of transit speeds averaging 10-12 knots, making 240-288nm per 24 hours.”  Also, have the ability to move at emergency sprint speeds of 18-20 knots when sea-state allows.”

“have the capability to serve as a SAR platform.” (Search and Rescue)

“have a dedicated space for a dental chair, including compressed air supply and wash station (working space for two chairs is a plus.)”

“accommodations for up to 10 volunteers (not including crew) for extended programs; up to a couple weeks or month of mission work.” 

“utilize efficient diesel engines for fuel economy.”

“include a proper galley and stowage for adequate food provisions.”

“have fuel economy and range to transit country to country with reserve fuel; range 2000nm.”

“two cabins that can adapt between bunks and double beds for meeting the needs of outreach teams or married couples.”

“show up when others can’t.”

“make use of a solar and wind charging system for long-term economic savings.”

“a dedicated captain’s quarters able to accommodate husband/wife teams.”

“capable of carrying deck cargo weighing 2500 to 3000 lbs., i.e. provisions, disaster relief supplies or building materials, etc.”

“have a draft of 2 meters or less to allow access into the more compact anchorages and remote villages of the islands.”

“water-maker capable of providing twice what would be required for the theoretical maximum number of people aboard – affording the ability to supply fresh water to the local people in disaster scenarios.”

“have a quiet generator appropriate for 24hr usage.”

“utilize a reliable tender capable of landing on surf-break beaches, with a shallow draft and durable hull.”

“meet or surpass all safety codes and standards of the USCG.”

“have a workshop, air compressor, and spares inventory.”

“be able to operate with a full-time volunteer crew of 3-4.”

 have a large enough tender to ferry cargo and/or people efficiently and safely.”

“offer air conditioning for medical work on board…and comfortable sleeping.”

“provide a lounge area for casual meetings or relaxing after a long day in the village; or for getting out of the weather.”

“simple vessel systems for ease of management, crew changes, and maintenance training.”

“two engines for redundancy, please. There is little to no help out there.”

“not have a tendency to pitch or roll at anchor. It’s challenging to perform dental work and/or run an eye clinic on an unstable platform.”