Sooner or Later...

It's a simple fact. Natural disasters occur. Wars break out. Diseases spread. It is also a simple fact that many of the places where these disasters happen are in remote, sparsely populated, and economically poor regions. Widespread devastation can be inflicted upon these communities in a matter of days if not hours.

An earthquake or volcanic eruption can saturate local medical facilities with wounded and dying. More disturbingly, even a fairly common event such as a hurricane can literally destroy a small nation's medical infrastructure. Where, then, can the responsible authorities turn to when the masses of injured persons start to flow in?

MEDI+SHIPS International, a non-profit organization being created by R.J. Godlewski, will provide just such services. Taking a cue from the standby rescue vessel employed by the offshore oil industry, MEDI+SHIPS units will be stationed within defined operating areas throughout the world. When disaster strikes, volunteer and paid medical personnel will augment those aboard the vessels and the ships will arrive as near to the disaster scene as permissible.

Ultimately, MEDI+SHIPS vessels will encompass two distinct groups. Modified offshore standby rescue ships, and custom built, state-of-the-art hospital ships intended to remain on location for months on end. The first group, will be the workhorses of the fleet, scattered amongst the oceans and rarely more than a day's sail from any potential trouble spot.

The first, fully operational MEDI+SHIPS vessel is expected to enter service in late 2007, and will be stationed within the Caribbean on "Hurricane Duty", though it will be capable of providing medical attention to victims of any disaster or need. Indeed, all vessels, no matter of what size, will provide three primary functions:

1. Respond to local disasters with onboard medical staff, equipment, and supplies.
2. Provide a strategic command center for enroute physicians and medical aid workers.
3. Provide an alternative means of evacuation for seriously injured personnel.

Not necessarily a new concept, MEDI+SHIPS International believes that its success will be in its dynamic management approach. Find a ship, outfit a ship, serve the community. It's a service that needs to be addressed, not for glory or recognition, but because the alternative may not be acceptable to R.J. Godlewski. After all, we're not just in business to make money.

See how you can help or to see our Vessel Requirements.