Maritime Leadership with a Mission Featuring Captain Neil Daboul from Mercy Ships

Maritime careers can take professionals around the world, but for some, they also become a way to serve communities far beyond the shipping industry.

In this episode of the Women Offshore Podcast, we sit down with Captain Neil Daboul, whose four decades at sea have taken him from commercial shipping and offshore operations to humanitarian service with Mercy Ships.

Throughout his career, Captain Daboul has served aboard oil tankers, drillships, salvage vessels, and hospital ships while also leading operations as a fleet manager and superintendent. His experience includes vessel command, shipyard management, safety audits, fleet operations, and supporting complex cargo operations around the world.

Today, he applies that experience aboard one of Mercy Ships’ hospital vessels.

Mercy Ships operates the Africa Mercy and Global Mercy, providing free, life-changing surgeries while partnering with local healthcare professionals to strengthen medical systems in the countries they serve. By combining floating hospitals with education and training, the organization works to create lasting improvements in healthcare access throughout coastal Africa.

Captain Daboul explains that operating a hospital ship requires the same discipline, planning, and teamwork expected across the maritime industry, while also supporting a mission centered on patient care and humanitarian service.

During the conversation, he reflects on how leadership evolves throughout a career and why adaptability remains one of the most valuable qualities for maritime professionals. Whether managing vessel operations, navigating international regulations, or supporting multidisciplinary crews, success depends on collaboration and a shared commitment to excellence.

The episode also offers listeners a closer look at careers aboard Mercy Ships and the opportunities for maritime professionals to apply their technical expertise in a humanitarian setting.

For anyone interested in maritime leadership, service, or exploring alternative career paths at sea, Captain Daboul’s story demonstrates how a lifetime of maritime experience can create opportunities to make a lasting difference.