Pacific Yacht Ministries commenced operation in 2002 following an approach to the Government of Vanuatu by a group of Brisbane-based individuals who wished to be of service to their less advantaged neighbours. Initially we were authorized to commence the establishment of primary health and dental preventive, promotive and service care to selected islands as an adjunct and capacity strengthening service to the work of health centres operated by the Vanuatu Ministry of Health.

Since that time we have developed a network of volunteer health professionals and yacht owners, and a team structure that has formed the basis for our work. Each team initially comprised a doctor, nurse, dentist and dental assistant who are available during their vacations to give two or three weeks to the program. Teams operate one at a time throughout the non-cyclone season from July to October each year. They fly to a final destination airport from where they are taken by yacht to their appointed island. In that Vanuatu comprises over eighty islands, most of our destinations are small islands that provide a picture perfect setting in which to work. Depending upon the weather and the anchorage, teams live either aboard the yachts or in a village.

In mid 2004 a Memorandum of Understanding for the years 2004 to 2006 was signed by the Vanuatu Director General of Health and the CEO of Pacific Yacht Ministries. This MOU, under the name of ‘Operation MEDIC' authorized the Organization to operate throughout Torba province comprising the islands of the Torres and Banks group. To its primary healthcare portfolio was also added a limited health education component conducted by one of the team members as time permitted. During the 2005 season team leaders were added to each team in order to provide a more culturally sensitive approach to village level communications.

In 2006 a new MOU was signed, under the title of ‘Operation Torba Upgrade' authorizing continued operation in Torba Province from 2007 to 2011. This new MOU included more sustainable interventions that incorporated a full-time health education element as well as a dental training program for Ni-Van health workers. To accommodate these changes, a full-time health educator was added to the team. The 2006 season also included Ni-Van doctors on two of its teams due to the increasing levels of partnership between the Organization and the Vanuatu Ministry of Health.

All PYM Board members are volunteers, with none receiving any remuneration for their work. Likewise all yacht skippers and their crews, and all health workers, are volunteers.