Since our foundation in 2015 in Berlin, SOS Humanity has been active as a civil search and rescue organisation, working to ensure that no one on the move has to drown and that everyone is treated with dignity. With our rescue vessels Humanity 1 and Humanity 2, we operate in the Central Mediterranean to rescue and protect people in distress at sea and bring them to a place of safety.

For our maritime ship crew, we are looking for a Captain (Master).

Apply now!

Responsibilities and Duties

The Captain is responsible for ship operations and the coordination of rescue operations. This requires previous experience in search and rescue operations, as the Captain acts as Head of Mission in cooperation and coordination with the HoM team on board (Care Coordinator, SAR Coordinator and Communications Coordinator).

• Overall responsibility for the vessel and the mission, in close consultation with and supported by experienced SAR Coordinators (SARCo) on board and ashore

• Safe (SAR) navigation and command of the vessel

• Consultation with SARCos ashore on strategic matters and regular reporting

• Planning and coordinating safe and effective search and rescue rotations, including but not limited to:

  • Working with partially inexperienced SAR crew members (volunteers and contracted crew)

  • Coordinating rescue operations from the bridge, including SAR-related documentation and communication with relevant authorities and actors

  • Planning and leading multiple drills on board to prepare volunteers and maritime crew for SAR rotations, together with the SARCo and Chief Mate

• Communication with other vessels, aircraft, the back office and authorities

• Coordination and communication with SARCo during operations

• Coordination and oversight of all activities on board – before, during and after rescue rotations

• Preparing or revising rotation reports and protocols

• Responsibility for ship administration and ship management

• Preparing documentation for the disembarkation of survivors

• Familiarising crew members with the vessel, regular duties and procedures on board, together with the professional ship crew

• Ensuring that all persons and all operations comply with organisational policies, SOPs and guidelines

• Maritime point of contact for the onshore office

• Communication with the technical ship management and leadership of Hellespont

• Ship Security Officer on board

• Responsible for crew medication and narcotics (note: treatment of crew and volunteers is carried out by professional medical staff on board)

Requirements

• EU citizenship

• Valid Certificate of Competency as Master on ships up to 3,000 GT (STCW A-II/2)

• Valid GOC Radio Certificate (STCW A-IV/2)

• Valid ECDIS certificate (Navi Sailor 4000)

• Valid Ship Security Officer certificate (STCW A-VI/5)

• Valid Proficiency in Survival Craft and Rescue Boats (STCW A-VI/2-1) – issued within the last five years

• Valid Advanced Firefighting (STCW A-VI/3) – issued within the last five years

• Valid Medical Care on Board certificate (STCW A-VI/4-2)

• Valid Basic Safety Training (STCW A-VI/1) – issued within the last five years

• Valid certificate in Security Awareness and Designated Security Duties (STCW A-VI/6)

• Identification with the mission and values of SOS Humanity

• Strong knowledge of relevant actors, communication channels and SOPs related to the rotation

• Knowledge of both maritime and SAR-related regulations and conventions (SAR Convention, IAMSAR, MLC, SOLAS, …)

• Good knowledge of the situation in the central Mediterranean and the involved actors

• Good understanding of the equipment, strengths and limitations of the vessel and crew

• Physical fitness and mental resilience, including a valid Medical Fitness Certificate for Seafarers for the respective position

• Strong team-building skills, especially in extreme situations

• Awareness of working for an NGO; ability to work with partially inexperienced volunteers and familiarity with principles of “flat hierarchy”

• Strong communication skills

• Advanced computer skills, especially Excel and Outlook

• Language skills: English B2 (confident communication in an international team; spontaneous, fluent, detailed communication with native speakers across a broad range of topics)

• Vaccinations: Covid-19 booster, measles, rubella

We offer

• Salary: € 3,360 / month (gross)

• Possibility of long-term employment

• 1-to-1 contract (one day on board = one day of paid leave)

• Reimbursement of travel expenses

In addition to the Covid-19 booster vaccination, one week of self-isolation prior to arrival and proof of a negative Covid-19 test (not older than 24 hours) are required.

The HUMANITY 1 sails under the German flag; therefore, certain positions (e.g., Captain) require EU citizenship. Nevertheless, we place great importance on ensuring that our crew is as international and diverse as possible. We particularly encourage women* to apply in order to maintain a balanced gender ratio on board.

Apply now!