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

SOS Humanity recently acquired a second ship to strengthen its civilian SAR fleet. Humanity 2 is a 24-meter steel yacht ketch and is currently undergoing extensive shipyard work and refitting so that it will be fully operational in the central Mediterranean in the summer of 2026.

For our crew we are looking for a Mechanic on board the Humanity 2:

Responsibilities & Duties  

For Humanity 2, we are looking for two mechanics (f/d/m) who will work alternating and be responsible for carrying out, planning, documenting and overseeing all technical repairs and maintenance of the ship’s engines and electrical systems.  

During the shipyard and refit phase, the focus lies on preparation, maintenance, troubleshooting and commissioning of all technical systems. In this phase, you may be supported by volunteers.  

With the vessel becoming operational, the role is designed to transition into rotations on board. In this context, you will work on alternating rotations, with each mechanic taking full responsibility for the engine room and technical systems during their respective rotations.  

During operations, there will be a second technically qualified person on board, but the mechanic on rotation carries overall responsibility for the machinery space.  

During the shipyard and maintenance phases, the mechanic will be responsible for all technical aspects of the vessel, including but not limited to:  

• Planned and corrective maintenance, fault diagnosis, and overhaul of the main propulsion engine (MAN D2542, 233 kW) and associated auxiliary generator sets (MAN D0226, Mase Mariner 2000TS), including mechanical, fuel injection, cooling, lubrication, and exhaust systems  

• Operation, inspection, maintenance, and repair of fuel oil, freshwater, and seawater systems, including tanks, pipework, valves, strainers, pumps, heat exchangers, and system components  

• Maintenance and repair of hydraulic systems, including pumps, valves, actuators, piping, and seals  

• Preventive and corrective maintenance of the RHIB outboard engine in accordance with manufacturer specifications  

• Technical support for refit installations and system modifications, including commissioning and functional testing  

• Independent fault diagnosis and corrective troubleshooting in a shipyard environment  

• Technical supervision and task coordination of volunteers assigned to engineering and maintenance activities  

• Close operational interface with the operations Coordinator to align technical status, planning, and priorities  

• Structured documentation, reporting, and communication of technical requirements, defects, corrective actions, and work progress in line with PMS / ISM practices  

This position requires a high degree of hands-on technical expertise, independent problem-solving, and responsibility for shipboard systems.  

Requirements & Skills  

• Formal training in marine engineering or ship mechanics preferred, but not required  

• Equivalent practical experience or related technical education (e.g., automotive/mechanical) or extensive practical experience accepted  

• Valid STCW Basic Safety Certificate (A-VI/1) or willingness to obtain  

• Physical fitness and mental resilience (including Medical Fitness Certificate for Seafarers, or willingness to obtain)  

• Hands-on experience with marine diesel engines, including maintenance, overhaul, and diagnostics  

• Skilled in mechanical and systems troubleshooting across propulsion, auxiliary, and fluid systems  

• Experienced in shipboard technical operations, including machinery, electrical, and hydraulic systems  

• Solid foundational knowledge of (marine) electrical systems  

• Capable of independent, responsible technical work in shipyard and onboard environments  

• Committed to the aims and operational values of SOS Humanity  

• Experienced in NGO or expedition-style operations, collaborating with international, mixed-experience teams and flat hierarchies  

• Strong communication skills  

• Working language: English  

We Provide  

• Project-based contract 

• Salary: €3.000 / month (employee gross)  

• Individual factors such as experience, affiliation, and care responsibilities are taken into account in a transparent salary structure, making a higher salary possible  

• Possibility of longer-term employment  

• Travel expenses covered  

• A unique opportunity to actively contribute to the preparation of a new civilian SAR vessel  

Timeframe  

Start date flexible; length of stay to be agreed individually.   

The initial focus will be on the shipyard and refit phase. A longer-term involvement is highly desired, with the aim of continuing into alternating rotations once Humanity 2 becomes operational.  

Contract & Work Structure

During the shipyard and refit phase, the position is offered under a dedicated shipyard contract with a regular weekly work structure and scheduled rest days. This phase is clearly distinct from operational deployments at sea and does not follow a 1:1 rotation model. 

With the vessel becoming operational, the role is intended to transition into a standard 1:1 rotation contract, subject to operational needs and mutual agreement. 

Location  

Sicily, Italy (Licata and Syracuse) 

Additional Notes  

Humanity 2 does not fall under commercial shipping regulations, which means that seafarers cannot accumulate sea time aboard the vessel. Nevertheless, the role requires a high level of competence, responsibility, and professionalism.  

We strongly encourage applications from people of all genders and backgrounds. Diversity and solidarity are core values of SOS Humanity.  

Application  

If you are interested in supporting the refit of Humanity 2 and future operations and would like to contribute your skills to civil sea rescue, we look forward to hearing from you.  Applications should be submitted via our website.  Please indicate in the “Motivation” section that you are applying for the HUMANITY 2.