
Saving lives is teamwork: Join our crew on board the Humanity 1!
We always are looking for people from all over the world to join our team on board. Individuals with different experiences and backgrounds. The language on board is English.
In case you are interested in joining our crew please check our FAQ below for possible positions, general requirements and information on how to apply.
Currently we are looking to fill the following positions:
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We are looking for a Mental Health Representative on board of the HUMANTIY 1 from January 2024 on for different rotations during the year.
As a mental health representative, you will be the focal point for the mental health care of the survivors on board the Humanity 1. You will be part of the medical team, led by the Care Coordinator and work in close cooperation with other positions (e.g., protection representative, cultural mediator, Communications Coordinator)
Required:
- Training in Psychology or other relevant education with significant experience in mental health in emergencies
- 2 years of relevant working experience (after completion of educational program)
- Fluency in English (minimum level C1)
- Work experience with people in acute crisis, (complex) traumatization, emergency psychology, crisis intervention, stabilization, psychological de-escalation, suicide risk assessment etc.
- Ability to work under high pressure and in stressful low resource environments
- Ability to identify, prioritize and address mental health needs
- Highly flexible, self-reflected, open-minded personality
- Ability to work in multi-professional teams and independently
- Critical understanding of professional boundaries, White-Saviorism, racism and power imbalance in complex settings
- Commitment to SOS Humanity protocols and code of conduct
Desired:
- Arabic / French / Bangla language skills
- Work experience in humanitarian emergencies and/or SAR
- Work experience with asylum seekers, refugees, people on the move
- Work experience in multicultural teams, with a cultural mediator and with people of various cultural backgrounds
- Experience in providing Trainings and/or Supervision
- Knowledge and training in different, culturally adapted psychological interventions
The position is a volunteer position. We pay for your arrival and departure, accommodation, food and accident insurance.
If you are interested, please contact us at: crewing@sos-humanity.org
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For our marine crew we are looking for an Electrician on board the Humanity 1:
As part of the engine-team, the electrician is supervised by the Chief Engineer but is also required to work autonomously as the sole electrician on board.
Responsibilities & Duties:
- Maintain and repair main switch board and electrical ships propulsion system in close cooperation with Chief Engineer.
- Maintain and repair all other shipboard electrical systems and equipment, including, but not limited to:
- batteries, chargers and UPSs on board.
- electric motors, including spare motors.
- alternators and frequency controllers.
- communicational, navigational and operational technologies in compliance with required certifications.
- all electrical parts of decks machinery and equipment.
- all electrical parts inside accommodation.
- electrical power tools like drills, grinders etc.
- white goods, for instance disinfector, hot water units, electrically driven domestic appliances.
- electrically driven heating appliances (including regular descaling).
- Maintaining and repairing all electronic and automation control, monitoring and safety systems
- Manage and handle the ships planned maintenance system (PMS)
- Create documentation of any own changes or modifications of on-board electric equipment, ongoing completion of all available related documentation
- Ensure safety standards of all shipboard electrical systems according to the relevant requirements and recommendations. For instance, but not limited to:
- Conduction of regular insulation measurement and monitoring of all on-board installations including electrical motors.
- Testing of portable electrical equipment in accordance with DGUV-V3.
- Order electrical spares and consumables after approval from Chief engineer, keep up-to date inventories. Ensure cleanliness and readiness of tools inside electrician’s workshop
- Instruct crew on safe handling of electric and electronic equipment, especially white goods and galley equipment if required. Inform crew about efficient use of energy on the ship, at sea and especially in port according to the Ship Energy Efficiency Management Plan (SEEMP).
- Conduct engineering watch when personally qualified and watch is required in accordance with STCW Ch VIII.
- All other works and duties as delegated by the Chief Engineer are part of the work scope to ensure the overall responsibility and safe operation of the vessel. Assist the Chief Engineer in administration as required.
- Support Chief Engineer within any external and internal audits, PSC, class surveys etc.
- Participate in all required trainings and safety drills.
- Follow the Safety Management System (ISM)
- Observe, monitor and act according to all internal and external safety, quality and environmental regulations.
- Provide a written handover report at the end of each on-board cycle, covering general performance of the electrical equipment, any problems and any recommendations for replacement, maintenance, additional equipment, which will be shared with the Chief Engineer
Requirements and skills
- Valid Certificate Electro-Technical Rating 750kW or more (STCW-III/7) or Electro Technical Officer (STCW-III/6)
- Valid Certificate of Proficiency in Basic Safety (STCW A-VI/1) (issued within the last 5 years)
- Valid Certificate of Security Awareness (STCW A-VI/6-1) (issued within the last 5 years) and Designated Security Duties (STCW A-VI/6-2)
- If available: Proficiency in Survival Craft and Rescue Boats Other than Fast Rescue Boats (STCW A-VI/2-1)
- If available: Certificate Advanced Fire Fighting (STCW A-VI/3)
- Expert technical / troubleshooting experience
- Physical fitness and mental resilience (incl. valid Medical Fitness Certificate for Seafarers for respective position)
- Identification with Aims and Work of SOS Humanity
- Good teambuilding skills, especially in extreme situations
- Awareness of working for an NGO; potentially working with partially (sea) inexperienced volunteers and familiarity with principles of “flat hierarchies”
- Strong communication skills
- Good English language skills (confident communication in an international team; spontaneous, fluent, detailed communication with native speakers in a broad range of themes)
- Advanced PC knowledge, especially Microsoft Excel/Word skills
- Age: 23-70 years
- Vaccinations: Covid19 booster vaccination, measles, rubella, tetanus
- Ability to remain abstinent (drugs and alcohol) during rotation
Desirable:
- Experience working with pre-automation equipment and with Caterpillar motors
- Experience in maintaining/repairing hydraulic systems
- Advanced electrical engineering knowledge
- Experience with Electric Arc Welding (Manual and MAG)
We provide:
- Possibility for longer employment
- 1-1-Contract
- Travel Expenses
In addition to the Covid19 booster vaccination, a week of self-isolation and a negative Covid19-test (not older than 24h!) are required.
The HUMANITY 1 sails under German flag, therefore we are bound to European citizenship in certain positions. However, it is very important to us that our crew is as international and diverse as possible. In particular, we would like to encourage women* to apply in order to ensure a balanced gender ratio on board.
We are looking forward to receiving your application at crewing@sos-humanity.org
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For our care team, we are looking for a Cultural Mediator on board the Humanity 1.
Cultural mediators are critical in facilitating communication between the survivors on board and the crew of SOS Humanity. You will be the bridge between our team and the survivors on board with the aim of improving the quality of care offered. You will foster the removal of linguistic and cultural barriers and improve the access to healthcare (including mental health) and other available care.
Applications from female-read persons are explicitly welcome!
Responsibilities:
Support for the provision of quality care that facilitate communication between the survivors on board and our crew by:- Creating a relationship of trust between the two parties
- Translating the doctor/psychologist’s words into the patient’s mother tongue so that they understand what the medical team is saying, and vice versa
- Helping our crew to understand specific aspects of the survivor’s culture with whom you have cultural ties, with the aim of improving the delivery of our assistance
- Exchanging with all collaborators in order to approach each person in the best possible way
- Actively participating in all parallel activities related to the health and social care for survivors, including information and other activities
Experiences:
- Significant experience in interpreting and/or intercultural mediation
- Ability to work well as a part of a multi-cultural and multi-disciplinary team
- Ability to cope in a ship environment and to work under pressure
- Flexible and able to manage stress
- High flexibility and adaptability
- Excellent interpersonal communication skills
Desirable:
- Experience in the context of migration or related projects
- Experience with other NGOs or civil society organisations
- A training/diploma in cultural interpretation or mediation
Language requirements:
For cultural reasons and in order to facilitate access to our survivors on board, we are looking for people with:- a mastery (level C2) in Arabic
- a mastery in at least one of the following languages: Amharic, Dari, Farsi, Kurdish (Sorani) and Tigrinya, and in-depth knowledge of the associated cultures.
- Fluency in English (level C2), which is the working language (mandatory)
Other requirements:
- Immunization against Covid19 (3x) and against Measles and Rubella (MMR vaccination)
- Valid passport to exit Schengen (>7 months ) and valid EU-Permit of residence
- Good physical and mental health condition
- Sharing and representing the values and principles of SOS Humanity
We provide:
- Travel Expenses
In addition to the Covid19 booster vaccination, five days of reduced social contact, and a negative Covid19-test (not older than 24h!) are required.
The Humanity 1 sails under German flag, therefore we are bound to European citizenship in certain positions. However, it is very important to us that our crew is as international and diverse as possible. In particular, we would like to encourage women* to apply in order to ensure a balanced gender ratio on board.
We are looking forward to receiving your application at: crewing@sos-humanity.org
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For our marine crew, we are urgently looking for a Captain (Master) on board the Humanity 1:
Responsibilities:
- Captain is responsible for ship’s command and the coordination of rescue operations – this requires previous experience in SAR operations as they act as head of mission in cooperation and coordination with HoM-Team (Care Coordinator, SAR Coordinator and Communications Coordinator on Board)
- Overall responsibility for the ship and its operation
- safe (SAR) navigation and operation of the vessel including search and rescue (SAR) bureaucracy with respective authorities and actors
- consulting SARCo from land for strategic questions and regular reporting
- plan and coordinate safe and effective search and rescue rotation:
- work with partially inexperienced SAR members (volunteers and professional crew)
- coordinate rescue mission from the bridge including SAR bureaucracy with authorities and respective actors
- plan and conduct several drills on board to train volunteer and professional crew for search and rescue rotation, together with SARCo and Chief Mate
- communication with other vessels, aircrafts, backoffice and authorities
- coordination and communication with SARCo during deployment
- coordination and supervision of all tasks on board – before, during, after rescue mission
- preparation or review of rotation reports and protocols
- responsibility for ship’s administration and management
- prepare documentation for disembarkation of survivors on board
- familiarization of crew with ship, regular work and general procedures on board, together with professional ship personnel
- ensure everyone and everything on board in compliance with organisation’s policy, SOPs and Guidelines
- Maritime contact for offices on land
- Communication with technical ship managers and superintendes of Hellespont
- Ship Security Officer on Board
- In charge of crew medications and narcotics – however: crew and volunteer treatment done by professional doctor on board during rotation
Requirements:
- EU Citizenship
- Valid Certificate of Competency for Master on ships up to 3000 GT (STCW A-II/2)
- Valid General Operator’s Certificate (GMDSS) (STCW A-IV/2)
- Valid Certificate of Proficiency ECDIS (Navi Sailor 4000)
- Valid Certificate of Proficiency Ship Security Officer (STCW A-VI/5)
- Valid Certificate of Proficiency in Survival Craft and Rescue Boat (STCW A-VI/2-1) (issued within the last 5 years)
- Valid Certificate of Proficiency for Advance Training in Techniques for Firefighting (STCW A-VI/3) (issued within the last 5 years)
- Valid Certificate of Proficiency in Medical Care on Board Ship (STCW A-VI/4-2)
- Valid Certificate of Proficiency in Basic Safety (STCW A-VI/1) (issued within the last 5 years)
- Valid Certificate of Security Awareness (STCW A-VI/6-1) + Designated Security Duties (STCW A-VI/6-2)
- German Endorsement in case of foreign certificates
- very good teamwork and leadership skills, especially in extreme situations
- strong communication skills
- Physical fitness and mental resilience, incl. valid Medical Certificate for Seafarers for desired position
- Identification with the aims and work of SOS Humanity
- Awareness of working for a NGO; potentially working with partially (sea) inexperienced volunteers and familiarity with principles of “flat hierarchies”
- Precise knowledge of actors, communication channels and SOPs related to rotation
- Knowledge of nautical as well as SAR related guidelines and conventions (SAR Convention, IAMSAR, MLC, SOLAS,…)
- Good knowledge of situation on Central Mediterranean and its actors
- Good knowledge of equipment, strengths and limitations of ship and its crew
- Good English language skills (confident communication in an international team; spontaneous, fluent, detailed communication with native speakers in a broad range of themes)
- Advanced PC skills especially Microsoft Excel, Word and Outlook
- Vaccinations: Covid19 booster vaccination, measles, rubella
We provide:
- Salary: 3360 € / month (employee gross)
- Possibility for longer-term employment
- 1-1-Contract
- Travel Expenses
In addition to the Covid19 booster vaccination, five days of reduced social contact, and a negative Covid19-test (not older than 24h!) are required.
The Humanity 1 sails under German flag, therefore we are bound to European citizenship in certain positions. However, it is very important to us that our crew is as international and diverse as possible. In particular, we would like to encourage women* to apply in order to ensure a balanced gender ratio on board.
We are looking forward to receiving your application at: crewing@sos-humanity.org
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For our marine crew we are looking for a Chief Engineer on board the Humanity 1:
Responsibilities & Duties:
- Responsibility for the safe operation and maintenance of all engine plants, along with all mechanical and electrical equipment inside and outside the engine room, as per the Planned Maintenance System (PMS)
- Responsibility for the supervision of the engine room staff
- Responsibility for respecting and implementing all international regulations, and ensuring that all engine room documents remain up-to-date, including the engine room logbook
- Responsibility for maintaining good communication between the engine department, the master, and the shore manager
- Responsibility for communicating the technical needs and requirements, for the effective operation of the ship
- Responsibility for organising necessary orders, such as spare parts, fuel oil, lube oil, water – as well as preparing and overseeing bunker operations
- Supports on mechanical issues in repairs and maintenance on RHIBS and Deck
Requirements and skills
- Valid Certificate of Competence as Chief Engineer Officer on ships powered by main propulsion machinery between 750kW and 3000kW (STCW A-III/3, German license OR endorsement for the German flag)
- Valid certificate of proficiency in basic safety (STCW A-VI/1) (issued within the last 5 years)
- Valid certificate of Security Awareness (STCW A-VI/6) (issued within the last 5 years)
- Expert technical / troubleshooting experience
- Basic electric engineering knowledge
- Physical fitness and mental resilience (incl. valid Medical Fitness Certificate for Seafarers for respective position)
- Identification with Aims and Work of SOS Humanity
- Good teambuilding skills, especially in extreme situations
- Awareness of working for an NGO; potentially working with partially (sea) inexperienced volunteers and familiarity with principles of “flat hierarchies”
- Strong communication skills
- Good English language skills (confident communication in an international team; spontaneous, fluent, detailed communication with native speakers in a broad range of themes)
- Advanced PC knowledge, especially Microsoft Excel/Word skills
- Age: 21-70 years
- Vaccinations: Covid19 booster vaccination, measles, rubella, tetanus
- Ability to remain abstinent (drugs and alcohol) during rotation
Desirable:
- Experience working with pre-automation equipment and with Caterpillar motors
- Experience in maintaining/repairing hydraulic systems
- Advanced electrical engineering knowledge
- Experience with Electric Arc Welding (Manual and MAG)
We provide:
- Salary: 3080 € / month (employee gross)
- Possibility for longer employment
- 1-1-Contract
- Travel Expenses
In addition to the Covid19 booster vaccination, a week of self-isolation and a negative Covid19-test (not older than 24h!) are required.
The Humanity 1 sails under German flag, therefore we are bound to European citizenship in certain positions. However, it is very important to us that our crew is as international and diverse as possible. In particular, we would like to encourage women* to apply in order to ensure a balanced gender ratio on board.
We are looking forward to receiving your application at: crewing@sos-humanity.org
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For our rescue team we are looking for RHIB-Coordinators on board the Humanity 1:
Responsibilities & Duties:
- Ensure safe and effective rescue operations from the water, under the direction of the SARCo
- Support and advise the SARCo on the water
- Communicate with the ship’s bridge and SARCo about the operation
- Carry out all tasks, duties, and responsibilities necessary to carry out maintenance and repair work on the lifesaving appliances and RHIBs and their machinery, equipment, and systems
- Maintaining and monitoring the RHIB-engine systems and all auxiliary machinery (vents, pumps, etc.), and assessing their performance
- Managing and conducting fuel operations for the RHIB
- Holding a safe and effective lookout
- Maintaining deck watch
- Maintaining a protective, helpful, and respectful approach to the rescued people on board. Supporting the deck team by carrying out food preparation, taking general care of survivors etc.
What we are looking for:
- previous search and rescue experience
- strong sense of communication and team
- leading skills as well as working in a team
- awareness of safety and taking responsibility for other crew members
- knowledge about RHIBs and rescue equipment
- flexibility in daily schedules and interest in learning
We provide:
- Travel Expenses
In addition to the Covid19 booster vaccination, a week of self-isolation and a negative Covid19-test (not older than 24h!) are required.
The Humanity 1 sails under German flag, therefore we are bound to European citizenship in certain positions. However, it is very important to us that our crew is as international and diverse as possible. In particular, we would like to encourage women* to apply in order to ensure a balanced gender ratio on board.
We are looking forward to receiving your application at: crewing@sos-humanity.org
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For our marine crew we are looking for a Bosun on board the Humanity 1:
Responsibilities and Duties:
- In charge of crew and operation on deck related to rescue activities
- Report to Chief Mate and coordination of work on deck acting as deck leader
- Responsible for safe operations on deck
- In charge of deck crew and their safety
- Responsibility for maintenance of general arrangement of deck and accommodation
- Responsible for tidiness and cleanliness of ship
- Assistance with maintenance of safety equipment
- Acting as crane operator and night quartermaster on board
- Conducts drills and trainings for crew in deck operations, craning, launching/recovering RHIBs, line handling – in cooperation and coordination with Search and Rescue Coordinator (SARCo)
- Support the RHIB Drivers to ensure RHIBs are ready for operation (sponson tension, batteries, fuel, safety equipment etc.)
- Maintain and update vessel’s spare part inventory in close collaboration with SARCo and RHIB lead
- Supervision of RHIB maintenance, outboard engines, ensuring technical readiness
Requirements and skills:
- Valid Navigational Watchkeeping Certificate (STCW A-II/4 or ATCW A-II/5)
- Valid Certificate of Proficiency in Basic Safety (STCW A-VI/1) (issued within the last 5 years)
- Valid Certificate of Security Awareness (STCW A-VI/6-1) as well as Certificate of Designated Security Duties (STCW A-VI/6-2)
- Valid Certificate of Proficiency for Advance Training in Techniques for Firefighting (STCW A-VI/3) (issued within the last 5 years)
- Experience in SAR operations
- very good teamwork skills, especially in extreme situations
- strong communication skills
- Physical fitness and mental resilience, incl. valid Medical Certificate for Seafarers for desired position
- Identification with the aims and work of SOS Humanity
- Awareness of working for a NGO; potentially working with partially (sea) inexperienced volunteers and familiarity with principles of “flat hierarchies”
- Good English language skills (confident communication in an international team; spontaneous, fluent, detailed communication with native speakers in a broad range of themes)
- Advanced PC skills especially Microsoft Excel, Word and Outlook
- Age: 21-70 years
- Vaccinations: Covid19 booster vaccination, measles, rubella, tetanus
We provide:
- Salary: 2900 € / month (employee gross)
- Possibility for longer-term employment
- 1-1-Contract
- Travel Expenses
In addition to the Covid19 booster vaccination, a week of self-isolation and a negative Covid19-test (not older than 24h!) are required.
The Humanity 1 sails under German flag, therefore we are bound to European citizenship in certain positions. However, it is very important to us that our crew is as international and diverse as possible. In particular, we would like to encourage women* to apply in order to ensure a balanced gender ratio on board.
We are looking forward to receiving your application at crewing@sos-humanity.org

Our crew
The crew of the Humanity 1
- Conducts professional search and rescue
- Stands up for people in distress
- Is an experienced team
- knows that during operations every minute counts
- is diverse and interantional
Frequently asked questions
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The 28-member crew of SOS Humanity consists of four teams, working closely together and supporting each other: the search and rescue team (7 persons), the medical and care team (6 persons), the technical-nautical team (12 persons) and the communication and documentation team (2 persons). Two additional places on board are available for journalists/media and photographers.
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A respectful working environment is important to us! We want all crew members to feel safe and able to perform their duties regardless of their ethnic, social, economic background, their gender identity or sexual orientation. Our Code of Conduct applies to all crew members, and we do not tolerate any kind of racism, anti-semitism, sexism, misogyny, xenophobia, homophobia, transphobia, ableism and any other form of discrimination and abuse of power on board. Identification with these guidelines is a requirement for working on board Humanity 1.
Further general requirements are:
- Basic Safety Training – Certificate (STCW VI/1) desirable
- If you do not yet have this certificate yet, we will try to support you as best we can with the financing.
- High physical and mental resilience
- Very good knowledge of English
- Experience in seafaring and/or rescue desirable
- Certificate of good conduct
- COVID-19 booster vaccination and vaccinations against measles and rubella
Requirements for nautical crew are
- Valid fitness for sea certificate
- Necessary certificates of competency (navigation and/or engine)
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Please note: Due to the current situation, which may lead for example longer blockades at sea or additional quarantine time on board, exact statements about the (minimum) duration of a rotation are more difficult to predict.
Normally, rotations last three weeks. Currently, an additional quarantine period of one week on board as well as a seven-day-period of self-isolation before arrival must also be planned.
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In case we you are interested in joining our crew or have any further questions, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with our crewing team via mail (crewing@sos-humanity.org).
Please let us know which position on board you might be interested in and in which period you are available.
We would also appreciate it if you could briefly outline your background and send us a short CV (as a PDF, maximum 2 MB in size).
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We will do our best to get back to you as soon as possible. As we receive numerous applications and have to consider various points in crew planning, we ask for your understanding if our response takes a little longer.