Captain Open Ship NGO Vessel 27.03-18.05.2026

Introduction to SOS Humanity: Founded in 2015 in Berlin, SOS Humanity is a non-governmental search and rescue organisation, actively striving for a world in which the human rights of all are respected. SOS Humanity stands for humanity at sea and on land. We are committed to ensuring that no person drowns while fleeing at sea and that everyone is treated with dignity.

With our rescue ship Humanity 1, we are active in the Central Mediterranean. During specific periods, the vessel is located in port and opened to the public for events, visits and outreach activities (“Open Ship”).

For such a port-based period, we are looking for a Captain (Master) on board the HUMANITY 1 from 27.03-18.05.2026:

Responsibilities and Duties

• Overall responsibility for vessel, crew and safety while in port; ensure safe mooring, technical readiness and regulatory compliance
• Act as main contact for port authorities and stakeholders; coordinate logistics, inspections and ensure readiness for deployment
• Oversee safe public visits and on-board events, including crowd safety, access control and coordination with internal teams
• Lead and coordinate a mixed team of professional crew and volunteers; ensure onboarding and clear responsibilities
• Manage ship administration, documentation and reporting; ensure compliance with SOPs and act as Ship Security Officer (SSO)
• Liaise with technical management (Helios), monitor maintenance and supervise safety and emergency drills

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)
• German Endorsement in case of foreign certificates

Additional competencies:

• Strong leadership and communication skills, especially in dynamic environments
• Experience working with volunteers and non-maritime stakeholders is an asset
• Ability to manage public-facing situations and represent the organisation
• High level of responsibility, flexibility and organisational awareness

We provide

• Salary: starting from 3,600 € gross/month, with final salary determined by an internal points-based system (experience and social factors such as dependent children)
• Possibility for longer-term employment
• 1-1-Contract (each day on board = 1 day of paid leave)
• Travel Expenses

The HUMANITY 1 sails under German flag; therefore, certain positions require EU citizenship. However, it is very important to us that our crew is as international and diverse as possible. We particularly encourage women* to apply to ensure a balanced gender ratio on board.