Captain – SAR Vessel Operations (f/m/d)

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Captain – SAR Vessel Operations (f/m/d)

We are a civilian aid organization founded in 2015 in response to people dying in the Mediterranean Sea. We search for people in distress on the world’s deadliest refugee route and fight against the daily loss of life at sea with our rescue boat. We are convinced: "Every life counts!"

If you share our commitment to solidarity at sea and you are an experienced captain, we look forward to your application!

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Assume full command of the vessel, ensure safe navigation and operational readiness, develop navigational plans in close coordination with the Head of Mission (HOM), and lead the crew through clear operations and safety-related task delegation, performance oversight, and fostering a professional, safety-oriented environment

• Support and facilitate SAR operations under Head of Mission (HOM) coordination, while holding primary responsibility for vessel safety, navigation, and the security of crew, passengers, and guests onboard.

• Conduct risk assessments (navigation, weather, sea conditions, technical systems) and organize safety trainings, navigational training, and bridge watches

• Oversee vessel certification, servicing, and safety inspections; supervise maintenance of SAR and SOLAS equipment; and ensure proper operational documentation (e.g., fuel logs, incident reports, rotation follow-ups).

• Manage water and fuel consumption, onboard resupply, and ensure accurate work/rest hour tracking alongside maintaining all relevant vessel and compliance records

PROFILE

• Proven experience as skipper or captain in SAR or comparable maritime operations, ideally on a 23 m twin-engine vessel or similar fast rescue vessel

• Strong practical vessel handling skills, including precise maneuvering without bow thruster support

• Demonstrated leadership capability with the ability to make calm, sound decisions under pressure

• High situational awareness, strong communication skills, and the ability to work effectively in small, multicultural teams

• High level of resilience, flexibility, and commitment to safety in physically and emotionally demanding environments

• Fluent in English; proficiency in Italian and/or Arabic is an advantage

• Holds all required certifications including STCW Basic Safety, Security Awareness, Radio Operator Certificate, valid skipper/captain license (Yacht master or higher), and medical fitness for sea service

• Additional strengths include experience in civil SAR operations, crisis and crew resource management training, risk management and intercultural leadership, familiarity with humanitarian/NGO contexts, and willingness to take on additional onboard responsibilities

WHAT WE OFFER

• Opportunity to work in a mission-driven organization with a tangible humanitarian impact.

• An annual training budget (50% of one monthly salary).

• Salary: 3200 Euro gross/Month

• Annual health budget (via supplementary company health insurance) and employer-supported pension scheme with an attractive contribution.

• Prospects of longer-term employment(1:1)

Data Protection Notice

The personal data collected as part of the application process will be processed solely for the purpose of conducting the recruitment procedure. If your application is not considered or is withdrawn, all related personal data will be deleted no later than six months after the rejection or withdrawal of your application.