SAR Mate

MSF is an international, independent medical humanitarian organization. We are a non-profit, self-governed worldwide movement of more than 63,000 people.

We provide emergency medical assistance during armed conflict, natural disasters, outbreaks of deadly diseases and assist those who are excluded from healthcare. MSF delivers care based on need and when we see injustice, we speak out. We are an organization that remains impartial, knowledgeable, and effective, and this is what makes the difference between life and death.

People are our priority. At Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF)/ Artsen zonder Grenzen, we are committed to an inclusive culture that encourages and supports the diverse voices of our employees.   We encourage diverse applicants including individuals of all gender identities, ages, sexual orientations, nationalities, races, religions, beliefs, social and marital status, people with different abilities and all other diversity characteristics and how they work together.

MSF-Netherlands in Italy coordinates the Search and Rescue operations in the central Mediterranean which provide lifesaving activities and basic assistance operating with the Geo Barents ship.

From March 2026, for 9 months, MSF OCA – High Seas Mission, is looking for 

SAR Mate (100%)

home port in Sicily – periods on board and period on shore at home

MSF Netherlands is looking for Search and Rescue professionals with a strong expertise in maritime sector. In particular, the SAR MATE operate as part of the MSF marine crew and SAR team. They are crewing the rescue boats and the deck during rescue operations and support in the navigational watches. They report directly to the Skipper during port calls, for day-to-day activities (regular maintenance) on-board and during rescue operations. They could act as backup of the skipper in exceptional circumstances.

Main responsibilities

Briefing and preparation

·Under the supervision of the Skipper, they perform daily tasks of maintenance, trainings, safety briefings (on the boat and RHIB)

·Participate in all mandatory trainings

·Support the organization of SAR Training Sessions

·Support the update and follow-up of the official internal documents and procedures if requested

·Ensure that the rescue boat and the rescue material are ready for rescue at all times and all equipment and material are well maintained

Navigation and rescue operations

·Under the instructions of the captain, participate in mooring/unmooring of the vessel

·Perform navigational watchkeeping duties

·Depending on the role assigned by the SARCo and the Skipper, carry out the following duties assigned to their position during a rescue operations at sea, which could be:

oLead the pre-operation and post-operation checks of the deck, including all the life saving devices on board to be ready for rescue operation

oLead a MSF fast rescue boat under the responsibility of the SARCo

oBe responsible for the safety of the rescue boat and the team. Ensure that all crew on board on the Rhib follow safety procedure while on operations

oDrive the MSF fast rescue boat under the direction of the boat leader

oBe responsible for the launch and recovery operations of life saving devices in SAR operations

oBe in charge of the embarkation procedure at the embarkation area.

Survivor care

·Perform watches on deck when survivors are on board

·Support the care of survivors which includes but is not limited to:

oFood and beverage distribution

oCrowd management and control

oOrganizing survivors flow to hygiene facilities

oReferring to the appropriate person to assist for medical and psychological care

oFacilitating a comfortable and safe environment, where all people are treated with dignity and respect

oConflict de-escalation as needed

oCleaning of the survivor care area. This includes but is not limited to scrubbing deck, toilets, showers and removing waste.

§The living conditions aboard the ship are rudimentary, cabins are shared with several people, a toilet and shower is shared between all the crew staff, with no possibility to ensure single-gender facilities. Rooms and bathrooms on land may also be shared.

§All staff is expected to contribute to the operations and chores on the ship, both at sea and while in port. This includes irregular shifts and night shifts, manual and heavy work within and beyond your own job responsibilities.

Candidate Profile 

We offer 

A German maritime employment contract from March 2026 for 9 months.

The proposed tandem rhythm consists of approximately 8 weeks of deployment followed by 4 weeks of rest at home. The first and last weeks of deployment will be flexible to accommodate operational timelines and handovers, ensuring predictable schedules for the four weeks of rest at home.

Application 

If you recognise yourself in this profile, we welcome you to apply via email, sending CV + Letter of Motivation (in English) to sar-jobs@oca.msf.org - Subject: “SAR MATE_your Surname”.

Please, we kindly ask you to indicate Availability, 2 contacts of references and certificates held.

Please note that only candidates that fully meet the requirements of the position will be taken into consideration. 

 <centered, bold> ***No agencies please***