Join the Crew
Applications are currently closed for the following positions: Deck Rating (AB) / Bosun / Master / 1st Officer / 2nd Officer.
Applications are currently closed for the following positions: Deck Rating (AB) / Bosun / Master / 1st Officer / 2nd Officer.
Interested in joining the crew on Aurora? Please read carefully:
AURORA is a 14-meter rescue boat that has been adapted for use in the Central Mediterranean. It can reach a top speed of 25 knots. This makes it one of the fastest vessels in the civilian search and rescue fleet in the central Mediterranean.
The crew will be on standby near our port of operation in order to respond to emergencies as quickly as possible. Each rotation lasts 4 weeks. The crew of 6 need to be be prepared for a variety of rescue scenarios.
Given the small size of the vessel and crew everyone is expected to help with manoeuvres (e.g. mooring), guest care and basic first aid. Communication needs to be clear and constructive at all times. Working language on board of our ships is English, additional language skills are welcome.
Sea sickness can be a real issue on Aurora, so please consider that when applying.
Below you find a more detailed description of each role, including position specific requirements and desired skills.
Unfortunately we are not able to accept every applicant for a position on board. This usually has to do with the limited space and the special skills needed on board. We would like to ask for your understanding in advance.
We are very happy about all your support!
The skipper is responsible for the safety of the Crew and vessel throughout the operation.
Rescue related decisions are made together with the HoM and our operational land support. Given the small size of the ship and flat hierarchies among the crew, we expect the skipper to support the crew on deck whenever bridge duties allow it. The skipper is also responsible to lead maritime training according to our internal training schedules.
The Head of Mission facilitates communication and working together within the crew.
Together with the skipper they are responsible for relationships with external actors (e.g. other vessels, land structures, coast guard, authorities). The Head of Mission ensures the communication flow between the ship and the organization. The HoM is capable of taking decisions in close cooperation with the support team on land, both by facilitating discussions and by taking the lead when the situation requires it.
They organize the trainings and briefings for the crew, ensure the compliance with the standard operating procedures (SOP’s) and are responsible for writings reports and documentation after the rescues.
The Mechanic is responsible for maintenance and repairs of the engine. Additionally, they are the 2nd Helmsperson, and might be tasked to manoeuvre the vessel in shifts with the skipper. They also support with deck and guest care work, whenever other duties allow.
The Guest Focus is the crew member responsible for establishing and maintaining first communication with travellers in distress at sea. They need to have strong crowd management skills and participate in the decision-making together with HOM and Skipper regarding the first assessment on the distress case.
They are responsible for Guestcare, whether people are taken on board Aurora or not, this includes deciding and organizing food and non-food item distribution, as well as sharing basic yet vital information on the basis of our protection principles.
The “Deck / Driver” acts as main deckhand on board and drives the smaller rescue boat (SIB) which we launch for rescue operations. They should be experienced in mooring operations and line handling. They also support the Skipper in training other crew members on basic line handling and deck work, as well as using SAR equipment. They are the main support for the Guest Focus position.
The Medic on board is responsible for having an overview and providing the best care to people in distress at sea. They are the only medic on board. medical facilities and care on board of Aurora are limited to first aid and emergency response. The person must be confident in triage, constant medical assessments, and quick decision-making.
The medic is also responsible to write short medical reports for handovers to other vessel or authorities, and also provide basic medical training for other crew members
Applications are currently closed for the following positions: Deck Rating (AB) / Bosun / Master / 1st Officer / 2nd Officer.
More than 20 volunteers work on board our Sea-Watch 5. Each operation, including preparation and follow-up, lasts 5 weeks. To be able to carry out our operations, we need people with special and very different skills. On these pages, you will find detailed information about the different tasks on board.
If you want to apply for a position on a Sea-Watch operation, you should be able to imagine living and working for 5 weeks in a confined space, in stressful situations and with many unknown and very different people.
Unfortunately we are not able to accept every applicant for a position on board. This usually has to do with the limited space and the special skills needed on board. We would like to ask for your understanding in advance.
We are very happy about all your support!
Applications are currently closed for Master position!
The master has the responsibility for handling the ship. You are responsible for the ship’s administration (bunkering, crew-lists, customs clearance, detailed operational documentation, daily reports and statistics). Together with the Head of Mission, you will prepare the (documentation for) disembarkation of guests.
As master you will handle the ship in harbour and during SAR-operations. Together with 1st and 2nd officer you will introduce the crew to the bridge and watch system. Together you will train the crew in using the bridge equipment, show the crew how to handle ropes and how to communicate over the radio. You will provide the crew with trainings in emergency situations (e.g. what to do in case of fire, POB, ingress of water, unwanted visitors).
Valid Certificate of Competence Master on ships of 500 gross tonnage or more (STCW A-II/2, German license OR endorsement for the German flag)
Valid General Operator’s Certificate GMDSS (STCW A-IV/2, German license OR endorsement for the German flag)
Citizenship of an EU member state
Ability to cooperate well within a team and work closely with the Head of Mission
Ability to provide training and supervision to others
Ability to delegate tasks
Excellent communication skills
Excellent English language skills
Willingness to do maintenance work all over the ship
Ability to work and live in a diverse team of 22 volunteers some of whom will have limited nautical experience
Physical fitness and mental resilience
Italian language skills
Applications are currently closed for the 1st Officer position.
As a 1st officer you will support the master on the bridge. During SAR operations you are responsible for communication between deck and bridge. You coordinate the rescue activities on deck in close cooperation with the deck manager and you pass relevant information on to the bridge. You will work independently as one of the navigators of the ship and you will prepare the watch plan. Together with the master you will familiarise the crew with the bridge and the watch system, train the crew in using the bridge equipment, radio communication and rope handling. Together with the 2nd officer you arrange regular safety drills for situations like fire, POB, ingress of water and unwanted visitors.
Valid Certificate of Competence as Chief Mate on ships between 500 and 3000 gross tonnage or more (STCW A-II/2, German license OR endorsement for the German flag)
valid General Operator’s Certificate GMDSS (STCW A-IV/2, German license OR endorsement for the German flag)
good English language skills
Willingness to part take in the watch-plan (24h/d shift work)
Willingness to do maintenance work all over the ship
Ability to work and live in a diverse team of 22 volunteers some of whom will have limited nautical experience
Physical fitness and mental resilience
Italian language skills
Applications are currently closed for the 2nd Officer position.
The 2nd officer will work closely together with the master and the 1st officer and will be working independently as one of the navigators of the ship and be part of the watch shifts. You will be responsible for all safety equipment on board. Together with the 1st officer you will organise regular safety drills. Furthermore, you will work closely with the rest of crew during SAR operations by supporting the master with log keeping and external communication on the bridge.
Valid Certificate of Competence as Officer in Charge of a Navigational Watch on ships of 500 gross tonnage or more (STCW A-II/1, German license OR endorsement for the German flag)
valid General Operators Certificate GMDSS (STCW A-IV/2, German license OR endorsement for the German flag)
Good English language skills
Willingness to part take in the watch-plan (24h/d shift work)
Willingness to do maintenance work all over the ship
Ability to work and live in a diverse team of 22 volunteers some of whom will have limited nautical experience
Physical fitness and mental resilience
As chief engineer you will be responsible for the engine room. You will oversee the maintenance and repairs of the main engines, generators, pumps and compressors. You are responsible for and work with the Engine Maintenance System. You will work with, support and manage the 2nd and 3rd engineer, and work closely with the Head of Operations and the technical ship manager. During the mission you will inform the crew ashore of technical repairs which must be done during harbour time and coordinate closely with the Head of Operations. Sea-Watch 3 has two main engines and one generator (all caterpillar engines). The Sea-Watch 5 has two main engine units of Cummins engines.
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)
Expert technical / trouble shooting experience
Experience with Caterpillar engines or similar engine
Experience with Electric Arc Welding (Manual and MAG)
Willingness to do general maintenance work on the ship (in support of the bosun)
Willingness to part take in the engine room watch-plan (24h/d shift work in a permanently manned engine room)
Good English language skills
Ability to work and live in a diverse team of 22 volunteers some of whom will have limited nautical experience
Physical fitness and mental resilience
Experience in using hydraulic cranes
Experience in maintaining/repairing hydraulic systems
As a 2nd/3rd engineer you will be working closely together with the chief engineer on the main engines, generators, pumps and compressors. You will help out with operating the hydraulic crane as well as anchor winches. During SAR-operations you will also be taking care of other tasks like look-out, handling guests on the ship, handing out food and drinks to our guests and helping the medical staff.
Recent experience with large engines
Good knowledge and experience of standard safety equipment for ships
Good English language skills
Willingness to do general maintenance work all over the ship (in support of the bosun)
Ability to work and live in a diverse team of 22 volunteers some of whom have limited nautical experience
Physical fitness and mental resilience
experience on ocean going ships
Completed vocational training as engine rating ship’s mechanic (integrated rating) (STCW A-III/5)
Certificate as engineer officer of the watch (STCW A-III/1)
Certificate as second engineer officer (STCW A-III/3 or A-III/3)
Experience with Caterpillar engines or similar engines
Experience in maintaining/repairing hydraulic systems
Experience with electric arc welding (manual and MAG)
Certificate of Proficiency for ‘ratings forming part of a navigational watch’ (STCW A-II/4)
Experience with mooring ships and line handling
Certificate of Proficiency in Security Awareness (STCW A-VI/6; can be obtained on short term by an online course)
valid medical fitness certificate for seafarers (can be obtained short term)
As a ship electrician you will be responsible for the electrical and IT systems on the ship. While at sea you will be on standby in case of electrical problems. You support the chief, 2nd and 3rd engineer where needed. If the electrical systems are running smoothly you will be assigned to other tasks on the ship. During SAR operations you will be taking care of different tasks like: Taking part in launching the fast rescue boats, being on look-out, taking part in crowd control shifts, handling guests on the ship, preparing and handing out food and drinks to our guests and helping the medical staff.
Experience with (marine) electrical systems
Experience with IT
Good English language skills
Willingness to participate in watch keeping
Willingness to be part of guest handling on board
Willingness to do maintenance work all over the ship
Ability to work and live in a diverse team of 22 volunteers some of whom have limited nautical experience
Physical fitness and mental resilience
Experience on ocean going ships
Certificate of Proficiency for ‘ratings forming part of a navigational watch’ (STCW A-II/4)
Experience with mooring ships and line handling
Certificate of Proficiency in Security Awareness (STCW A-VI/6; can be obtained on short term by an online course)
valid medical fitness certificate for seafarers (can be obtained short term)
Applications are currently closed for the Bosun position.
As bosun, you are responsible for maintenance and minor repairs on deck (painting, oiling and greasing, checking if all the doors, flaps, hoses and pipes work properly), you will train other crew members to support you with the daily maintenance. You are pro-actively checking, controlling and maintaining. Furthermore, you will be operating the cranes on deck, mostly the two davit cranes to launch and recover the RIBs (rescue boats). Together with the RIB drivers you will be responsible for the (daily) maintenance of RIB’s. During mooring operations, you are responsible for managing other crew members (line handling) to ensure a safe and smooth operation.
During SAR operations you are supporting the other departments and you are taking part in embarking people and the guest handling on board.
Experience as bosun or deck hand on ocean going ships
Certificate of Proficiency for ‘ratings forming part of a navigational watch’ (STCW A-II/4)
Valid Certificate of Proficiency Basic Safety Training (STCW A-VI/1)
Certificate of Proficiency in Security Awareness (STCW A-VI/6; can be obtained on short term by an online course)
valid medical fitness certificate for seafarers (can be obtained short term)
Experience with mooring ocean going ships
Ability and experience with training and managing a small team
Being pro-active
Experience with operating cranes and winches
Willingness to stand navigational watch
Willingness to take part in guest handling on board
Good English language skills
Ability to work and live in a diverse team of 22 volunteers some of whom have limited nautical experience
Physical fitness and mental resilience
Experience with RIB and outboard engine maintenance and repairs
Completed vocational training as deck rating ship’s mechanic (integrated rating) (STCW A-II/5)
Applications are currently closed for the Deck Rating (AB) position.
The Deck Rating will take responsibility for many different aspects of operating our vessels. You will work closely with the bosun and support them with maintenance work, repairing of our RIBs and line handling during mooring operations. Additionally, you will operate one of the davits and the hydraulic crane on the aft deck. You will instruct other crew members on deck according to Sea-Watch principles and guidelines. With your nautical experience you make sure that everything runs smooth and safe both during standard ship- as well as rescue operations.
Certificate of Proficiency for ‘ratings forming part of a navigational watch’ (STCW A-II/4)
Valid Certificate of Proficiency Basic Safety Training (STCW A-VI/1)
Certificate of Proficiency in Security Awareness (STCW A-VI/6; can be obtained on short term by an online course)
valid medical fitness certificate for seafarers (can be obtained short term)
Experience with mooring ocean going ships
Experience with operating hydraulic cranes
Ability and experience with training and managing a small team
Excellent decision-making skills
Good English language skills
Ability to work and live in a diverse team of 22 volunteers some of whom have limited nautical experience
Physical fitness and mental resilience
SAR experience or previous work experience with refugees
Professional technical training / Experience with engine maintenance
As a guest coordinator you organize all support for our guests while they are on board. You know the protocols and procedures of the ship and you can be the focal point for the logistic part of our guests well-being: you will train, coordinate and support other crew members. While people are embarked, you will make sure that everything runs smoothly, and you do crowd management. With guests on board, you are responsible for the deck watch shifts, food preparation and distribution, as well as briefings and preparation for arrival in Europe. You will oversee the material stocks related to guests and coordinate with our logistician ashore to arrange resupply accordingly.
Technical requirements
As Teamlead of the Guest care team, you should
As one of the responsible persons of the wellbeing of rescued people, you should
As part of the crew on board Sea-Watch, you should
Desired Skills
As a cook you are responsible for ordering the required food for the time on the ship (approximately two weeks for 22 (Sea-Watch 3) or 29 (Sea-Watch 5) people plus food for guests according to a fixed food plan). Furthermore, you will be responsible for planning three meals a day for the crew. You don’t have to cook every meal yourself but it will be your job to arrange and organize the help of crew members.
During SAR operations you will take care of additional tasks: Participating in launching the rescue boats, being on look-out, handling guests on the ship and together with other crew members preparing and distributing food for our guests, taking part in watch and crowd management shifts.
Experience with cooking for a group of 22 people or more
Experience with preparing a variety of diets including vegan and vegetarian meals
Ability to plan and order all required foods for the intended time on sea (with help of existing plans)
Willingness to improvise food for more than 350 guests on board if necessary
Willingness to be part of guest handling on board
Willingness to do maintenance work all over the ship
Good English language skills
Ability to work and live in a diverse team of 22 volunteers some of whom have limited nautical experience
Food hygiene familiarisation (can be obtained short term)
French language skills
Italian language skills
Arabic language skills
Valid medical fitness certificate for seafarers (can be obtained short term)
Certificate of Proficiency in Security Awareness (STCW A-VI/6; can be obtained on short term by an online course)
Certificate of Proficiency for ‘ratings forming part of a navigational watch’ (STCW A-II/4)
Valid Certificate of Proficiency Basic Safety Training (STCW A-VI/1)
As RIB Team Leader (RTL), you will be responsible for coordinating and overseeing all RIB related activities on board the ship; preparing for, planning, executing and debriefing all fast rescue boat operations during the mission.
In your role as focal point for the rescue team and RIB operations, you will be tasked with making critical decisions in a timely way in order mitigate loss of life at sea: your priority is to do the best for the most.
On board the ship, the position reports directly into the Head of Mission (HoM) and Captain, but works very closely alongside the Bridge and Deck team, and is supported by Operational Coordination Department on shore.
As a rescue boat (RIB) driver you are, together with the bosun, responsible for the RIBs on board. This includes the maintenance of the engines, refilling fuel tanks as well as cleaning and repairing the RIBs. Additionally, you will be responsible for giving all crew members an introduction in how to control a RIB and how to do a person-over-board manoeuvre.
During SAR operations you will navigate and drive the boat and lead the RIB crew. You will have to make quick decisions and communicate with your team, the second RIB and the mother ship.
International Certificate of Competence: RYA Powerboat Level 2 or equivalent license
Experience with driving RIBs or on similar boats
VHF license (Short Range Certificate) and experience with radio communication
Basic first aid certificate
Ability to work under pressure
Experience in leading a small team
Very good English language skills
Willingness to take part in the watch-plan
Willingness to be part of guest handling on board of the Sea Watch 3
Willingness to do maintenance work all over the ship
Ability to work and live in a diverse team of 22 volunteers some of whom have limited nautical experience
Physical fitness and mental resilience
Experience with the maintenance of 2 and 4 stroke engines
Experience with the maintenance of RIBs
Experience with humanitarian SAR missions
Sprachkenntnisse Französisch
French Language skills
Arabic Language skills
Valid medical fitness certificate for seafarers (can be obtained short term)
Certificate of Proficiency in Security Awareness (STCW A-VI/6; can be obtained on short term by an online course)
Certificate of Proficiency for ‘ratings forming part of a navigational watch’ (STCW A-II/4)
Valid Certificate of Proficiency Basic Safety Training (STCW A-VI/1)
As part of a four-person medical team, you will look after the health of the crew and guests. Our treatment rooms are well equipped and air-conditioned. Nevertheless, many situations will require improvisation skills.
During SAR operations, at least one of the four medics is part of the rescue boat (RIB) crew to assess the medical needs of the rescued. When guests are on board, you will be responsible for triaging patients, treating emergencies and giving general advice on hygiene.
You may transfer to other vessels (e.g. merchant vessels) to treat patients or communicate with medical staff from other vessels, e.g. regarding the transfer of patients.
One of the female medics is responsible for the most vulnerable of the guests (e.g.: pregnant women, minors, rape victims, etc.).
When there are no medical duties, you participate in the general operation of the ship, such as the watch system.
The application must include the following: CV (max. 2 pages), letter of motivation (max. 1 page), period of availability.
Applications only open for health care nurses, paramedics, physicians.
Doctors need at least two years of professional experience, or professional experience through training prior to licensure.
Medical students need nursing/paramedic training
Our operations currently last approx. 5 weeks – a high degree of flexibility is therefore required.
Appropriate proof of medical qualification
C1 level in English
Willingness to participate in the watch system, night shifts
Willingness to carry out maintenance work on the vessel
Ability to work and live with mixed (including in terms of their professional skills) crews of 29
High physical and mental resilience
Complete vaccination status against measles and COVID-19
The application must include the following: CV (max. 2 pages), letter of motivation (max. 1 page), period of availability.
One of the primary roles of the Cultural Mediator will be as part of the rescue boat (RHIB) team. You will operate as the first contact and focal point for people on boats in distress, under the RHIB team leader coordination. As the person that establishes and maintains communication with the casualty vessel, this position holds great responsibility; it will require you to feel comfortable working under pressure, and with spending long hours on rescue boats during Search And Rescue operations.
When there are guests on board you will work together with the Guest Care team, and in particularly close collaboration with the Medical Team, Bosun and Head of Mission.
This includes assisting the Protection Officer (PO) in their role of referring people and issues relating to protection, and providing the Guest Care Coordinator with support to deliver the briefings and execute tasks related to crowd management.
As Cultural Mediator, you are a critical component of the crew; working to try and ensure the well being of those we rescue through sharing accurate and clear information. You may also be asked to help facilitate communication/ translation between the medics and their patients, or between the Captain and Head of Mission and other actors (local fishermen, so called Libyan Coast Guard), when needed.
As the Field Media Coordinator (FMC), you are responsible for visually documenting the work on the ship. Your materials will be published by Sea-Watch on social media, used as handouts for press releases, and potentially submitted as evidence in court. Therefore, the core of this position involves working with your camera for both photos and videos. The position also includes additional responsibilities, such as taking care of technical equipment like the GoPro cameras used by the RHIB team during SAR (Search and Rescue) operations. Furthermore, you will work as part of the overall Sea-Watch media team and will be responsible for timely communication of operational details to the team onshore.
You should have experience and be familiar with journalistic and editorial standards, both in terms of form and workflow. Additionally, you need to be able to perform well under high pressure, work quickly and efficiently, and be capable of self-reliant organization in a highly stressful work environment. Therefore, excellent communication and social skills are essential. You should also possess the ability to respect personal boundaries and be mindful of power structures, as well as demonstrate an awareness of the ethical challenges associated with this environment. We expect you to have a critical understanding of stereotypical imagery in humanitarianism and the implications of its colonial tradition, and an understanding of visual narratives.
As a member of the RHIB teams, you will operate at the forefront of our rescue operations and may even participate directly in rescue efforts. You will participate in extensive training and should be mentally and physically resilient.
Desired Skills
French language skills
Arabic language skills
German language skills
valid medical fitness certificate for seafarers (can be obtained short term)
Certificate of Proficiency in Security Awareness (STCW A-VI/6; can be obtained on short term by an online course)
Please understand that applications without a portfolio or similar work samples cannot be considered. Please provide them in the application form.
As the Head of Mission, you are responsible for the team on board. You are the point of contact for the crew, the organisation and other parties (NGO’s, state parties, other vessels etc). You support people in taking the responsibility for their position and you will introduce the complete crew to the mission and vision of Sea-Watch e.V. You oversee trainings, briefings and handovers during crew change. Additionally, you will make sure the crew functions as a team. You will plan the mission and discuss the plan with the whole team. You keep an eye on the limits of the crew, the ship and the rescue material. You oversee the correct implementation of SOP’s and you ensure daily briefings and debriefings when in operation.
You will make the final decisions (after listening to your team, the members of the Sea-Watch organisation and the responsible authorities of the area). You are responsible for reporting and documentation of the rescue operations, you work in close relation with the master.
Good knowledge of the Sea-Watch principles
SAR experience is essential
Well informed about the current situation in the SAR zone and in Italy
Able to coordinate different teams simultaneously especially in stressful situations
Preparedness to act in unexpected situations
Ability to prioritize, organize and delegate
Excellent leadership qualities
Basic knowledge of all positions on board of Sea-Watch 3
Ability and willingness to organize and manage crew trainings
Excellent communications skills
Excellent social skills
Excellent English language skills
Confident in decision taking
VHF license (Short Range Certificate)
Pleasure craft license
Ability to work in a mixed team of volunteers
Willingness to take part in the guest handling and do maintenance work all over the ship
Ability to work and live in a diverse team of 22 volunteers some of whom have limited nautical experience
Physical fitness and mental resilience
Good German language skills
Good Italian language skills
Experience with humanitarian aid work
Experience on ocean going ships
valid medical fitness certificate for seafarers (can be obtained short term)
Certificate of Proficiency in Security Awareness (STCW A-VI/6; can be obtained on short term by an online course)
valid Certificate of Proficiency Basic Safety Training (STCW A-VI/1)
As Protection Officer (PO) you will be part of the Guest Care team, in charge of the well-being of our guests on board. Together with the Cultural Mediator, you form the protection team; recommending and defining daily priorities based on protection needs on board. After ensuring people are safer on board our vessel, the PO becomes the focal point for our guests future. You are the person responsible for making as small as possible the gap between the life-saving rescue and the life that will then continue on land.
You work closely with the Guest Care Coordinator, Bosun, the Medic team leader and the Head of Mission, while other crew members know they should address to you for protection issues.
Protection issues will be addressed in the form of information-sharing and basic referrals to specialised actors for appropriate follow up. This hugely impacts the further care our guest will receive once disembarked, and ensures that if someone does raise a concern of some sort while on board, that is taken into account.
Yes, please fill in the online form again. Some of our crewing requirements have changed over the last years mostly due to the new ship. Also we would like to know about your availability for 2018. Please just include the information that you applied previously.
Yes, this is possible. Please make sure to double check that you fulfill all required skills. The crewing team will then decide on your possible position based on demand, skills, after consulting you again.
Our teams are diverse and usually consist of many different nationalities. Therefor all communication on board will be in English. Please make sure that you meet the language requirements which are listed in the position descriptions.
This depends very much on the individual situation. We would like to encourage you to consider this question before you apply for a position on board. Existing or previous psychological issues might restrict your ability to cope with traumatic events within a search and rescue missions. We work in an extreme environment and all our crewmembers need to be physically fit to be able to fulfill all required tasks. Please feel free to contact us in case you have a question regarding this topic!