SAR Engineer

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 January, for 12 months, MSF OCA – High Seas Mission, is looking for 

SAR Engineer (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 ENGINEER operates as part of the MSF marine crew and SAR team. S/he crews the rescue boats and the deck during rescue operations and support in the navigational watches. The Sar Engineer is the main responsible of the engine room and equipment maintenance of the ship’s engines while at port and at sea. S/he reports directly to the Skipper during port calls, for day-to-day activities on-board and during rescue operations.

Main responsibilities

Briefing and preparation

·Under the supervision of the Skipper, perform trainings and briefings to the team about all engine related elements and tasks

·If requested by skipper, Brief team members to safety on the ship and on the RHIB.

·in all mandatory training

·Create and update the official internal documents and procedures concerning the engine room 

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

Mechanics

·Ensure the continuity and following-up of maintenance of the vessel’s main mechanical components, including but not limited to; 2xVolvo Penta D13-500 main engines, HATZ 40kw auxiliary engine, steering machinery, electrical boards and distribution, exhaust and lubrication systems, water maker

·Monitor engine room instruments from the wheelhouse and in the engine room during navigation, understanding performance indicators as to ensure continuous smooth running of the vessel

·Visual checks and follow-up of the vessel’s electronic systems. Troubleshooting and safely implementing solutions to electrical issues

·Ensure the engine room and adjacent compartments are kept in a clean and orderly state. Above all ensuring no environmental damage or incidents, by following vessel procedures for the proper management of oils and hazardous materials

·Support the Mates  and SarCo on daily checklists and maintenance on RHIB and engines.

·For all Engine Room and outboard equipment, Lead diagnostics and troubleshooting for break down and implement fixes

·Follow up the mechanic inventory of the SAR workshop (on board and on land).

·Ensure the continuity by filling logbooks and follow-up document, as well as incident and near-miss  reporting.

Navigation and rescue operations

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

·While the ship is in the Search & Rescue zone, perform navigational watchkeeping duties and look out for boats in distress

·Depending on the role assigned by the SarCo, carry out the following duties assigned to their position during a rescue operations at sea:

oLead an MSF fast rescue boat under the responsibility of the SAR Team Leader

oEnsure that all crew on board on the Rhibs follow safety procedures while on operations

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

oBe responsible for the safety of the rescue boat and the team

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

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

§This position is partly on board a ship and partly working on land. Staff must be “sea worthy”, and be willing to take an active part in the rescues, the care for survivors and the maintenance of the ship. Be aware that seasickness can be significant. Working and living on a ship and going out on the RHIB in poor weather conditions for extended period of time requires a certain level of fitness. Each team member must be able to swim.

§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.

Candidate Profile 

We offer 

A German maritime employment contract from January 2026 for 12 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 ENGINEER_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. 

***No agencies please***