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

RESPONSIBILITIES
 

• Assume overall command of the vessel and ensure safe navigation and operational readiness during rotations.
• Establish navigational plans in close coordination with the Head of Mission (HoM). 
• Support and facilitate SAR operations under the coordination of the HoM, with primary responsibility for vessel safety and navigation. 
• Take full responsibility for the safety and security of the vessel, crew, passengers and the guests on board.
• Conduct risk assessments related to navigation, weather, sea conditions and technical systems. 
• Organize and conduct safety trainings, navigational training and bridge watches. 
• Oversee vessel certification, serving and safety inspections to ensure rotation readiness. 
• Supervise maintenance of SAR and SOLAS equipment and ensure proper operational documentation, including logs related to fuel consumption, incidents and rotation follow-up. 
• Manage water and fuel consumption as well as onboard resupply. 
• Ensure proper work and rest hour documentation and maintain all relevant vessel and compliance records. 
• Serve, together with the HoM, as a contact point toward relevant authorities before, during and after rotations, including in the context of inspections or post-disembarkation procedures. 
• Hold final responsibility for the availability and stock management of logistical provisions on board. Lead the crew through clear safety- and operations-related delegation, maintain strong situational awareness and foster a professional, respectful and safety-oriented working environment. 

PROFILE

• Proven experience as skipper or captain in SAR or comparable maritime operations, ideally on a 23 m twin-engine vessel or a similar fast rescue vessel. 
• Strong practical skills in precise vessel maneuvering, including operations without bow thruster support. 
• Excellent leadership skills and the ability to make calm, sound decisions under pressure. 
• Strong situational awareness, communication skills and the ability to work effectively in a small multicultural crew. 
• High degree of resilience, flexibility and commitment to safety in physically and emotionally demanding environments.
• Fluency in English is required; Italian and/or Arabic are strong asset. 
• Alignment with Sea-Eyes values, humanitarian principles and operational protocols.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS 

• Valid STCW Basic Safety certification 
• Security Awareness certification 
• Valid Radio Operators Certificate 
• International Yacht master or higher skipper / captain license 
• Valid medical fitness certificate for sea service

 
DESIRABLE

• Previous experience in civil Search and Rescue rotations and operations.
• Crises Management and Crew Resource Management training. 
• Experience in risk management, stress resilience and intercultural team leadership.
• Knowledge of humanitarian or NGO operational settings.
• Willingness to take on additional onboard responsibilities where needed.

WHAT WE OFFER
 

• A highly meaningful role within a rotation-driven humanitarian organization. 
• Prospects of longer-term collaboration with 1:1 seafarer contract (work/off-time) under German flag depending on operational needs and mutual fit after first successful rotation.
• Responsibility in a unique operational environment where professional seafaring directly supports life-saving operations.
• Close collaboration in a skilled, committed and internal team. 
• An annual training budget equivalent to 50% of one monthly salary. 
• Annual health budget to support private health cost and an employer-supported pension scheme with an attractive contribution.