Search and Rescue Mate (Paramedical Experience)

Organisation: Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF)
Location: Central Mediterranean (Italy-based operations)
Contract: 9 months (starting May 2026)
Rotation: 8 weeks on deployment, 4 weeks off

About the Role

MSF is seeking experienced maritime Search and Rescue professionals to join its operations in the Central Mediterranean.

As a SAR Mate, you’ll be part of the marine crew and SAR team, supporting lifesaving rescue operations at sea while contributing to vessel operations, survivor care, and onboard maintenance.

This is a hands-on, physically demanding role requiring adaptability, teamwork, and a strong commitment to humanitarian principles.

Key Responsibilities

Preparation & Maintenance

• Support daily vessel maintenance, safety checks, and training exercises
• Assist with SAR training sessions and internal procedures
• Ensure rescue boats (RHIBs) and equipment are operational and ready at all times

Navigation & Rescue Operations

• Assist with mooring, unmooring, and navigational watchkeeping
• Operate and support fast rescue boats during SAR missions
• Lead or assist in:
  • Pre- and post-rescue checks
  • Launch and recovery of life-saving equipment
  • Embarkation procedures
• Maintain safety of crew and survivors during operations

Survivor Care

• Support onboard care of rescued individuals, including:
  • Food and water distribution
  • Crowd management and safe movement onboard
  • Maintaining hygiene facilities
  • Supporting referrals for medical and psychological care
• Help maintain a safe, respectful, and dignified environment for all survivors

General Duties

• Assist with logistics, internal requests, and coordination with onboard teams
• Support engineering tasks where required
• Contribute to daily vessel operations, including manual and shared duties

Working Environment

• Split between onboard vessel operations and onshore duties
• Shared living conditions (cabins, bathrooms, mixed-gender facilities)
• Physically demanding work, including:
  • Long hours at sea
  • Exposure to challenging weather conditions
  • Night shifts and manual labour
• Highly collaborative environment where all team members contribute across functions

Requirements

Essential Certifications

• STCW Basic Safety Training
• STCW Security Awareness
• RHIB Driving Licence

Desirable Certifications

• Yachtmaster or Sportbootführerschein See (SSS)
• STCW Proficiency in Survival Craft / Fast Rescue Craft
• STCW II.1 Navigational Watch Rating

Experience

• Offshore or maritime SAR operations
• Navigational watchkeeping in open sea
• RHIB driving and maintenance
• Rescue operations and advanced first aid
• Working in challenging maritime environments

Languages

• Fluent English (required)
• Additional languages desirable: Arabic, French, Tigrinya, Amharic, Bangla, Urdu

Skills & Competencies

• Strong teamwork and collaboration
• High stress tolerance and adaptability
• Cross-cultural awareness
• Commitment to humanitarian values and MSF principles

Additional Information

• Candidates must be fit to work at sea and able to swim
• Seasickness may be a factor
• Operations may be affected by political or legal constraints
• Journalists may be present onboard, and media interaction may be required

Eligibility

• Must hold a valid work permit for Italy

How to Apply

Send your application to [email protected] with the subject line:
“SAR MATE – [Your Surname]”

Include:

• CV and motivation letter (in English)
• Details of relevant certifications
• Two professional references
• Your availability

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

Equal Opportunities

MSF is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion. All applicants will be considered without discrimination.