Jobs at Sea-Eye

The SAROPS (Search And Rescue Operations) department is responsible for the strategic planning and practical implementation of our sea rescue operations. In addition to mission support, this role has a medical focus. Ideally, you can work regularly at our Berlin location.

Your Responsibilities

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Send us your comprehensive application documents (cover letter, CV, proof of relevant training, academic and professional experience) as a PDF document (max. 3 MB) with the subject line “Application: Operations Coordinator”.

Please indicate in your application where you became aware of the job posting.

Your Contact Person
Magdalena Kölbl

The Operations department is the heart of our work at sea. It encompasses the strategic and operational planning, execution, and follow-up of our rescue missions. As Head of Operations (m/f/d), you bear overall responsibility for our operational units on land and at sea. Together with your team, you ensure that our missions are conducted safely, efficiently, and in accordance with our humanitarian values.

Your Responsibilities

Your Profile

Apply with Us!

Send us your comprehensive application documents (cover letter, CV, proof of relevant training, academic and professional experience) as a PDF document (max. 3 MB) with the subject line “Application: Operations Coordinator”.

Please indicate in your application where you became aware of the job posting.

Your Contact Person
Claudia Wolf

The Head of Mission (HoM) leads all search and rescue operations on board the SEA-EYE 5 and is responsible for the overall coordination of rotations and life on board. The HoM position leads the 8-person crew during the various phases of the operation, from the preparation and training of the crew to the coordination of the r…
The HoM position leads the 8-person crew during the various phases of the operation, from the preparation and training of the crew to the coordination of the rescue mission. They oversee daily operations, lead team communication, manage crisis situations, and serve as the primary liaison between the crew, the Sea-Eye back office, and the relevant authorities.

The position requires extensive leadership experience in search and rescue services, strong organizational and communication skills, and the ability to make sound decisions under pressure. Key qualifications include experience in team management and conflict resolution. Familiarity with SAR procedures, basic nautical knowledge, and radio communication are highly desirable. Candidates must be fluent in written and spoken English; additional languages such as Italian or French are an advantage. Physical and mental resilience, flexibility regarding working hours, and alignment with Sea-Eye’s values and protocols are essential for this demanding and central position.

The Physician is responsible for treating all medical emergencies affecting both rescued persons and crew members during rotations. This position requires a fully licensed physician with at least 3 years of professional experience – ideally with completed specialist training in anesthesia, internal medicine, surgery, or general medicine. Current experience in emergency or intensive care medicine is highly valued. As the position involves active participation in rescue operations on deck, prior experience at sea and high physical fitness are essential.

Main responsibilities include emergency care, medical training of the crew, management of the infirmary and ship’s pharmacy (including inventory and narcotics), and meticulous medical documentation. The doctor works closely with the medical assistant as part of a two-person medical team, ensuring medical readiness and support throughout the mission.

To fill the position of ship doctor, we work closely with our partner organization German Doctors e.V. If you are interested in this position, please send your application with a brief CV to einsatzplanung@german-doctors.de. There you can register and apply directly to participate in one of our rotations.

The Deck Lead coordinates all deck operations and ensures safe, efficient, and well-organized work on deck as well as the general operational readiness of the vessel. In close cooperation with the captain, HoM, and the crew, the Deck Lead oversees post-rescue procedures – such as briefings, registration, and safety communication – and manages the associated logistics, including the distribution of equipment and the training of the crew.

The position requires experience in deck operations, strong organizational and leadership skills, and sound technical knowledge of maritime equipment and rescue gear. Knowledge of safety protocols and handling of small boats is desirable. Fluent English is required; additional languages are an advantage.

The RHIB Lead organizes and leads the RHIB operation. This includes organizing the maintenance of the RHIB and equipment, conducting RHIB training, team building, as well as maintaining a good overview and making quick decisions during rescue operations. Applicants must have extensive SAR and RHIB experience, strong leadership skills, and be able to remain calm and decisive under pressure. Duties also include taking on other RHIB functions (driver or communicator) when needed. Fluent English and a valid VHF radio certificate are required; additional languages are an asset. The role is combined with bridge watch (see below for requirements).

As a RHIB driver on the SEA-EYE 5, you are responsible for the safe operation of the rescue boat (RHIB) duringn rotations. This position requires extensive experience in handling RHIBs, including precise maneuvering in rough seas and high-pressure situations. The RHIB driver is also responsible for launching and recovering the RHIB as well as operating the navigation equipment on board. Applicants must have SAR experience, speak fluent English, and hold a valid SBF-See or equivalent license. The position is combined with bridge watch duty (see below for requirements).

The RHIB Communicator is the first point of contact for people in distress at sea and plays a crucial role in building trust and maintaining order during rescue operations. This high-responsibility role requires excellent communication and crowd control skills, as well as the ability to stay calm and assertive under pressure. Key tasks include providing clear instructions through gestures and simple language, selecting mediators/translators, distributing life jackets, and coordinating safe embarkation. The role demands emotional resilience, physical strength, and fluency in English and French; knowledge of Arabic is a strong asset. The role will be combined with Medical Assistance (see below for requirements).

Physician and medical assistant together form the medical team on board the SEA-EYE 5 and provide medical care for both rescued persons and the crew. The medical assistant is ideally a trained paramedic or intensive care nurse with SAR or maritime experience. The medical assistant helps maintain the medical infrastructure, leads crew training, and assists with medical examinations, treatments, and emergency care. The medical assistant is not a separate position – the role is typically assigned to a crew member of the RHIB team (see above for the requirements of the individual positions).

The bridge watch supports the captain of the SEA-EYE 5 in the safe navigation and coordination of the ship during the mission. This position requires prior experience as a certified watchkeeper on merchant ships, yachts, or sailing vessels (e.g., Officer of the Watch (OOW), Yachtmaster Coastal, or equivalent). Main responsibilities include monitoring radar and ECDIS (Electronic Chart Display and Information System) as well as coordinating with other resources. Sound knowledge of COLREGs (International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea) and GMDSS (Global Maritime Distress and Safety System) is essential.

Applicants must hold at least a Short Range VHF certificate and STCW Basic Safety to perform the emergency duties listed in the ship’s muster list. Bridge watch is not a separate position – the duty is typically assigned to a crew member of the RHIB team (see above for the requirements of individual positions).

The Field Media Coordinator (FMC) on board is responsible, in addition to their primary role, for operating media hardware, creating photo and video content (DSLR camera, various lenses, and GoPros are available on the ship), and maintaining ongoing communication with our communications department on land. The FMC is not a separate position – the role is assigned to a specific crew member who already holds another position (requirements see above). Safe handling of equipment on board is mandatory, but no special professional experience is required.

Although all crew members are involved in post-rescue tasks on deck, the Protection Focal Point specifically supports the HoM in ensuring that rescued persons on board receive the necessary care and information. This includes, for example, assistance with boarding and registration, distribution of food and non-food items (NFI), support in setting up shelter, and assistance with protection measures.

The responsibilities include practical coordination during and after rescue operations and involve taking on key tasks during the rest periods of the Post Rescue Lead. This requires strong organizational skills, knowledge of protection aspects, intercultural sensitivity, and the ability to stay focused under pressure. Fluent French and/or knowledge of Arabic are a great asset. The Protection Focal Point is not a separate position – the role is assigned to a specific crew member who already holds another position (see above for requirements).