Second Engineer

Second Engineer

Mercy Ships is an international charity that brings hope and healing to the world’s forgotten poor through state-of-the-art hospital ships. Since 1978, our volunteer crew—made up of medical professionals and skilled workers from over 60 nations—has delivered free surgeries and medical care to over 2.8 million people in Sub-Saharan Africa, transforming lives one patient and one port at a time. Join our global team of over 3,000 volunteers and help us change lives daily.

About this role

The Second Engineer is in charge of Engineering Department and responsible to the Chief Engineer for the daily operation of the machinery spaces, and ensuring the Engineering Officers and Ratings are competent and fit for their daily assigned duties.

What you will contribute

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily:

Technical

• Ensure proper maintenance and safe operation of all machinery including all MARPOL equipment
• Use the ships planned maintenance software to plan, maintain and report all maintenance activities.
• Maintenance of main engines and propulsion system
• Inventory and stock control for all equipment
• Proficient knowledge and understanding of the Company Safety Management System
• Management of duty and watch keeping schedules
• Adherence to Chief Engineer’s standing orders
• Ensure compliance with SOLAS, MARPOL, ISM, flag state, and classification society requirements
• Ensure proper operation of emergency systems
• Allocate daily work tasks and ensure proper staffing for engine room operations
• Assist the Chief Engineer in supervising and mentoring junior engineers, motormen, and ratings.

Maritime Crew Leadership

• Ensure that engineering officers and ratings are competent and fit for their daily assigned duties and work
• Support training and advancement of the engineering team
• Carry out performance reviews as assigned by Chief Engineer.

Mission

• Support
• Share in the support and furtherance of Christian community through lifestyle and exhortation

For This Role, You Will Need

STCW Certifications

• Certificate of Competency in accordance with STCW III/2 – Chief Engineer or Second Engineer 3000 kW or greater, with all necessary STCW elements
• Certificate of Proficiency in accordance with STCW V/2-1 Crowd Management
• Certificate of Proficiency in accordance with STCW V/2-3 Crisis Management and Human Behavior

Mission and Community

• Supportive of Mercy Ships mission and vision and committed to its core values
• Understand and apply servant Leadership, work collaboratively with integrity, and demonstrate accountability
• Able to live in and contribute to community life, requiring stable and healthy interpersonal skills
• Ability to lead in a multi-cultural setting

Administrative

• Maintain engine room logs, maintenance records, and statutory documentation
• Report machinery performance, defects, and incidents to the Chief Engineer
• Competent in Windows, Microsoft Office Programs, and general file/folder management tasks
• A full, clean driving license is preferred
• Ability to communicate proficiently in English in both written and verbal forms

Problem Solving

• Ability to solve problems, develop highly functional teams, and resolve conflict
• Exhibit skill and flexibility in managing change and uncertainty

Education and Experience

• At least two years’ experience as Second Engineer on a vessel with at least 3000 KW propulsion system
• Prior experience as Second Engineer on a passenger or RORO ship strongly preferred
• Successful completion of Mercy Ships Onboarding Program will be required for service of 1 year or more

The experience of a lifetime is calling.

More than 1,200 volunteers from over 60 nations serve with Mercy Ships each year.

At Mercy Ships, we are proud to be recognized around the world for the life-changing surgeries and training we deliver. We could not achieve this without our dedicated community of talented volunteers.

Imagine finishing your shift and stepping onto deck as the sun sets—knowing that today you’ve helped transform the lives of those who need it most.