Second Officer

Job title: Second Officer

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 Officer maintains the on board documents and equipment necessary for the ship to safely conduct an ocean voyage, and reports to the Chief Officer as a leader in the Deck department.

What you will contribute

Quality, Health, Safety & Environment (QHSE)

• Maintain the Navigation Bridge and associated spaces in clean and working condition
• Knowledge of the Company Safety Management System as it applies to responsibilities involved in this position
• Follow all standing, general, and night orders given by the Master, as well as all international regulations
• Emergency duties as assigned according to the posted Muster Lists, which may include but are not limited to: at Sea, as Bridge Watch Officer, manage the assigned Bridge watch team to safely and efficiently navigate the ship in the prevailing circumstances according to the voyage plan In Port: As Duty Deck Officer, represent the Master in all matters of ship’s business

Technical

• Maintain the ship’s portfolio of charts, both paper and electronic (ECDIS), and publications as directed by the Master, so that the ship may prosecute an ocean voyage according to approved Company itinerary with due regard to possible need for alternate routes and harbors of refuge
• Ensure the ship is provided with the most current Notices to Mariners for the provided portfolio of charts and publications
• Maintain the provided portfolio of charts and publications corrected to the most current Notices to Mariners provided
• Plan the passages between ports in accordance with the approved Company itinerary as directed by the Master
• Supervise the maintenance of all navigational and associated equipment, liaising with other departments as required
• Assist the Chief Officer with material handling, supervision of deck maintenance work, and other projects as required

Maritime Crew Leadership

• Assist as required with the training of ship’s personnel in seamanship, lifeboat, fire fighting, and safety procedure

Mission Support

• Share in the support and furtherance of the Christian community through lifestyle and exhortation
• Serve the crew at large by staying visible and interactive

For This Role, You Will Need

STCW Certifications

• Certificate of Competency in accordance with STCW II/1 OIC of Navigation Watch 500 GT or More with no ARPA or ECDIS limitations, with all necessary STCW elements
• Certificate of Competency in accordance with STCW IV/2 GMDSS Radio Operator
• 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
• 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

Education and Experience

• Successful completion of Mercy Ships On Boarding Program for commitments longer than 1 year
• At least one year of experience on vessels over 3000GT is required
• At least one year of experience as a Second Officer is strongly preferred

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.