Third Officer

Job title: Third 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 Third Officer assists the Chief Officer in the daily supervision of the Deck department, in accordance with the Master’s standing and special orders.

What you will contribute

Quality, Health, Safety & Environment (QHSE)

• 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

• Supervise the maintenance of the ship’s safety equipment, or assigned portions thereof, in accordance with the Company planned maintenance system

• Assist the Chief Officer with material handling, supervision of deck maintenance work, and other projects as required

• Understand and follow all lawful standing, general, and night orders given by the Master, as well as all international regulations Maritime Crew Leadership

• Assist with the training of ship’s personnel in seamanship, lifeboat, firefighting, and safety procedures 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

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. Apply now to start a journey that will reshape the lives of those you serve — and your own.