Second Officer
Maritime
Min 3 Months
Please carefully read the role description below to verify that you meet the requirements. The apply button can be found at the bottom of this page.
Driven to provide hope & healing.
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.
This position may qualify for a family cabin. If you have school-age children, learn more about Mercy Ships Academy.
Requirements
Each role with Mercy Ships calls for a unique blend of experience, skills, and qualifications. The info below outlines what’s needed to serve effectively in this position—to meet operational standards and to help you thrive as part of the team.
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
What 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
- 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
About the team
You’ll be part of the Maritime Team, a professional crew ensuring the safe operation and navigation of the ship, maintaining maritime standards, training others, and supporting the vessel’s readiness to deliver hope and healing wherever it serves.
Frequently asked questions.
We are so excited that you are interested in learning more about serving with us. These are the most common questions we receive for this department.
SCAM ALERT: Please be aware of recruitment scams. Mercy Ships will never charge any fees as a part of the recruitment process. For more info click here.
Click here for a list of medical requirements to serve, including required immunizations.
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.
Faith-Led Commitment to Diversity & Inclusion
Mercy Ships is a faith-based organization welcoming volunteers from diverse backgrounds and experiences who are committed to our mission and values. All qualified applicants will receive consideration.
Beware of Imposters: Confirm All Volunteer Communications
Volunteer opportunities and invitations to serve will always come directly from Mercy Ships’ official volunteer engagement teams. Never provide personal information to anyone without confirming their connection to Mercy Ships.
