Search & Rescue Technician

Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) is a leading international independent medical humanitarian organisation, dedicated to providing expert medical relief to vulnerable populations at times of conflict or disaster. In over 71 countries worldwide, MSF provides both life-saving emergency relief and longer-term assistance to make basic healthcare services available to the most vulnerable or excluded communities. MSF Netherlands in Italy coordinates the Search and Rescue operations in the central Mediterranean which provide lifesaving activities and basic assistance operating with the Geo Barents ship.

Effective immediately, MSF is looking for:

Search & Rescue Technicians - Pool

Objective

MSF Netherlands is looking for Search and Rescue professionals with a strong expertise in nautical sector to add to its pool. In particular, Search and Rescue Technicians will operate as part of MSF SAR team (8 members) crewing for rescue activities. They will be operating from the ship in rotations and in all weather conditions. They report directly to the Search and Rescue Team Leader who could assign different roles during the mission

Main responsibilities

Under the supervision of the STL, they perform daily tasks of maintenance, trainings, briefings and they support the STL in the continuity of the information within the team. Support the organization of SAR Training Sessions at Sea for the Rescue Teams. While the ship is in the Search & Rescue zone, perform bridge watch duties to look out for boats in distress; Carry out the following duties assigned to their position during a rescue operations at sea. The role is assigned to the SAR technician at the beginning of the rotation by the SAR Team Leader and can variate depending on the needs. Boat leader: Lead an MSF fast rescue boat under the responsibility of the SAR Team Leader;Ensure that the rescue boat and the rescue material are ready for rescue at all times and all equipment and material are well maintained.;Ensure that all crew on board on the Rhibs follow safety procedure while on operations. Boat driver: Drive one of the MSF fast rescue boats under the direction of the boat leader.Make sure that the rescue boat and the rescue material are ready for rescue at all times;Responsible for the safety of the rescue boat and the team. Deck leader: Lead the pre-operation and post-operation checks of the deck, including all the life saving devices on board to be ready for rescue operation;In charge of the maintenance of the SAR equipment on deckResponsible of launch and recovery operations of life saving devices in SAR operations;In charge of the embarkation procedure on the boat landing; SAR crew supporting recues on the fast rescue boats: performing rescues on the rescue boats during SAR operations under the direction of the boat leader.Ensure that the rescue boat is ready for rescue at all times and all equipment and material is well maintained.Ensure that all crew on board on the Rhibs follow safety procedure while on operations. SAR crew on the deck: Support in the pre-operation and post operation check of the deck, including all the life saving devices on board to be ready for rescue operation;Support the deck leader in the maintenance of the SAR equipment on deckSupport in the embarkation procedure of survivors on the boat landing;Support the launch and recovery operations of life saving devices when SAR operations require. SAR Mechanic: Ensure the continuity and following-up of maintenance of 4 strokes outboard enginesUnder the responsibility of STL, lead and conduct daily maintenance on RHIBs and enginesUnder the responsibility of STL, lead diagnostics and troubleshootings for break down on 4 strokes outboard enginesPropose recommendations and solutions for break downs on 4 strokes outboard enginesFollow up the mechanic inventory of the SAR lockerEnsure the continuity by filling logbooks and follow-up document Support organization and fill in the SAR team Internal Requests and transmit them to STL. Support the process of reception and delivery of the Internal Requests in coordination with Logistic department. Other duties deemed necessary by the Search and Rescue Team Leader Participate in all mandatory trainings at the beginning and during each rotation; Support the update, follow-up and monitoring of the official internal documents by giving feedbacks to STL Mentor and support newly arrived SAR techs, as instructed by STL Perform watches on deck when survivors are onboard Support the care of survivors following instructions of the Deputy Project Coordinator; which includes but is not limited to: Food and beverage distributionCrowd management and controlOrganizing survivors flow to hygiene facilitiesReferring to the appropriate person to assist for medical and psychological careFacilitating a comfortable and safe environment, where all people are treated with dignity and respectConflict de-escalation as needed Cleaning of the survivor care area, following instructions of the Deputy Project Coordinator. This includes but is not limited to scrubbing deck, toilets, showers and removing waste; Compliance with MSF Code of conduct and respect of MSF policies and procedures

Specific Accountabilities

These positions are on board the ship. Staff must be “sea worthy”, and willing to go beyond their regular role during rescues. Working and living on the ship requires a certain level of fitness, going out on the rescue boat in poor weather conditions for extended period of time. The ship’s space is limited and the daily living conditions may not allow much privacy. Candidates must be able to handle low amount of work between rescues, as well as very high workload during rescue and transit. There are none up to very limited possibilities to get off the ship. During rescues, work might go beyond standard working hours; be aware that despite your role, you will be asked to do irregular shifts and night shifts, within and beyond your own job responsibilities (e.g. deck work, night watches, etc.).

Ideal Candidate

Certification

Required: STCW Basic Safety training and STCW Security awareness. Desired: STCW Proficiency in survival craft and/or STCW Proficiency in fast rescue craft

Experience

SAR experience in the Central Mediterranean and/or Offshore search and rescue and/or Casualty Care is desirable. Experience of RHIB repair and maintenance Experience working on fast boats at sea and feel comfortable doing so for long hours and in poor weather conditions. Rescue experience and practised advanced first aid skills is desirable.

Languages

English fluent required. French, Italian and Arabic is a plus.

Knowledge

Seamanship, advanced first aid, working offshore, search and rescue is desirable, Desired: fast rescue boat driving

Competencies

 Commitment to MSF’s Principles cross-cultural awareness behavioural flexibility stress management teamwork and cooperation security awareness and management

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