Saoirse Downs
Working for an NGO boat in the Mediterranean can be a challenging but rewarding experience. Migrant and refugee rescue ships, often run by NGOs, play a crucial role in saving lives and providing humanitarian assistance to those attempting to migrate across the Mediterranean to Europe. These boats are variously chartered, donated, or bought specifically for rescue missions. However, operating in this region also comes with its fair share of complexities and challenges, including strict regulations and political tensions.
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What You'll Learn
Migrant and refugee rescue ships are often run by NGOs
NGOs have been linked to the rising numbers of deaths at sea. However, researchers have argued that this is due to a change in the smugglers' tactics, with more and more overloaded rubber boats being sent out to sea, rather than the presence of NGOs.
NGOs face strict rules and regulations when operating rescue ships. For example, Italy's right-wing government has introduced new regulations for migrant rescue ships, which activists have condemned as intentionally making their job much harder and putting migrants' lives at risk. If an NGO boat is found in violation of these rules, the vessel can be denied access to Italian ports or blocked for up to two months, while their captains face hefty fines.
Despite the challenges, NGOs continue to play a crucial role in rescuing migrants and refugees at sea. As of June 2019, Association Pilotes Volontaires, a Swiss NGO, had logged 52 missions, sighting 54 boats and by their estimates saving more than 4,300 people.
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The rising number of deaths at sea has been linked to the presence of humanitarian NGOs
NGOs have been operating migrant and refugee rescue ships in the Mediterranean Sea for several years, often in partnership with other organisations. These ships are variously chartered, donated, or bought specifically for rescue missions. For example, the NGO SOS Méditerranée charters the Ocean Viking, a migrant rescue boat.
The work of humanitarian NGOs in the Mediterranean has come under scrutiny in recent years, with some governments implementing strict rules and regulations that make it harder for them to operate. In Italy, for instance, NGOs must notify authorities immediately after a rescue operation and head to the port indicated by officials without delay. Failure to comply with these rules can result in fines, denial of access to ports, and even seizure of the vessel.
Despite the challenges, humanitarian NGOs continue to play a crucial role in rescuing and supporting migrants and refugees attempting the dangerous journey across the Mediterranean Sea. Their work is driven by a commitment to saving lives and providing assistance to those in need.
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Italy's strict rules against NGO rescue ships
To work for an NGO boat in the Mediterranean, you can look at the websites of NGOs that operate in the region, such as Sea-Watch, SOS Méditerranée, Association Pilotes Volontaires, and Swiss NGO Humanitarian Pilots Initiative. These organisations often charter, donate, or buy boats specifically for the purpose of rescuing refugees and migrants attempting to cross the Mediterranean to Europe.
Italy has strict rules against NGO rescue ships, which activists say makes their jobs harder and puts migrants' lives at risk. These rules were introduced by Giorgia Meloni's right-wing government, which was installed in late October 2022. According to the government's decree, NGOs must notify Italian authorities immediately after a rescue operation and head to the port indicated by officials without delay, which is often far from the ship's location. Ships cannot embark on more than one rescue operation at a time unless authorised to do so by Italian authorities. If an NGO boat is found in violation of these rules, the vessel can be denied access to Italian ports or blocked for up to two months, while their captains face a fine between €10,000 and €50,000. If a ship is found in violation of the decree more than once, the vessel can be seized by Italian authorities. This was the case for the Ocean Viking, a migrant rescue boat chartered by the NGO SOS Méditerranée, which was detained by Italian authorities for the second time in as many months on 1 January 2024. The ship had deviated from its designated course to a port in Bari, Italy, to respond to a distress call 15 nautical miles away.
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How humanitarian NGOs operate at sea
Humanitarian NGOs operate at sea by chartering, donating, or buying boats to rescue migrants and refugees attempting to cross the Mediterranean to Europe. These boats are often impounded by Italian authorities for breaking the government's strict rules on charity groups operating such ships. The rules state that NGOs must notify Italian authorities immediately after a rescue operation and head to the port indicated by officials without delay. If an NGO boat is found in violation of these rules, the vessel can be denied access to Italian ports or blocked for up to two months, while their captains face a fine of up to €50,000. If a ship is found in violation of the decree more than once, the vessel can be seized by Italian authorities.
In addition to boats, humanitarian NGOs also operate aircraft to aid in rescue missions. For example, Sea-Watch operates a SAR-coordinating reconnaissance aircraft, Moonbird, a single-engined Cirrus SR22, and the Seabird, a twin-engined high-performance Beechcraft Baron 58. These are flown in cooperation with the Swiss NGO Humanitarian Pilots Initiative.
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The Swiss NGO Humanitarian Pilots Initiative
For those interested in working for a humanitarian NGO like the Swiss NGO Humanitarian Pilots Initiative, there are a variety of ways to get involved. Many organisations rely on volunteers and donations to support their operations. Additionally, those with specific skills or qualifications, such as medical or aviation expertise, may be able to find opportunities to use their skills to support these important missions directly.
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