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Frequently Asked Questions
If you want to better understand who we are and why we do what we do.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you have questions about our work, our missions, or how you can help? Here we answer the most frequently asked questions.
What is Open Arms?
We are a humanitarian organization that protects the lives of vulnerable people at sea and on land. We operate mainly in the Central Mediterranean and in humanitarian emergency contexts.
What is our mission?
To defend human rights and save lives at sea, ensuring that no one dies at Europe’s doorstep for lack of assistance.
Where do we work?
Our operations focus on the Central Mediterranean, but we also run land-based projects in countries like Spain, Senegal and Italy.
Are we a political or religious organization?
No. We are an independent, non-profit organization with no political or religious affiliation. We are driven solely by the defense of life and human rights.
OPERATIONS AND RESCUE
Why do we rescue people at sea?
Because it is both a legal and moral duty. Life must always come first. Sea rescue is not only legal—it is an obligation.
What happens after a rescue?
Once on board, people receive medical and humanitarian assistance. We then request a place of safety from the responsible authorities where they can disembark.
Do we work with other vessels or institutions?
Yes. We collaborate with other civil organizations as well as with maritime authorities whenever possible, always respecting international law and conventions.
Are we a pull factor?
No. People flee war, persecution, poverty or violence. We do not cause migration: we try to prevent people from dying at sea, in accordance with international rescue conventions and maritime law.
Do we bring rescued people to Europe?
By law, all ships that assist people in distress at sea must be assigned the nearest safe port so that disembarkation takes place as soon as reasonably possible. (Paragraph 1.3.9 of the 1979 International Convention on Maritime Search and Rescue).
DONATIONS
How can I make a donation?
You can easily donate through our website: openarms.es/dona. You can choose a one-time or monthly donation, or contact us at atenciondonante@openarms.es
Is my donation tax-deductible?
Yes. All donations are tax-deductible. We will send you a certificate if you request it.
Where does my money go?
90% of our resources go directly to our missions and humanitarian projects. You can check our financial reports here → transparency portal .
Can I change or cancel my monthly contribution?
Yes, at any time. Just write to us at atenciondonante@openarms.es or call +34 93 128 28 30 and we’ll help you manage it.
VOLUNTEERING AND COLLABORATION
How can I become a volunteer?
You can sign up through the form on our website. We’re looking for volunteers on land as well as professional profiles for missions at sea.
What profiles do we look for in maritime missions?
Doctors, nurses, open-water lifeguards, sailors, experienced cooks, etc.
Can I help without boarding?
Yes. You can support us in events, logistics, digital support, warehouse work, boat maintenance, and much more.
Do we publish job openings?
Yes. Vacancies are posted on our social media and official channels. Follow us to stay informed.
TRANSPARENCY AND LEGALITY
Is what we do legal?
Yes. Sea rescue is a duty established under international law, including the SOLAS and SAR Conventions.
Do we publish our financial information?
Yes. We publish our financial and activity reports every year. You can find them on our transparency portal.
Where does our funding come from?
Most of our funding comes from people like you. Economic independence ensures our freedom of action.
EDUCATION AND AWARENESS
Do we have educational materials?
Yes. We create resources for schools, talks, exhibitions, and campaigns that explain migration realities with rigor and sensitivity.
Can we give a talk at your school or center?
Yes. We have an educational project called EPL, with talks adapted from early childhood to adult stages. Write to us at education@openarms.es and we will assess the proposal depending on availability and location.
ORIGINS PROJECT
What is the Origins Project?
It is an Open Arms initiative in West Africa, in Senegal together with local partners, that addresses the root causes of migration by offering real opportunities for personal and economic development, helping to prevent further suffering and deaths at sea.
What exactly do we do in the Origins Project?
We provide vocational training, mentoring, and community awareness campaigns—all in partnership with local organizations and with a focus on social justice and sustainability.
Is the Origins Project trying to stop migration?
False. Our goal is not to stop migration, but to ensure it is a free and informed choice, not a desperate necessity.
We don’t want anyone to have to take dangerous routes just to survive, putting their life and safety at risk. We want them to be able to migrate if they wish, with full access to information.
CONTACT AND MORE INFORMATION
How can I contact you?
You can write to us at info@openarms.es or use the form on our website. You can also follow us on social media.
Where is our headquarters?
Our main office is in Badalona (Barcelona), but we also have offices in Rome (Italy) and a base in Dakar (Senegal).
Are you on social media?
Yes, we’re on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, TikTok, LinkedIn and YouTube. Look for us at @openarms_fund.
MYTHBUSTING | MYTHS AND REALITIES
Is it true that NGOs attract migrants? (pull factor)
False. The causes of migration are structural: war, persecution, poverty, climate change… People migrate with or without NGOs. We don’t cause migration—we protect the lives of people abandoned at sea.
Do NGOs collaborate with smugglers?
False. We have no ties whatsoever with trafficking networks. Our ships operate under international maritime law, in coordination with authorities and following strict humanitarian and legal protocols.
Why don’t migrants stay in their own countries?
Because often they have no choice. They flee war, dictatorships, persecution, sexual violence, or extreme poverty. No one would risk their life at sea if there were regular and safe migration pathways.
Do migrants receive more aid than local citizens?
False. There are no privileges based on nationality. Public aid is granted based on social criteria, not origin. Moreover, many migrants can’t access aid due to irregular administrative status.
Does Open Arms charge for rescues?
False. No rescued person pays anything. Our funding comes mostly from private donors. Our only motivation is to defend life and human rights.
Wouldn’t it be better if European states did the rescues instead of NGOs?
In theory, yes. But many governments have reduced their rescue operations or abandoned their responsibility. That’s why we exist: to fill that gap and uphold maritime law, which mandates rendering assistance at sea.
Should rescued people be returned to Libya?
False. Libya is not a safe country. International organizations have documented torture, slavery, and systematic abuse in Libyan detention centers. Returning people there violates international law. Any vessel’s obligation is to disembark rescued people at the nearest safe port.
Do we bring cameras just to promote ourselves?
We carry cameras (and independent press) to document what happens. Transparency is key. If we don’t show it, many abuses would remain hidden. Showing the truth is a way to protect it.
Do we only rescue young men?
False. According to Article 98 of the IMO Convention, a ship’s captain must assist any person in danger of being lost at sea. We do not discriminate based on gender, race, religion, age, disability, or sexual orientation. We rescue women, men, babies, children, youth—without any form of discrimination.