Oiler Jobs

Oiler (motorman, engine room rating, Able Seafarer Engine) is a qualified engine department rating responsible for engine room watchkeeping and maintenance of ship machinery and auxiliary systems. Certification is regulated by STCW Regulation III/5 — Able Seafarer Engine (ASE) or STCW Regulation III/4 — Rating Forming Part of an Engineering Watch (RFPEW).

Current Oiler Vacancies

Find актуальні Oiler and Motorman vacancies on container ships, tankers, LNG, LPG and offshore vessels. Direct hiring from shipowners without crewing agency commissions. JobMarineMan connects seafarers and employers directly.View Oiler Jobs

What Does an Oiler Do on a Ship

An Oiler (motorman, engine room rating) is a key member of the Engine Department responsible for maintaining the safe and efficient operation of engine room equipment.Motormen work under the supervision of the Fourth Engineer (4/E) and Second Engineer (2/E), assisting with engine maintenance, watchkeeping, fuel operations, pumps, compressors, purifiers and auxiliary machinery.

STCW III/4 vs III/5 — What Is the Difference

STCW III/4 (RFPEW) — Rating Forming Part of an Engineering Watch — is the entry-level qualification for engine room watchkeeping under supervision.STCW III/5 (ASE) — Able Seafarer Engine — is an advanced qualification allowing independent watchkeeping and broader technical responsibilities.Most shipowners on tanker, LNG and container fleets require STCW III/5 certification.

Main Duties of an Oiler

— Engine Room Watchkeeping— Monitoring main engine and auxiliary machinery parameters— Lubrication system maintenance— Fuel transfer and bunkering operations— Maintenance of Alfa Laval and Westfalia/GEA purifiers— Pumps, compressors and boiler maintenance— OWS and Oil Record Book operations— Assisting engineers during repairs and maintenance

Requirements for Oiler Jobs

— STCW III/5 (ASE) or STCW III/4 (RFPEW)— Full STCW certification package— Engine department experience— Basic technical English— Mechanical and tool handling skillsFor tanker vessels — Tanker Endorsement required.For LNG/LPG fleet — Gas Tanker Endorsement required.Upload CV and Apply for Oiler Jobs

UMS Mode and Oiler Work

On modern UMS vessels (Unattended Machinery Space), Oilers usually work as Day Workers performing planned maintenance during daytime hours.On vessels without UMS, the classic 4/8 watchkeeping system is used, where motormen stay on watch in the engine room around the clock.When choosing a vacancy, always clarify the engine room operating mode.

Types of Ships for Oiler Jobs

Bulk Carriers and Container Ships

The most common segment for motorman jobs. Work includes maintenance of MAN B&W main engines, generators, purifiers and boilers.Contracts usually range from 6 to 9 months.

Tanker Fleet

Work with cargo pumps, inert gas systems and preparation for SIRE inspections.Tanker endorsement is usually required.

LNG and LPG Fleet

The highest-paid segment for Oilers. Work with dual-fuel engines such as MAN ME-GI and Wärtsilä DF.Equal-time contracts are common.

Offshore Fleet

Supply vessels, AHTS and DP vessels operating Caterpillar and MTU engines, hydraulic systems and offshore equipment.

Passenger Fleet

Cruise ships and ferries with large engine departments and intensive operational schedules.Find a Vessel in the Global Vessel Database

Oiler Salary

Average Oiler / Motorman salaries:— Bulk carriers and dry cargo: $1,400–2,000— Container ships: $1,600–2,200— Tankers: $1,600–2,400— LNG/LPG vessels: $2,000–2,800— Offshore fleet: $1,800–2,500Salary depends on vessel type, experience, UMS mode and technical skills.View Oiler Jobs with Salaries

Oiler Career Path

Typical career progression:Wiper → Oiler → Junior Engineer → 4/E → 3/E → 2/E → Chief EngineerMany Oilers continue into the officer ranks of the Engine Department.Alternative career paths include:— Pumpman— Fitter— Single Engineer— Gas EngineerJunior Engineer JobsSingle Engineer JobsMaritime Mentors

How to Choose an Oiler Vacancy

Before signing a contract, consider:— Fleet type— UMS availability— Main engine type— Contract duration— Career growth opportunities— Shipowner reputation— Vessel age and conditionCheck the Shipowner in Shipowners Directory

Why Seafarers Choose JobMarineMan

— Direct contact with shipowners— No agency commissions— Verified employers— LNG, tanker, offshore and dry fleet vacancies— Daily vacancy updates— International shipowner networkUpload CV and Get Direct Contact with Shipowners

FAQ — Frequently Asked Questions About Oiler Jobs

What does an Oiler do onboard?

An Oiler performs engine room watchkeeping, monitors machinery, maintains pumps, compressors, purifiers and assists engineers with repairs and maintenance.

What certificates are required for Oiler jobs?

The main certificates are STCW III/5 (ASE) or STCW III/4 (RFPEW), plus the full STCW package.

How much does an Oiler earn?

Average salaries range from $1,400 to $2,800 depending on vessel type and experience.

Can I become an Oiler without sea experience?

Yes. Many seafarers start as Wipers and later progress to Oiler positions after gaining sea service.

What career opportunities are available after Oiler?

Career progression includes Junior Engineer, Fourth Engineer, Third Engineer, Second Engineer and Chief Engineer positions.

Related Engine Department Jobs

Chief Engineer JobsSecond Engineer JobsThird Engineer JobsFourth Engineer JobsJunior Engineer JobsETO JobsPumpman JobsFitter JobsWiper Jobs

Jobs by Fleet Type

Dry Cargo FleetTanker FleetLNG and LPG FleetOffshore FleetPassenger Fleet