Wiper Jobs
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Current Wiper Vacancies
Current Wiper jobs on container vessels, tankers, LNG carriers, offshore vessels, and dry cargo ships. Entry-level engine room positions with direct hiring from shipowners — no intermediaries and no agency fees.View Wiper Vacancies
What Does a Wiper Do on Board
Wiper (engine room cleaner, junior engine rating) is the most junior position in the Engine Department. The name comes from the historical task of wiping and lubricating machinery during the steam engine era.Modern Wipers perform a much wider range of duties, but the role remains the first step toward becoming a marine engineer.On board, a Wiper usually reports to the Fourth Engineer (4/E), while overall supervision comes from the Second Engineer (2/E) and Chief Engineer.
Does a Wiper Stand Watch
One of the most common questions from candidates is whether a Wiper stands engine room watch.
Wiper Without STCW III/4
Under STCW regulations, a basic Wiper does not stand watch. The position is usually Day Work only, typically from 08:00 to 17:00.Daily duties include:
- Engine room cleaning
- Painting and preservation work
- Assisting engineers
- Cleaning filters and machinery
- Supporting maintenance tasks
Only basic STCW BST certificates are required. No sea service or previous engine room experience is necessary.
Wiper With STCW III/4 RFPEW
A Wiper holding STCW III/4 RFPEW may become part of an engineering watch under supervision of a watchkeeping engineer (3/E or 4/E).This is already considered Motorman / Engine Rating level and usually comes with higher salary and responsibilities.
What This Means for Candidates
- Without III/4 — entry-level Day Worker position
- With III/4 — eligible for Wiper/Motorman watchkeeping positions
- With III/5 ASE — qualified Oiler position
Wiper Duties
Engine Room Cleaning
Engine Room Cleaning is the primary daily responsibility. Cleanliness is critical during PSC inspections and SIRE 2.0 / RightShip audits.
Painting and Preservation
Rust removal, chipping, needle gunning, priming, and painting pipelines and engine room structures.
Assisting Engineers
Helping 4/E, 3/E, and Oilers during repairs, maintenance, spare part handling, and tool preparation.
Filters and Separators
Assisting with maintenance of fuel and oil filters, purifiers, and separators such as Alfa Laval and GEA systems.
Bilge System Maintenance
Working with bilge systems, OWS (Oily Water Separator), ORB, and MARPOL Annex I procedures.
Bunkering Assistance
Supporting fuel transfer operations, hose handling, and tank level monitoring during bunkering.
Requirements for Wiper Jobs
For Basic Wiper Positions
- STCW Basic Safety Training (VI/1)
- Seafarer Medical Certificate
- Preferably full STCW package
- No sea experience required
For Wiper With III/4
- STCW III/4 RFPEW
- Full STCW package
- 6+ months approved engine room sea service
- Tanker endorsement for tanker fleet jobs
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Vessel Types and Working Conditions
Bulk Carriers and Container Ships
The most common fleet segment for beginner engine ratings. Stable work routine and good learning environment for first contracts.Salary: $600–1,000/month.
Tanker Fleet
Higher cleaning standards and involvement in cargo pump room and machinery maintenance.Salary: $800–1,200/month.
LNG and LPG Fleet
The highest-paying segment for Wiper jobs.Gas Tanker Endorsement usually required.Salary: $1,000–1,400/month.
Offshore and Passenger Fleet
Work with high-speed engines and specialized machinery systems.Salary: $800–1,200/month.Find a Vessel in the Global Vessel Database
Wiper Salary
Typical salary ranges:
- Bulkers and dry cargo fleet: $600–1,000
- Tankers: $800–1,200
- LNG/LPG fleet: $1,000–1,400
- Offshore fleet: $800–1,200
- Passenger fleet: $700–1,100
Wipers holding STCW III/4 usually earn 20–30% more.View Wiper Jobs With Salary Information
Why Wiper Is the Best Start for Marine Engineers
- No sea experience required
- Fast adaptation to engine room environment
- Practical onboard learning
- Direct path to III/4 and III/5 certification
Shore-based experience as an auto mechanic, diesel mechanic, fitter, electrician, or industrial technician is a major advantage for employment.
Career Path
Typical career progression:Wiper → Oiler → Junior Engineer → 4/E → 3/E → 2/E → Chief Engineer
Related Engine Department Jobs
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How to Choose a Wiper Vacancy
Vessel Type
For a first contract, bulk carriers and container vessels are usually the best option.
Contract Length
Six months is considered optimal for obtaining III/4 sea service requirements.
Company Reputation
Always verify the shipowner and vessel condition before joining.Check Shipowners Directory
Find Your First Engine Room Job Through JobMarineMan
- Verified shipowners
- All fleet types
- Daily updated vacancies
- No agency commissions
- Direct contact with employers
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FAQ — Frequently Asked Questions About Wiper Jobs
What Does a Wiper Do on Board
A Wiper performs engine room cleaning, assists engineers during maintenance and repairs, and supports machinery operations.
Can I Work as a Wiper Without Sea Experience
Yes. Wiper is one of the few maritime entry-level jobs available without previous sea service.
What Certificates Are Required
Minimum requirement is STCW BST and a valid Seafarer Medical Certificate.
What Is the Salary of a Wiper
Usually between $600 and $1,400 depending on fleet type and qualifications.
What Is the Difference Between Wiper and Oiler
An Oiler is a qualified engine rating with STCW III/5 ASE certification and independent watchkeeping duties.
How Long Does It Take to Become an Oiler
Usually around 12 months of total sea service and certification progression.