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Entry Level Marine Wiper Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Wiper

Panama City, FL

$18.50 - $23/hr

Bowhead Marine Support Services seeks an entry level Wiper for shipboard positions at Tyndall Air Force Base, Tyndall, FL. Responsibilities The Wiper is the engineering department utility man and ...

QMED/Wiper

Panama City, FL

$21.25 - $26.25/hr

Bowhead Marine Support Services seeks an entry level QMED/Wiper for shipboard positions at Tyndall Air Force Base, Tyndall , FL. Responsibilities The QMED/Wiper is the engineering department utility ...

Entry Level Marine Wiper information

See salary details

$11

$19

$37

How much do entry level marine wiper jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 13, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level marine wiper in the United States is $19.57, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.42 and $22.12 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are Entry Level Marine Wipers?

Entry Level Marine Wipers are crew members on ships responsible for cleaning, maintaining, and assisting with the operation of machinery in the engine room. They perform basic tasks such as wiping down equipment, checking oil and fluid levels, and helping engineers with routine maintenance. This position is often the starting point for a career in marine engineering and can lead to more advanced roles with additional training and experience. Wipers work under the supervision of senior engineering staff and follow strict safety protocols to ensure the smooth operation of the vessel.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Entry Level Marine Wiper, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Entry Level Marine Wiper, you need basic mechanical aptitude, physical fitness, and a high school diploma or equivalent, often accompanied by a Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping (STCW) certification. Familiarity with marine cleaning equipment, safety protocols, and maintenance systems is typically required. Strong work ethic, attention to detail, and the ability to follow instructions help individuals stand out in this role. These skills and qualities are crucial for maintaining vessel safety, cleanliness, and operational efficiency in a demanding maritime environment.

What is the difference between Entry Level Marine Wiper vs Entry Level Marine Deckhand?

AspectEntry Level Marine WiperEntry Level Marine Deckhand
CertificationsBasic safety training, STCW certifications often requiredBasic safety training, STCW certifications often required
Work EnvironmentDeck, exterior areas of ships, often in harsh weatherDeck, exterior areas, assisting with cargo, maintenance, and safety tasks
Job ResponsibilitiesCleaning, wiping surfaces, maintaining cleanlinessAssisting with cargo handling, maintenance, and general deck duties

Both roles typically require safety certifications and involve outdoor work on ships. The main difference is that Marine Wipers focus primarily on cleaning and wiping surfaces, while Marine Deckhands have broader responsibilities including cargo handling and deck maintenance. Understanding these distinctions helps job seekers identify the right entry-level position in the maritime industry.

What are the typical daily responsibilities and challenges faced by an Entry Level Marine Wiper onboard a vessel?

As an Entry Level Marine Wiper, your primary responsibilities include assisting with the cleaning and maintenance of engine room machinery, monitoring fluid levels, and supporting engineers with routine checks. You'll often work in shifts, sometimes in confined or noisy environments, and must be vigilant about safety procedures. One common challenge is adapting to the physically demanding nature of the job and the need to learn technical tasks quickly. However, the role offers valuable hands-on experience and opportunities to learn from senior crew members, which can set the foundation for advancement to positions like Oiler or Engineer.
What cities are hiring for Entry Level Marine Wiper jobs? Cities with the most Entry Level Marine Wiper job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Marine Wiper jobs? The most popular types of Marine Wiper jobs are:
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What job categories do people searching Entry Level Marine Wiper jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Entry Level Marine Wiper jobs are:

$18.50 - $23/hr

Full-time

Posted 21 days ago


Job description

Overview

Wiper (TYAFB-2026-25047):

Bowhead Marine Support Services seeks an entry level Wiper for shipboard positions at Tyndall Air Force Base, Tyndall, FL.

Responsibilities

The Wiper is the engineering department utility man and performs a variety of tasks including:

  • Primarily works at the engine department cleaning, painting, oiling and greasing of machinery equipment and assisting in repair. as well as to keep the vessel clean and conduct general maintenance.
  • Oils and grease moving parts of engines and auxiliary equipment. May stand engine room watches and/or lookout watches, scale and chip paint, paint, handle lines in the mooring of the ship, and assists in the actual tying up and letting go of the vessel.
  • Assists in handling and operation of all deck gear such as topping cradling and housing of the booms and may assist in carpentry work.

The Wiper assists the Engineer in the following:

  • Scales, buffs, and paints decks and structures.
  • Sweeps and washes deck; splices wire and rope.
  • Breaks out, rigs, overhauls, and stows cargo-handling gear, stationary rigging, and running gear; secures cargo; launches and recovers boats.
  • May rig and operate hydrographic and other specialty winches; handle and stow oceanographic explosives; and stage and stow beach support equipment.
  • When assigned to watch duty, performs a variety of duties, including looking for obstructions in path of vessel, steering vessel, serving on security patrol, and standing gangway watch.
Qualifications
  • Education: High School Diploma or equivalent is required.
  • Current Merchant Mariners Document with the Ordinary Seaman/Wiper/Oiler rating and a minimum of one (1) year experience.
  • Transportation Worker Identification Card (TWIC) required.
  • Must have a valid / current U.S. Passport.

Desired health and safety certifications include:

  • Basic First Aid
  • Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)
  • Automated External Defibrillator (AED)

SUPPLEMENT SKILLS INCLUDE:

  • Communication skills including the ability to provide explanation of very complex or technical matters to people with little or no background experience in the subject matter.
  • Writing skills necessary to communicate technical information.
  • Strong interpersonal/team skills and the proven ability to often deal with situations where immediate low-level satisfactory resolution of issues must be achieved.

Physical Demands: The work environment varies and includes, but is not limited to: dock, port, bay, waterways, office space, equipment rooms, warehouse space, construction zones, and outdoor environments. Work hours may fluctuate outside of normal duty hours. While performing the duties of this job, the individual is:

  • Regularly required to sit, use hands to handle, move, manipulate or feel objects, talk and/or hear.
  • Frequently required to stand and/or walk and routinely required to reach with hands and arms.
  • Routinely required to stand, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, and/or squat.
  • Frequently lifts and /or moves up to 50 pounds and occasionally lifts and/or moves up to 75 pounds.
  • Occasionally lifts and/or moves 75-100 pounds with the assistance of deckhands and/or heavy lifting equipment
Employment Type: FULL_TIME