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Merchant Mariner Wiper Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Bowhead

QMED/Wiper

Panama City, FL

$225.98/day

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 ...

Bowhead

QMED/Wiper

Panama City, FL · On-site

$225.98/hr

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 ...

ssc

Engineer - Marine

Tampa, FL · On-site

USCG Merchant Mariner Credential, international and national endorsements capable of foreign ... Wiper, Steward's Department (F.H.) * Tankerman Assistant, limited to Dangerous Liquid (DL) Cargoes ...

Chevron

Ordinary Seaman

San Ramon, CA · On-site

You must hold a current USCG Merchant Mariner Credentials, STCW 95 endorsements (Basic Training and ... Wipes up excess oils and greases and otherwise cleans machinery, bilges, grating, decks, bulkheads ...

Chevron

Ordinary Seaman

San Ramon, CA · On-site

You must hold a current USCG Merchant Mariner Credentials, STCW 95 endorsements (Basic Training and ... Wipes up excess oils and greases and otherwise cleans machinery, bilges, grating, decks, bulkheads ...

City of New York

Marine Oiler

Staten Island, NY

Wipes, cleans and polishes equipment. In Ferry Terminals, operates heating boilers; cleans and ... Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC) with endorsement and medical certificate must be maintained for ...

City of New York

Marine Oiler

Staten Island, NY · On-site

$80K - $90K/yr

Wipes, cleans and polishes equipment. In Ferry Terminals, operates heating boilers; cleans and ... Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC) with endorsement and medical certificate must be maintained for ...

City of New York

Marine Oiler

Staten Island, NY · On-site

Wipes, cleans and polishes equipment. In Ferry Terminals, operates heating boilers; cleans and ... Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC) with endorsement and medical certificate must be maintained for ...

G&H Towing

Deck Engine Utility (Wiper)

Galveston, TX · On-site

$27K - $55K/yr

U.S. Coast Guard Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC) * U.S. Coast Guard Merchant Marine Medical Certificate * Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) issued by the Transportation ...

Foss Maritime

Senior Deckhand (NorCal)

Oakland, CA · On-site

Engine should be wiped down of oil each night. Keep area clean and free of oil. * Tighten and ... Must possess and maintain US Coast Guard Merchant Mariners Document (MMD) or Merchant Mariners ...

AmNav Maritime

Senior Deckhand (LA/LB)

Wilmington, CA · On-site

Engine should be wiped down of oil each night. Keep area clean and free of oil. * Tighten and ... Must possess and maintain US Coast Guard Merchant Mariners Document (MMD) or Merchant Mariners ...

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Merchant Mariner Wiper information

What is a merchant mariner wiper?

Merchant Mariner Wipers are entry-level crew members who work in the engine department of a ship. Their primary responsibilities include cleaning and maintaining engine rooms and machinery, assisting engineers with basic maintenance tasks, and ensuring that the vessel’s machinery operates smoothly. Wipers gain valuable hands-on experience that can help them advance to higher positions within the engine department, such as Oiler or Engineer. This role is essential for the safe and efficient operation of merchant vessels and is a starting point for many maritime engineering careers.

What skills and qualifications are needed to be a merchant mariner wiper?

To thrive as a Merchant Mariner Wiper, you need basic mechanical aptitude, familiarity with shipboard safety procedures, and a Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC) with a valid TWIC card. Experience with hand tools, cleaning equipment, and adherence to safety and environmental regulations are typically required. Strong teamwork, attention to detail, and the ability to follow instructions are important soft skills in this role. These abilities ensure the safe and efficient operation of the vessel's engine department and support career advancement at sea.

What are the typical work conditions and team dynamics for a merchant mariner wiper aboard a vessel?

As a Merchant Mariner Wiper, you will work in the engine room, often in shifts, supporting engineers and maintaining cleanliness and basic machinery upkeep. The environment can be hot, noisy, and physically demanding, but safety protocols and teamwork are emphasized. Wipers collaborate closely with other engine department members, learning from experienced personnel and participating in routine maintenance tasks. This role provides foundational experience and exposure to ship operations, often serving as a stepping stone for career advancement within the maritime industry.

What is the difference between Merchant Mariner Wiper vs Merchant Mariner Ordinary Seaman?

AspectMerchant Mariner WiperMerchant Mariner Ordinary Seaman
CertificationsBasic STCW certifications, safety trainingSTCW certifications, safety training, and additional sea service
Work EnvironmentEngine room, machinery spacesDeck, exterior ship areas
Job DutiesAssist engine room personnel, perform maintenanceLookout, handle lines, general deck duties

The Merchant Mariner Wiper role primarily involves engine room support and maintenance, requiring basic safety certifications. In contrast, the Merchant Mariner Ordinary Seaman works on deck, performing lookout and line handling duties. Both roles are entry-level positions in the maritime industry, but they differ in work environment and specific responsibilities.

How much does a merchant mariner wiper get paid?

A merchant mariner wiper typically earns between $2,000 and $4,000 per month, depending on experience, vessel type, and union agreements. Wipers are entry-level positions requiring basic safety training and are often paid hourly or monthly while working on ships that operate on rotating schedules.

How to become a merchant mariner wiper on a ship?

To become a merchant mariner wiper, you typically need to complete basic safety training such as STCW certification, pass a physical exam, and gain entry-level experience on ships. Wipers perform maintenance and cleaning tasks in the engine room and often require a high school diploma or equivalent. Advancement may involve gaining experience and additional certifications.

What does a merchant mariner wiper do in the merchant marines?

A merchant mariner wiper is an entry-level crew member responsible for cleaning and maintaining engine room equipment, assisting with basic maintenance tasks, and supporting the engineering team. They work in the engine room environment and typically need basic safety training and certifications such as STCW. Wipers help ensure the proper operation and cleanliness of ship machinery.
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Merchant Mariner Wiper jobs near you
Infographic showing various Merchant Mariner Wiper job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 84% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 5% Temporary. Highlights an 95% In-person, and 5% Remote job distribution.

Entry-Level Engineering - Wiper/Conveyorman

Interlake Steamship Company

Middleburg Heights, OH • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 17 days ago

Job description

 
Job Summary: 

A Wiper or Conveyorman may either be an experienced or entry level unlicensed position working primarily in the shipboard Engineering Department. Primary responsibilities may include maintaining and operating the vessel cargo handling system as a Conveyorman, or assisting the shipboard Engineering Department with daily maintenance and operations of engineering spaces and systems as a Wiper. Additional responsibilities are listed below based on the type of role filling.

A wiper may be required to work in any shipboard department, including Deck, Engine, or Galley based on the needs or the vessel.

Primary Responsibilities: 

Conveyorman:

  • Responsible to the First Assistant Engineer for maintaining the cargo handling system as well as overseeing the cargo handling system during cargo operations
  • Familiarity with the company Safety Management System (SMS)
  • Report to the First Mate for cargo issues other than equipment
  • Monitoring and tracking of all cargo handling equipment, including reporting equipment, spare part, and consumable cargo handling equipment needs to the First Assistant Engineer
  • Responding in accordance with the duties listed on the Station Bill
  • Employee must understand commands, both written and verbal, in English

Wiper: 

  • Assists the Engine Department in the maintenance and operation of the main propulsion plant and auxiliary machinery
  • Responsible for general sanitation/cleaning of all engineering spaces, including bilges
  • The wiper will also assist in maintenance of the cargo handling system including:
    1. Greasing
    2. Stenciling 
    3. Checking nuts and bolts
    4. Cleaning (coolers, speed reducers, air filters, take-up hydraulic units, etc.)
    5. Inspecting wear plates, scrapers, pulleys 
    6. Other duties as organized by the conveyorman
  • Able to work as a “day worker,” living and working seven days a week in a shipboard environment with potentially irregular and prolonged hours. These duties are performed in all weather conditions
  • Respond in accordance with the duties listed on the Station Bill.
  • Employee must understand commands, both written and verbal, in English

Credential, License / Endorsement, and Certificate Requirements:

  • Valid U.S. Coast Guard Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC) with endorsement as a 'Wiper'
  • Valid U.S. Coast Guard Medical Certificate
  • Valid U.S. DOT Transportation Workers Identification Credential (TWIC)
  • Ability to pass a preemployment drug screen and participate in a random testing program