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Merchant Mariner Wiper Jobs (NOW HIRING)

ssc

Chief Engineer

Newark, NJ · On-site

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

ssc

Engineer - Marine

Newark, NJ

$83K - $112K/yr

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 ...

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 ...

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

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

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 ...

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 ...

Savage

Chief Engineer

Charleston, SC · On-site

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

Savage

Engineer - Marine

Seattle, WA · 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 ...

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All JobsMerchant Mariner Wiper Jobs

Merchant Mariner Wiper information

Can a merchant seaman make over $100,000?

Merchant mariner Wipers typically earn lower salaries compared to more senior positions on ships, with starting wages often below $50,000 annually. However, experienced mariners working on large vessels, with overtime and hazard pay, can potentially earn over $100,000, especially with specialized skills and certifications such as STCW or AB endorsements. High earnings are more common for those advancing to higher ranks or working in offshore or specialized shipping sectors.

What are Merchant Mariner Wipers?

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 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.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Merchant Mariner Wiper, and why are they important?

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.

How much do cruise ship wiper workers get paid?

Cruise ship wiper workers typically earn between $1,200 and $2,000 per month, depending on experience and the cruise line. Wipers are entry-level engine room positions that require basic mechanical skills and often include benefits such as room and board while at sea.

What does a wiper do in the merchant marines?

A wiper in the merchant marines is responsible for cleaning and maintaining engine room equipment, assisting with basic mechanical tasks, and supporting engineers. The role requires working in confined, often noisy environments and may involve learning technical skills through on-the-job training or certifications.

What are the typical work conditions and team dynamics like 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.

How much is the salary of a wiper seaman?

A merchant mariner wiper seaman typically earns between $1,200 and $2,000 per month, depending on experience, vessel type, and union agreements. Wipers are entry-level positions that perform basic maintenance and cleaning tasks on ships, often requiring basic safety certifications and training.
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Merchant Mariner Wiper jobs near you
Infographic showing various Merchant Mariner Wiper job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution.
Entry-Level Engineering - Wiper/Conveyorman

Entry-Level Engineering - Wiper/Conveyorman

Interlake Steamship Company

Cleveland, OH • On-site

Full-time

Posted 3 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