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Merchant Mariner Wiper Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Foss 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 ...

AmNav 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 ...

Tamus

Chief Electrical Officer

Galveston, TX · On-site

$9.2K/mo

Possession of or the ability to obtain a United States Coast Guard (USCG) Merchant Mariner with the following endorsement(s): Wiper. * Must meet one of the following requirements: License as an ...

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 ...

AmNav Maritime

Senior Deckhand (NorCal)

Oakland, CA

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 ...

STEVENS TOWING CO INC

Deckhand (189)

Yonges Island, SC · On-site

Required to sweep and mop the interior of the vessel, wipe the bulkheads (walls) and overhead ... Required to apply to the United States Coast Guard for a seamans card (Merchant Mariners Document ...

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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.

Senior Deckhand (LA/LB)

Foss Maritime

Wilmington, CA • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 2 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Maintain the vessels in a state of readiness and perform work as directed by the captain.

  • Perform tasks such as pulling lines, making up tows, tying off barge tows, and operating equipment like winches and pumps.

  • Conduct routine maintenance including cleaning, painting, checking engine room components, and fueling the tug.

Job description

Maintain the vessels in a state of readiness to perform work for customers as needed. Perform work as directed by captain of vessel. Job includes pulling heavy lines, climbing onto and walking on barges, boats and narrow barge walkways. Deck must be hosed down and free of lines (all gear must be put away when not in use). Make up all tows, and multiple barge tows as directed by captain. Deck personnel are trained to perform the following skills in addition to other skills required by the captain and/or the Collective Bargaining Agreement.

Essential Functions:

  • Use the VHF portable radio.
  • Splice lines. Perform lubrication services. Properly tie off barge tows, raft tows, etc.
  • Give proper direction and distance signals and information. Use equipment on the tug -- winches, capstan, peavey, pike pole, pumps. Make up multiple barge tows. Fuel tug. Complete barge reports, engine room logs.
  • Paint inside and outside of tug on an on-going basis. Cook meals for crew members and prepare grocery orders and supply requisitions. Check engine room hourly for leaks, broken fuel and oil lines, etc. Take readings on each watch and maintain engine room logs. Drain water out of air tanks every day. Check oil in auxiliary and main engines before starting.
  • Change oil and filter as needed. A general maintenance checklist is provided explaining what equipment needs to be greased started, etc. Engine should be wiped down of oil each night. Keep area clean and free of oil.
  • Tighten and grease/ replace shaft packing before leaving the boat. Take on fuel and water, and pump bilges.
  • Cleaning restrooms on tug. Prepare grocery/supplies list.
  • Performs special duties and other projects as assigned.
  • Adheres to all company policies.
  • Accomplishes all tasks as appropriately assigned or requested.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
  • Must be able to comprehend and respond and carry out specific orders from the captain. Ability to communicate effectively with captain, co-workers, dispatchers and customers. Ability to learn safety awareness, injury prevention, firefighting. Must be able to read, speak and understand English over the telephone and/or radio.
  • Must be able to plan and prepare multiple meals for crews.
  • Must be physically fit enough to pull heavy lines/hoses, lift, tighten winches, carry heavy items, kneel while painting or changing oil/filters, climb onto barges and upstairs to wheelhouse, bending and twisting during boat/barge tie-up.
Working Conditions:
  • Exposure to all weather conditions (rain, ice, snow, heat, wind, etc.).
  • Must have the ability and flexibility to work a variety of schedules and hours and must be able to report for duty with a one hour notice. Must be able to work overtime, Sundays, Saturdays, holidays, night work.
  • Assignments can last up to 15 days (river) or as much as 90 days (ocean). Must be willing to take callouts.
  • Must not be afraid of heights or narrow walkways.
  • Must join Union.
Minimum Requirements:
  • Must possess and maintain US Coast Guard Merchant Mariners Document (MMD) or Merchant Mariners Credential (MMC).
  • Must possess Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC).
  • AB limited with a valid STCW endorsement is preferred.
  • Must possess and maintain valid state driver's license.
  • Must possess and maintain valid passport.
  • Able to work weekends, holidays, and at night.

AmNAv is an Equal Opportunity - Affirmative Action Employer and a VEVRAA Federal Contractor. We are committed to a diverse workforce and taking affirmative action to employ and advance in employment qualified women, minorities, individuals with disabilities and protected veterans. AmNav is a drug-free employer and a participant of the E-Verify Employment Verification Program.

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