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Merchant Mariner Wiper Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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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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Infographic showing various Merchant Mariner Wiper job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 93% Full Time, 6% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution.

Deckhand (1928)

STEVENS TOWING CO INC

Yonges Island, SC • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 10 days ago


Job description

Unless otherwise defined by applicable law, any employment relationship with STEVENS TOWING COMPANY, INC.is of an "at-will" nature, which means the employee may resign at any time and STEVENS TOWING COMPANY, INC. may discharge the employee at any time with or without cause.

Must have the ability to understand and comprehend duties and responsibilities given by the Captain/Mate.

Must be able to understand required deckhand skills and maintenance responsibilities. Responsible for keeping the non-engineering areas of the vessel in good condition; required to clean inside and outside of the boat, scrub and wash floors, wash windows, polish brass equipment, wash and paint exterior decks and bulkheads.

Responsible for cooking meals and keeping the galley clean.

Must become familiar and acquire an understanding of barges in a tow. Must handle the tug's working lines and mooring lines, and the towing gear as well. This includes the hawsers, cables, bridles, shock lines, and retrieving lines as experience dictates. Help maintain and operate deck equipment when docking or departing.

Must have reasonable abilities at throwing heavy lines and be able to secure large working lines quickly.

Responsible for regularly checking barges and required to pump out any leaking barges. Also responsible for setting out navigation lights and checking them regularly.

Required to have the ability to become familiar with and learn the deckhand responsibilities for towing and rigging.

The individual assigned to this position must, with or without reasonable accommodation be experienced in the following essential functions.

Ability to understand and comprehend duties and responsibilities.

Responsible for scrubbing down the boat after each trip.

Ensure that all lines are secured and that the vessel is ready for sea as soon after it leaves the dock as possible.

Required to check on the proper operation of the masthead, stern and sidelights and report to the Captain/Mate at sunset, also check the anchor light when used.

Responsible for checking protective fenders when the boat is landing, to take them in upon departure and to adjust them whenever necessary.

Required to sweep and mop the interior of the vessel, wipe the bulkheads (walls) and overhead (ceiling) daily after each trip.

Required to wash the dishes, pots, pans and cutlery after each meal and to return these items to their proper location. Must clean the stove and oven completely once a week.

Must clean and/or defrost the refrigerator at least once a week and the freezer at least once a month. Required to arrange food supplies in such a manner as to prevent damage at sea.

Required to scrub toilet heads daily and scrub the shower stall and shower rack once a week. Must empty all trash and garbage daily, empty and clean all ashtrays, and sweep throughout the vessel daily.

Must assist the engineer as required (and expect to be helped in return when need arises).

Required to splice and care for all lines. (The Captain will instruct crew in splicing and seamanship and seamanship in general).

Required to apply to the United States Coast Guard for a seamans card (Merchant Mariners Document) and to furnish a photocopy of these documents and all subsequent endorsements and/or licenses to Stevens.

Responsible for checking all life preservers to make sure they are properly stowed and not used as pillows.

Must be physically able to lift, carry and work with heavy rigging.

Perform duties under adverse conditions over or near water, and under tight time schedules.