ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Oiler Seaman Jobs (NOW HIRING)

McAllister Towing

Ordinary Seaman

Staten Island, NY

$315/day

Ordinary Seaman (OS) Reports to: The Ordinary Seaman is responsible to the Captain at all times ... Handles fuel, lube oil and water transfer hoses under the direction of the Person in Charge (PIC)

New

Bowhead

Ordinary Seaman

Panama City, FL

Overview Ordinary Seaman (TYAFB-2026-25806): Bowhead Marine Support Services seeks an Ordinary ... oil boom installation/removal around moored or anchored vessels. * Must be able to pass pre ...

AET

Ordinary Seaman (OS)

Galveston, TX

... world's oil companies, trading houses and refiners. AET is headquartered in Singapore, with ... Ordinary Seaman mariner credential * TWIC * COVID-19 vaccination including booster Physical ...

AET

Ordinary Seaman (OS)

Galveston, TX · On-site

... world's oil companies, trading houses and refiners. AET is headquartered in Singapore, with ... Ordinary Seaman mariner credential * TWIC * COVID-19 vaccination including booster Physical ...

Bowhead

Ordinary Seaman/Captain

Panama City, FL

$511.92/day

Overview Ordinary Seaman (TYAFB-2026-25611): Bowhead Marine Support Services seeks multiple ... oil boom installation/removal around moored or anchored vessels. * Must be able to pass pre ...

ssc

Tankerman - Marine

Norfolk, VA

Ordinary Seaman, * Steward's Department (F.H.) * Tankerman PIC limited to Dangerous Liquid (DL) - Experience with Caustic Soda preferred * Must hold a valid TWIC card and a U.S. Passport Education ...

Homestead Marine Services

Crew for Tugboat Pokagon

Seattle, WA · On-site

$22 - $28.50/hr

... on oilfield or wind supply boats, cruise ships, tugboats, etc. keep it clean and maintain it, as ... Able Seaman or 500 Ton Mate Ordinary Seaman or Wiper Don't delay, apply now as we're departing in ...

Curtin Maritime, Corp

OSV Engineer

Long Beach, CA · On-site

$450 - $875/day

MMC QMED Oiler * STCW RFPEW * Passport PREFERRED LICENSES & REQUIREMENTS: * Able Seaman Endorsement VESSEL PROFICIENCIES: * Skilled in all Deckhand position duties * Assistant Engineer * Basic ...

Savage

Tankerman - Marine

Norfolk, VA · On-site

Ordinary Seaman, * Steward's Department (F.H.) * Tankerman PIC limited to Dangerous Liquid (DL) - Experience with Caustic Soda preferred * Must hold a valid TWIC card and a U.S. Passport Education ...

Fairwater

Third Mate - Tankers

Dania Beach, FL · On-site

Able Seaman- Unlimited * Lifeboatman * Valid USCG Medical Certificate - STCW * Valid Passport ... V1-1: Advanced Oil Tanker Cargo Operation * V1-1: Advanced Chemical Tanker Cargo Operation

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsOiler Seaman Jobs

Oiler Seaman information

See salary details

$21

$33

$47

How much do oiler seaman jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for oiler seaman in the United States is $33.40, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $26.20 and $37.50 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some typical challenges an oiler seaman faces while maintaining machinery at sea?

Oiler Seamen often encounter challenges such as working in confined, noisy, and hot engine rooms, as well as handling machinery that is constantly in operation. They must stay vigilant for signs of wear, leaks, or unusual noises, all while adhering to strict safety protocols. The role requires adaptability since repairs or maintenance can occur during adverse weather or at odd hours, and teamwork is essential when coordinating with engineers and other crew members to keep the vessel running smoothly.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an oiler seaman?

To thrive as an Oiler Seaman, you need a solid understanding of marine engine operation, mechanical maintenance, and basic safety procedures, often supported by a Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC) and STCW certification. Familiarity with engine room machinery, lubrication systems, and shipboard monitoring equipment is essential. Strong teamwork, attention to detail, and effective communication skills help you work efficiently under the supervision of engineers and with other crew members. These skills ensure the smooth and safe operation of a vessel's propulsion systems, minimizing breakdowns and maintaining compliance with maritime regulations.

What is the difference between Oiler Seaman vs Deckhand?

AspectOiler SeamanDeckhand
CertificationsSTCW Basic Safety, CPR, First AidSTCW Basic Safety, CPR, First Aid
Work EnvironmentEngine room, machinery maintenanceDeck, exterior of vessel, cargo handling
Job ResponsibilitiesLubricating engines, monitoring machineryCleaning, assisting with cargo, deck maintenance

Both Oiler Seaman and Deckhand roles are essential crew positions on vessels, sharing certifications and safety training. While Oilers Seaman focus on engine room tasks and machinery upkeep, Deckhands handle exterior deck work and cargo operations. These roles often overlap but serve distinct functions within maritime crews.

How to become an oiler seaman on a ship?

To become an oiler seaman, you typically need to complete maritime training and obtain relevant certifications such as STCW. Gaining experience in engine room operations and demonstrating mechanical skills are important, and employment often requires passing medical and background checks. Onboard training and apprenticeships are common pathways into the role.

What is an oiler seaman?

Oiler Seamen are entry-level maritime professionals responsible for maintaining and lubricating the machinery and equipment aboard a ship. They support the engineering department by ensuring all mechanical systems, such as engines and pumps, run smoothly and efficiently. Their duties include regular inspections, cleaning, and minor repairs under the supervision of senior engineers. This role is essential for the safe and effective operation of a vessel, and it provides a pathway to more advanced engineering positions at sea.
More about Oiler Seaman jobs
What cities are hiring for Oiler Seaman jobs? Cities with the most Oiler Seaman job openings:
What states have the most Oiler Seaman jobs? States with the most job openings for Oiler Seaman jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Oiler Seaman jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Oiler Seaman jobs are:
Oiler Seaman jobs near you
Infographic showing various Oiler Seaman job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, and 8% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $69,482 per year, or $33.4 per hour.

Ordinary Seaman

McAllister Towing

Staten Island, NY

$315/day

Full-time

Posted yesterday

New

Job description

McAllister Towing has provided superior tugboat service to New York Harbor since 1864, when Captain James McAllister, great-grandfather to current president Brian Buckley McAllister, bought his first sail lighter to carry cargo from Manhattan to Brooklyn. Today, McAllister's tugs provide a wide variety of services to the busy ports of New York and New Jersey, serving the most concentrated and affluent consumer market in the world and handling a significant part of the 16 million tons of cargo that passes through the port every year. In addition to ship docking services and general harbor assist work, New York based tugs are regularly employed in offshore towing along the entire East Coast. 

McAllister is proud of its long history in New York Harbor and continues to provide its clients and customers with the highest quality service.

McAllister Towing of NY is seeking Ordinary Seaman.  Duties and responsibilities are outlined below.  

Ordinary Seaman (OS) 

Reports to: 

The Ordinary Seaman is responsible to the Captain at all times, however reports to the Officer in Charge of the Navigation when on duty.

Supervises: 

None

Description of Duties: 

Lookout.

Handles lines/wires to and from other vessels or structures during operations at the direction of the Officer in Charge of the Navigation Watch.

Tends mooring lines.

Performs assigned firefighting, man overboard and abandon ship duties as assigned on the Station Bill.

Handles fuel, lube oil and water transfer hoses under the direction of the Person in Charge (PIC).

Performs cleaning and maintenance as assigned by the Captain.

Accountable for personal hygiene, for maintaining the safe, clean condition of own stateroom, and for participating with other crew to maintain public spaces in like condition.

Performs assigned firefighting, man overboard and abandon ship duties as assigned on the Station Bill.

Other duties as may be assigned by the Captain.

Project a positive company image and maintain professional, amicable relationships with customers, pilots, terminal personnel and the public at all times.

Other duties as may be assigned by the Captain.

Minimum Requirements: 

Current U.S. Coast Guard Merchant Mariner Credential with Ordinary Seaman (OS) rating.

STCW Certification (offshore towing only).

Valid Transportation Worker Identification Card (TWIC).

High school diploma or equivalent.

Pass pre-employment drug test.

Pass pre-employment physical.

Prior deck experience, preferably aboard a commercial vessel; however, experience aboard non-commercial vessels may be accepted as equivalent on a case-by-case basis.

Physical Requirements: 

The unpredictable, ever-changing and inherently dangerous nature of tug and towing operations require the Ordinary Seaman to be physically qualified to ensure his/her own safety, as well as that of the vessel and crew. Specific physical requirements include:

Adequate vision (i.e., absent any color blindness or impairment that cannot be corrected with prescription lenses).

Adequate hearing.

Capable of walking and standing on wet surfaces for extended periods of time.

Able to handle heavy lines and operate heavy machinery.

Ability to climb a 12-foot ladder without assistance.

Ability to hoist oneself up and over a 12-inch wide, 6-foot-high barrier.

Sufficient strength to:

Lift 100 lbs. from deck to waist level.

Lift 50 lbs. from deck to shoulder level.

Lift 35 lbs. from deck to overhead; and

Pull (drag) 120 lbs. at least 20 feet.

Work Schedule:

  •  14/14

Salary:  Day Rate: starting at $315 a day

FLSA Status:

  • Exempt

*This position description does not promise or imply that the functions listed are the only duties to be performed or that the position may not change or be eliminated. Employees are always expected to follow their supervisor's instructions and to perform the tasks requested by their supervisors.

Equal Employment Opportunity Employer:
 
We are an Equal Employment Opportunity ("EEO") Employer.

It has been and will continue to be a fundamental policy of McAllister Towing not to discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, gender, gender identity, pregnancy, marital status, partnership status, domestic violence victim status, sexual orientation, age, national origin, alienage or citizenship status, veteran or military status, disability, medical condition, genetic information, caregiver status, unemployment status or any other characteristic prohibited by federal, state and/or local laws.

This policy applies to all aspects of employment, including hiring, promotion, demotion, compensation, training, working conditions, transfer, job assignments, benefits, layoff, and termination.

Apply