Vacancies for Fitter / Welder

Fitter / Welder is a practical engine-department specialist who handles metal repair, fitting work and welding on board. On many vessels, this rank is responsible for keeping steel structures, pipework and damaged metal parts in working condition, whether the job is in the workshop, engine room or on deck. In practice, a good Fitter / Welder is the person the crew depends on when something metal has to be repaired, cut, reshaped or fabricated properly.

Fitter / Welder Salary Expectations

Fitter / Welder salary today usually sits in the USD 2,200 - 3,200 per month range on much of the merchant fleet, depending on vessel type, workload and company. The average Fitter / Welder salary on Maritime Zone is USD 2,773/month. In current vacancies on the site, you can see around USD 2,200 on General Cargo, USD 2,200 - 2,400 on Heavy Lift, roughly USD 2,500 - 3,200 on Bulk Carrier, about EUR 2,500 on Container Ship, around USD 2,500 on LPG Tanker and about USD 2,950 on Shuttle Tanker. Tanker and more specialized repair-heavy contracts can sometimes pay better, especially when the vessel has more demanding piping and steel work. For a broader overview, see the Fitter / Welder salary statistics page.

Duties

The Fitter / Welder is responsible for repair and maintenance of steel structures, pipes and fitted metal parts on board. This usually includes hull and deck structures, machinery foundations, tanks, pressure lines, supports, brackets, piping systems and other parts that need cutting, fitting, welding or mechanical repair.

The job often includes measuring, laying out, positioning and securing parts according to the required dimensions, then carrying out repair by welding, bolting, riveting or reassembly depending on the task. Depending on vessel type, company rules and the seafarer’s qualification, the work may involve arc, TIG and MIG welding, gas welding, oxyacetylene cutting, grinding, reshaping damaged parts and making simple custom details in the vessel’s workshop.

Because this is a very practical role, employers usually look for people who can work accurately, safely and without wasting time. On many ships, the Fitter / Welder also works closely with the 2nd Engineer and supports repair jobs that would otherwise require shore assistance if nobody on board could handle the metal work properly. More complex repair planning and workshop control are usually coordinated together with the Chief Engineer.

Requirements

A Fitter / Welder vacancy usually requires previous sea service in a fitting or welding role, or strong practical experience in steel work, welding, pipe repair and fabrication. Depending on vessel type, employers may also ask for tanker experience, hot work discipline, workshop skills, class-society welding certificates such as DNV, ABS, Lloyd’s, BV or similar approvals, position-specific welding qualifications such as 3G, 4G or 6G, or previous ship repair background.

If you are looking for the best Fitter / Welder vacancies, compare not only salary, but also vessel type, contract length, repair workload, workshop condition and the reputation of the company. The best contract is not always the one with the highest number. A properly equipped workshop, realistic workload and a crew that values safe repair work often matter just as much.