Vacancies for Wiper

Wiper is the most junior rating position in the engine department. This role is usually taken by entry-level seafarers who are starting their engine room career and want to gain the sea time, practical skills and experience needed to progress to Oiler or other engine crew positions. In practice, the Wiper helps keep the engine room clean, safe and ready for daily operation.

Wiper Salary Expectations

Wiper salary today usually falls in the USD 1,200 - 1,700 per month range on much of the merchant fleet, depending on vessel type, company, trading area and previous engine room experience. The average Wiper salary on Maritime Zone is around USD 1,400/month. In current vacancies, many Wiper offers on dry cargo vessels, bulk carriers, container ships and general cargo vessels are within this range, while tanker, passenger vessel and offshore-related contracts may offer higher rates depending on the company and vessel type.

Some specialized vessels, RO-RO ships, passenger vessels and offshore-related contracts can offer better wages, especially when the candidate already has basic engine room experience, valid documents and a good record from previous contracts. For a broader overview, see the Wiper salary statistics page.

Duties

The Wiper works under the supervision of senior engine officers and engine ratings. Daily duties usually include cleaning and maintaining the engine room, helping with basic maintenance work, preparing tools, carrying stores and spare parts, and supporting the engine team during routine operations.

The job may also include wiping oil, cleaning machinery spaces, painting, small repair jobs around the vessel, and helping keep the engine room in good order. On many vessels, the Wiper also assists the Oiler and Fitter with simple tasks and learns basic engine department routines during the contract.

Although this is an entry-level position, the work is important. A clean and well-maintained engine room helps prevent accidents, supports safe machinery operation and gives junior seafarers a strong practical foundation for future promotion.

Requirements

A Wiper vacancy usually requires valid seafarer documents, STCW Basic Safety Training, a valid medical fitness certificate such as ENG1 or equivalent, a Seaman's Book, and a strong willingness to work in the engine department. Some employers may also require STCW III/4 certification for ratings forming part of an engineering watch, especially if the position includes watchkeeping duties or a clear promotion path within the engine department.

Previous sea experience is not always required, but any technical background, workshop experience, engine room practice or maritime training can be a good advantage. Employers usually expect a Wiper to be disciplined, physically fit, ready for hard work and able to follow instructions from senior crew members.

Good attention to safety, cleanliness and basic technical tasks is especially important, because the engine room is a demanding working environment with machinery, heat, oil, noise and strict safety procedures.

If you are looking for the best Wiper vacancies, compare not only salary, but also vessel type, contract length, trading area, promotion opportunities and the reputation of the company. For many junior engine crew members, a good Wiper contract is not only about the first salary, but also about gaining the experience needed to become an Oiler and continue growing in the engine department.