Who is a Wiper on Ships?

If you have been looking for a job of a wiper on ships, then the good news would be that we can offer you a lot of useful information. As a maritime job, a wiper’s job can be a fairly good option for those looking for good onboard training, experience of working conditions on vessels and exposure to marine life.

But before you can know that for certain, here is information that would come really handy.

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Who is a wiper?

A wiper on ships is mainly responsible for maintenance of the vessel. A wiper’s job on ships includes:

• Cleaning of the engine room

• Maintenance of the working area

• General maintenance of the engine department

• Assisting other personnel on the ship in various tasks

• Work as a part of the watch team

• Work with ordinary seamen aboard and assist them in various tasks

• To fill in for Qualified Members of Engine Department (QMED) when need be

A wiper’s responsibilities revolve around keeping the engine room and rest of the vessel well maintained. This is no easy task though.But if a marine career is what you are interested in, wiper marine job would be the best way to get a firsthand experience of life on ships.

Unlike most jobs on ships, a wiper gets to learn a lot more. A person’s time as a wiper on a ship can be regarded as the time of apprenticeship for preparing for a maritime job later in the future.

How to become a wiper on ship?

Since a wiper’s job is basically the beginning point of a marine career, good news is that qualification requirement for this position isn’t too much. All you need is a Merchant Mariners Document through coast guard or a USCG certificate as a wiper (Equivalent certificate for people in other countries).

The MMD is a basic requirement to qualify you as a certified person (QMED) to handle jobs on deck, including handling some marine equipment and acquainting you with basic terms and definitions of marine world. You must obtain your TWIC before you can get your MMD. A medical test including background test, drug test and physical fitnesstest would be needed to complete your application.

The best way for it would be to join in Wiper Advancement Program (WAP). This extended program helps wipers in their endorsement along with providing them with various level trainings the trainings include on board handling of equipment, working in engine rooms and an on job work experience.

Most employers do not seek extensive work experience in this field. However, having worked in similar departments before will augment your chances of securing a job. Besides these basic qualifications to become wiper on ships all you need is a love for sea and enthusiasm to learn.

To obtain a maritime job of wiper, the best way would be to get information from various jobsites. Studies have revealed that maximum vacancies for a wiper’s job are found through jobsites as opposed to directly though employers. Employers prefer to contact such sites too, for obtaining a pool of potential candidates. You can view and find out details about any vacancy you deem suitable. You must check for specific requirements of the employer before considering the application.

What is the expected salary for a wiper marine job?

As a wiper on ships, a person can expect a salary up to $175 to $320 per day (However, it depends on the country to which the concerned person belongs). Some employers may offer salary up to $19,000 to $23,000 per year salary too. However, salary for this post is highly subjected to the job requirements, vessel type, region and the employer. With experience, a person can expect to get higher rank, more responsibilities and better pay.