Everything You Need to Know About Marine Oiler Jobs

There are a lot of different seafarer jobs out there and if you’re thinking about learning more about some of the different merchant navy jobs at sea that are available, you’ve come to the right blog!

We’ve been looking at a number of different maritime jobs in this series of blog posts as we aim to get to the root of the question ‘what is a seafarers job?’

The real answer, of course, is that there’s no such thing as a typical job in the merchant navy: they are so wide and varied that it would be almost impossible to cover them all in one post.

Read more: Everything You Need to Know About Marine Pilot Jobs

That’s why we’ve been breaking down different careers at sea to find out more about what their duties entail, and what skills, qualifications and personality traits you need to succeed at sea.

So far we’ve taken a look at jobs as varied as Electrical Cadet, Chief Marine Engineer, Messman, Shipfitter, Motorman, and Junior Electrician.

ARE YOU LOOKING FOR MARINE OILER JOBS? VIEW MARTIDE’S OILER JOBS ON SHIPS NOW!

We’re also looking at some seafarer jobs that many people don’t consider when thinking about a career at sea, such as ship’s plumbers, carpenters, waste operators and excavator drivers.

And we’ve also traced the journey from being a Deck Cadet or Deckhand to Ordinary Seaman to Able Bodied Seaman to Bosun to Chief Officer and finally to the Captain him or herself, the ship’s Master.

If any of those seafarer jobs sound interesting and you’d like to learn more about them, click the links to check out the articles!

Now in this post we’re going to explore a little bit more about what the life of a Marine Oiler involves.

What are Marine Oiler jobs on ships?

Oiler jobs are entry level ship jobs and an Oiler, along with an Engine Cadet or Junior Engineer, is generally a junior position in the Engine Department. You may also hear of junior Oilers being referred to as a Wiper or a Pumpman.

If you have the sneaking suspicion that an Oiler has something to do with, well…oil, you’re not wrong! Seafarers in this position primarily help the Engineers maintain the correct lubrication for the propulsion engine system and will spend much of their time in the engine room.

Read more: Everything You Need to Know About Navigation Officer Jobs

Having said that, an Oiler will also be tasked to work on heavy machinery onboard in other parts of the ship. This could include checking the lubrication of sewage and air conditioning systems, and water pumps and therefore means working with machinery such as shafts, compressors, gears, blowers, bearings and motors.

But don’t think that an Oiler is there simply to grease machinery parts as there’s a little more to it than that!

They will also be responsible for keeping machinery and equipment clean, they will need to perform regular temperature and pressure gauge checks, repair equipment where necessary, replace filters, and maintain the supplies of lubricating and cooling oil.

Maintenance and upkeep of equipment is crucial onboard a vessel to ensure the safe passage of ship, crew and cargo, and an Oiler will also be expected to undertake both daily and periodic maintenance on the machinery in the engine room. They will also assist the Engineers with repairs where necessary.

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As with a number of other seafarer jobs, detailing what work has been carried out and when is also important, and an Oiler will be expected to maintain records and log data.

And because, quite literally, all hands on deck are sometimes necessary, if required, an Oiler will be called upon to help the deck crew load and unload cargo.

What are the skills needed to become a Marine Oiler?

A technical mindset is a definite advantage for anyone wanting to explore a career in marine Oiler jobs as you will need to understand how machinery works.

And because an Oiler’s job entails having some responsibility for the safe operation of the engine and other heavy equipment, the ability to be able to adhere to guidelines and to be in possession of good attention to detail are also essential.

Plus, due to the fact that proactive action should be taken to prevent problems with machinery, that means an Oiler should be able to recognize the warning signs that indicate that there might be trouble ahead with any given piece of equipment.

Being good with your hands is also an important trait for an Oiler to possess in order to deal with the lubrication, maintenance and repair of machinery. They may also need to perform actions such as operating pumps, connecting hoses, and cleaning tanks.

Good powers of observation are helpful, not only to spot potential problems, but also to be able to perform watches in the engine room where they will need to keep an eye on the machinery to make sure everything’s running, and running as it should be.

Finally, an Oiler may also be tasked with keeping inventory, bringing supplies needed by the engine room onboard the vessel, and keeping storage areas clean and tidy.

What qualifications are needed to become an Oiler?

Generally speaking (and depending on the shipping company and the type of vessel) an Oiler doesn’t need any formal education and it is likely that they, along with other entry level ship jobs, will receive on-the-job training and will need to pass the relevant exam(s) to progress to the next level of actually finding and applying for seafarer jobs.

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Again, what is covered in an exam will vary, but you can expect a typical test to cover  questions regarding the operation and maintenance of engines and machinery, understanding how machinery actually works, knowledge of lubrication and oil changes, issues of safety, and technical drawings and diagrams.

What personality traits are needed for Marine Oiler jobs?

No matter which of the seafarer ranks you are, to build a successful career in the maritime industry, you need some very specific personality traits. You will need to be resilient and mentally, as well as physically, prepared for a life at sea.

Careers in the merchant navy aren’t just about traveling from port to port and enjoying sunny days on deck.

They involve hard work, physical labor, and spending months away from your family and friends. Having said that, many seamen and women wouldn’t dream of swapping the life for a 9 to 5 desk job!

Read more: Everything You Need to Know About Electro-Technical Officer Jobs

How Martide can help you find seafarer jobs

If you’re already a qualified seafarer and you’re looking for your next position, Martide can help. Take a look at our current seafarer job vacancies online and see if there’s anything you’d like to apply for.

Applying for any of our Able Seaman jobs, Ordinary Seaman jobs, Marine Electrician jobs, Chief Marine Engineer jobs, Stewardess and Chief Steward jobs and all other seafarer ranks is quick and easy.

ARE YOU LOOKING FOR MARINE OILER JOBS? VIEW MARTIDE’S OILER JOBS ON SHIPS NOW!

All you need to do is to create an account with Martide, enter your work experience and personal details into your seafarer profile and then upload your documents and certificates.

You only need to do it once, and once complete you’ll have your very own seafarer resume online that you can send to employers.

And, to make life even easier for you, you should also download the Martide app for seafarers.

You’ll be able to search for jobs at sea online no matter where in the world you are, apply for vacancies, and stay in touch with Martide, employers and manning agents.

The app is completely free and is available from Google Play for Android and from the App Store for Apple iPhones and iPads. Get it today and we hope to see you onboard soon!

Frequently Asked Questions About Oiler Jobs at Sea (FAQ) 

1. What does an Oiler do on a ship? 

An Oiler works in the engine department, helping keep the ship’s machinery running smoothly. They assist engineers by lubricating moving parts, checking oil and fuel levels, monitoring gauges, and helping with maintenance and repairs. In short, they’re essential to keeping the heart of the ship - the engine room - in good working order. 

2. Are Oiler jobs the same as Motorman jobs? 

They’re closely related roles. On some ships, the terms are used interchangeably, while on others, a Motorman is a more experienced or senior Oiler who has completed additional training and sea time. Both jobs involve mechanical work, but a Motorman often takes on more responsibility for watchkeeping and engine operations. 

3. What kind of ships employ Oilers? 

Oilers work on almost every type of vessel, from cargo and container ships to tankers, ferries, offshore supply vessels, and cruise ships. Anywhere there’s an engine room, there’s a need for skilled Oilers to help maintain it. 

4. How do you become an Oiler on a ship? 

Most people start as a Wiper, which is an entry-level position in the engine department. After gaining sea time and completing required training, you can qualify for STCW certification and advance to the rank of Oiler. Some maritime schools also offer pre-sea training that helps fast-track your career progression. 

5. What qualifications do I need to work as a ship’s Oiler? 

You’ll need to complete STCW Basic Safety Training and hold a Certificate of Proficiency (CoP) or Watchkeeping certificate (RFPEW – Regulation III/4), depending on your country’s requirements. A valid medical fitness certificate is also mandatory, as the work can be physically demanding. 

6. What skills make a good ship’s Oiler? 

Mechanical ability, attention to detail, and a solid understanding of safety procedures are key. Oilers should also be comfortable working in confined spaces and as part of a team. Being proactive and willing to learn from experienced engineers will help you advance quickly. 

7. What is life like for an Oiler on a ship? 

Oilers usually work in shifts, often assisting engineers during machinery watchkeeping or scheduled maintenance. The environment can be noisy and warm, but the work is hands-on and rewarding. You’ll gain valuable technical experience that can help you move up the engineering career ladder. 

8. How much does a ship’s Oiler earn? 

Wages vary depending on experience, vessel type, and employer, but most Oilers earn between USD 1,200 and 2,500 per month. Experienced Oilers or those working on specialized ships like tankers or offshore vessels can earn more, especially with extra certifications. 

9. Can an Oiler become a Marine Engineer?  

Yes! Many Second and Chief Marine Engineers began their careers as Oilers. With enough sea service, formal training, and successful completion of STCW courses and exams, an Oiler can progress to Motorman, then Fourth Engineer, and eventually to higher engineering ranks. 

10. What’s the best part of being an Oiler on a ship? 

Most Oilers love the hands-on nature of the job and the satisfaction of solving mechanical problems that keep the ship moving. It’s also a great way to build real-world engineering experience, travel the world, and work as part of a tight-knit team below deck.  

Read the previous article in this series: Everything You Need to Know About Ship’s Cook Jobs

Read the next article in this series: Everything You Need to Know About Being a Pumpman

This blog post was last updated on November 23rd 2025