Oiler / Wiper

The oiler or wiper is the entry rating in the engine department of a large yacht. You keep the engine room, machinery spaces and workshop spotless, wipe down engines and generators, clean bilges and strainers, and carry out routine checks on oil levels, temperatures and pressures. On yachts over about 80m with a team of five or more engineers, this is the role that frees the officers to plan maintenance and deal with faults.

Much of the work is cleaning, and it matters. A clean engine room shows leaks early, keeps fire risk down and passes flag and class surveys. You also help the engineers with planned maintenance: changing filters and impellers, draining and refilling oil, lifting parts, labelling spares and keeping stores in order. You log readings during rounds and report anything unusual straight away rather than guessing.

You learn the plant by being in it every day. Good oilers ask questions, follow permits to work and lockout procedures, and quickly understand fuel, lube oil, cooling and sewage systems. Many come from a trade such as diesel mechanics, plumbing or electrical work. With sea time and AEC courses, the role leads to Motorman or Junior Engineer and on towards MCA Yacht engineering tickets.