June 09, 2020
Engine Room Ratings
Engine room ratings are responsible for maintaining shipboard machinery through routine oiling, greasing, and servicing, stripping, repairing and fitting equipment parts and assisting engineering officers monitor the smooth and safe running of the main plant (ship’s engine) and other essential equipment. The engine-room ratings assist the engineers with machinery upkeep and watchkeeping. Ratings on board a vessel include:
Fitter: The fitter works under the Second Engineer but is considered the “chief” of the engine ratings.
Key tasks:
The Ship Fitter undertakes welding, grinding, boring and gas cutting on board. They are tasked with assisting with maintenance and working on pumps and engine equipment and water purifiers. They will also check the conditions of the tools and safety equipment - and acts as the storekeeper.
Entry requirements/training:
While some positions may require one to have a ship fitter qualification, generally on-the-job or apprenticeship training is provided to someone with a high school diploma or equivalent. Mandatory safety courses are required by international law to work on board any seagoing vessel.
Oiler: An oiler works under the Ship Fitter and undertakes maintenance work in the engine room.
Key tasks:
The Oiler cleans and maintains the engine room. In addition they will help with maintenance and repairs of the engine at the direction of the engineers. The Oiler will need to be familiar with the handling of various equipment and machinery parts and will report to their superior officer any defect found.
Entry requirements/training:
A high school diploma or equivalent is required along with the mandatory safety courses required by international law to work on board any seagoing vessel. An oiler will necessarily have spent time on board as a Wiper before being promoted.
Wiper: The wiper is the most junior rating in the engine room.
Key tasks:
The Wiper undertakes cleaning jobs in the engine room and can also help the engineers overhaul machinery.
Entry requirements/training:
A high school diploma or equivalent is required along with the mandatory safety courses required by international law to work on board any seagoing vessel.
