Oiler Jobs in the U.S. Maritime Industry
6 open oiler positions, updated November 3, 2026
Open Oiler Positions
On-Call Oiler/Wiper - Washington State Ferries
Washington State Health Care Authority
On-Call Oiler/Wiper - Washington State Ferries
State of Washington
Oiler
Broussard Brothers, Inc.
Oiler
AmSea
Oiler
American Seafoods
Oiler
Golden Alaska Seafoods
About Oiler Jobs
Oiler is the working heart of an unlicensed engine department. On a watchstanding vessel you make rounds on a schedule: temperatures and pressures logged, sight glasses checked, purifiers watched, bilges and tanks sounded, and anything running hot or making a new noise reported before it becomes a casualty. Between rounds it is maintenance, filter changes, lube oil transfers, and whatever the first assistant has on the board.
The rating sits above wiper and below the licensed engineers. Getting it means documented engine room sea time plus the QMED requirements, and most people arrive by sailing as a wiper first or coming through a union or academy program.
You will see oiler billets on deep-sea ships, MSC and other government fleets, research vessels, large OSVs, and passenger and ferry operations. Union deep-sea berths pay a base daily wage with substantial overtime; offshore and government work tends toward a flat day rate on even time.
It is also one of the better positions in the fleet for advancement, because the sea time is exactly what a DDE or third assistant engineer license requires. Engineers are in short supply across nearly every U.S. sector, and companies notice an oiler who is working on his ticket.
Where Oilers Are Hiring
Companies Hiring Oilers
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is oiler a QMED rating?
- Yes. Oiler is one of the Qualified Member of the Engine Department ratings, alongside fireman/watertender, junior engineer, refrigerating engineer and electrician. You need the QMED endorsement on your MMC to sail as one.
- How do I become an oiler?
- Build engine room sea time, usually as a wiper, then meet the NMC service requirement and pass the QMED exam or complete an approved course. Union and academy programs also feed the rating.
- What is the difference between an oiler and an engineer?
- Oilers are unlicensed ratings who stand watch and perform maintenance under the engineers. Engineers hold a USCG license and carry legal responsibility for the plant.
- Does an oiler stand watch?
- On manned-engine-room vessels, yes, typically a four-on eight-off rotation making rounds, taking readings and responding to alarms. On unmanned automated plants the work shifts toward day work and maintenance.