Wiper

Wiper is an unlicensed entry grade member of the ship’s Engine Department and works under the supervision of the First Assistant Engineer. The Wiper is responsible for performing routine cleaning and preservation of the Engine Department’s spaces, systems, equipment, and equipment components.

In carrying out Wiper duties, the candidate will be using chemicals for cleaning, such as detergents, solvents and preservatives, such as paint. Cleaning bilge wells, general engine room cleaning of decks, ladders, and machinery. Machinery cleaning will include both external and internal cleaning; mucking out/cleaning fuel, lube, water tanks, etc. The Wiper will be required to use tools such as chipping hammers, scrapers, needle guns, paint brushes, wire brushes, brooms, and mops and is familiar in the use of hand and power tools (i.e. drills, saws, wrenches, hammers, chisels, etc). Wipers follow all instructions for the proper disposal of trash and hazardous waste and for separation of plastics, metals, etc.

Wipers performs maintenance and assists in the repair of equipment in the Engine Department and rigging of machinery and materials; and carry supplies, engine stores and spares, as deemed necessary by supervisor. Also, assists as directed during fueling operations and utilizes sounding tapes for determining tank liquid levels. When assigned to a replenishment (UNREP) team, incumbent competently handles lines, tend telephone and distance lines, man sound power phones, stow UNREP gear, etc.

Wipers utilizes personal protective equipment and identifies safety discrepancies. Shall be fully versed in firefighting/damage control procedures and the uses of gears such as self-contained breathing apparatus, vari-nozzles, etc. Also required to be proficient in the performance of shipboard casualty drills, fire drills, and collision drills, performing all duties as assigned.

To assist in filling the additional shortages of “Qualified Member of the Engine Department” (QMED) positions, Military Sealift Command has established a Wiper Advancement Program (WAP). Participants of the WAP program will serve as a Wiper in the Engine Department aboard all classes of MSC civil service crewed ships, both at sea and in port. This program provides on-the-job training and work experience. After completing 540 days service in the engine room, participants are eligible to apply for a USCG issued Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping (STCW-95) Form as Rating Forming Part of an Engine Watch (RFPEW) and Able Seafarer-Engine (AS-E).

All participants must sign an 36-month service agreement and required to obtain the QMED FOWT endorsements and a STCW-95 Certificate endorsed with RFPEW and AS-E. Upon completion of program requirements participants will become eligible for consideration for permanent promotion from Wiper to Engine Utilityman (EU). Selection will be contingent on the successful completion of an administrative review (medical, security, discipline, etc.), and a review of supervisory evaluations and input regarding performance and readiness for permanent promotion to EU. An authorized EU position must be available in order for the promotion to be effected.

Everything in this Position Description is considered to be an essential function of this position. Performs all other duties as assigned.