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- Motorman / Oiler1 vacancy
About the role
Fitter is a senior engine rating who does metalwork, welding and repairs on board. The rank covers Engine Fitter, Deck Fitter and Fitter/Welder work. A Fitter reports to the engineer officers for the job and works with Motormen, Oilers and the ETO when repairs touch machinery, piping or electrical equipment. On tankers, gas carriers and bulk carriers the Fitter repairs pumps, valves, pipe supports, guards, ladders and hatch fittings. In the engine room the Fitter uses welding sets, grinding tools, lathes and hand tools. On deck the Fitter repairs steel fittings and structures when assigned. The Fitter keeps the workshop and hot-work area safe and follows permit and fire-watch rules.
Duties on board
- Measure, cut and weld steel plates, brackets and pipe supports in the engine room workshop.
- Repair handrails, ladders, guards and deck fittings when the ship needs metalwork.
- Turn and fit temporary parts on pumps, valves and line bearings with the engineer officers.
- Check welds and grinding work for cracks, sharp edges and loose material.
- Keep the workshop, welding set, gas bottles and grinding tools clean and stowed.
- Follow hot work permit and fire watch rules before welding or burning.
- Assist engine ratings with breakdown repairs and temporary patches on piping.
- Record steel and consumables used and report low stock to the senior engineer.
- Work with the ETO when repairs touch electrical cables or equipment.
Requirements
| Document | Convention | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Able seafarer engine certificate (Fitter) | STCW III/5 | Every able seafarer engine on a seagoing ship with main propulsion machinery of 750 kW or more must be certificated. |
| Rating forming part of an engine-room watch | STCW III/4 | A rating forming part of an engine-room watch on a seagoing ship with main propulsion machinery of 750 kW or more must be certificated, except ratings under training and ratings whose duties are unskilled. |
| Basic safety training (BST) | STCW VI/1 | Seafarers must receive safety familiarization and basic training or instruction in line with section A-VI/1 of the STCW Code. |
| Security-related familiarization and security-awareness training | STCW VI/6 | Seafarers must receive security-related familiarization and security-awareness training or instruction. |
Sea service
For STCW III/5, a candidate must first meet the engine-room watch rating requirements. While qualified as an engine watch rating, the candidate needs approved seagoing service in the engine department of not less than 12 months, or not less than 6 months together with approved training.
Medical fitness
You may not work on a ship without a valid medical certificate under MLC 2006 Reg. 1.2. It states that hearing and sight, and colour vision where relevant, are satisfactory. It is valid for a maximum of two years, or one year if you are under 18; a colour vision certificate is valid for a maximum of six years.
Documents
- Passport
- Seaman's book (CDC)
- Able seafarer engine certificate
- Medical certificate
- Basic safety training certificate
- Security training certificate
- Visas when the voyage needs them
Fitter: questions and answers
What certificate does a Fitter need?
An able seafarer engine certificate under STCW III/5 is required for a Fitter on a seagoing ship with main propulsion machinery of 750 kW or more. The candidate must be at least 18, meet the engine-room watch rating requirements in STCW III/4, and meet the standard of competence in section A-III/5 of the STCW Code.
How much sea service does a Fitter need?
While qualified as an engine watch rating, a candidate needs approved seagoing service in the engine department of not less than 12 months, or not less than 6 months together with approved training, to meet STCW III/5. The engine-room watch rating service must be connected with watchkeeping under the direct supervision of a qualified engineer officer or a qualified rating.
Does a Fitter need basic safety training?
Yes. Seafarers must receive safety familiarization and basic training or instruction in line with section A-VI/1 of the STCW Code. Where basic training is not part of the qualification for the certificate issued, a certificate of proficiency in basic training is issued. This is the BST requirement under STCW VI/1.
What medical certificate does a Fitter need?
Before beginning work on a ship, you must hold a valid medical certificate under MLC 2006 Reg. 1.2. It states that hearing and sight, and colour vision where relevant to the work, are satisfactory. It is valid for a maximum of two years, or one year if you are under 18; a colour vision certificate is valid for a maximum of six years.
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Sources
- ILO, Maritime Labour Convention, 2006 (MLC, 2006)
- IMO, STCW/CONF.2/33 (1 July 2010), Resolution 1: The Manila Amendments to the annex to the STCW Convention
Checked against the official texts on 26 Oct 2026.