Wiper (occupation)

A wiper is the most junior crewmember in the engine room of a ship. Their role consists of wiping down machinery and generally keeping it clean.

In the United States Merchant Marine, in order to be occupied as a wiper a person has to have a Merchant Mariner's Document issued by the United States Coast Guard. Because of international conventions and agreements, all wipers who sail internationally are similarly documented by their respective countries.