Oiler (occupation)
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An oiler is an unlicensed member of the engineering department of a merchant ship. The position is one of the most junior crewmembers in the engine room of a ship. The oiler is senior only to a wiper).
An oiler's duties consist mainly of keeping machinery lubricated. As a member of the engineering department, the oiler operates and maintains the propulsion and other systems onboard the vessel. They also deal with the "Hotel" facilities onboard, notably the sewage, lighting, air conditioning and water systems. They deal with bulk fuel transfers, and require training in firefighting and first aid, as well as in dealing with the ship's boats and other nautical tasks- especially with cargo loading/discharging gear and safety systems, though the specific cargo discharge function remains the responsibility of deck officers and deck workers.
In the United States Merchant Marine, in order to be occupied as an oiler a person has to have a Merchant Mariner's Document issued by the United States Coast Guard. Because of international conventions and agreements, all oilers who sail internationally are similarly documented by their respective countries.
[edit] See also
[edit] External link
United States Coast Guard Merchant Mariner Licensing and Documentation web site
| Typical Shipping Occupations |  |
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| ←Junior Unlicensed |
Senior→ Licensed |
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| Deck: | Ordinary Seaman | Able Seaman | Boatswain • Carpenter | 3rd Mate • 2nd Mate • Chief Mate | Captain • Pilot |
| Engine: | Wiper • Oiler | QMED | Electrician | 3rd Engr • 2nd Engr • 1st Engr | Chief Engineer |
| Steward: | Steward's Assistant | Chief Cook | Chief Steward | Purser | |
