Role overview
Open recruitment for crewing agencies and shipowners we work with. This is not a single vacancy with a fixed joining date: apply to be considered for upcoming Fitter vacancies.
What a Fitter does
The fitter is the skilled engine rating for metal work. The job covers welding and cutting, pipe repairs, making and fitting parts on the lathe, repairs to railings, ladders and deck fittings, and helping engineers with overhauls of pumps, valves and engines. On many ships the fitter works for both the engine and deck departments. Hot work is done under a permit to work.
Certificates required
- Basic Training (STCW Reg. VI/1): personal survival techniques, fire prevention and fire fighting, elementary first aid, personal safety and social responsibilities
- Rating Forming Part of an Engineering Watch, RFPEW (STCW Reg. III/4), or Able Seafarer Engine (STCW Reg. III/5), asked for by most employers
- Proficiency in survival craft and rescue boats (STCW Reg. VI/2)
- Security awareness (STCW Reg. VI/6), or designated security duties if you have security tasks on board
- Seafarer medical certificate (STCW Reg. I/9 and MLC 2006 Reg. 1.2), valid for a maximum of 2 years
- Welding qualification or welding course certificate; employers often test welding skills before hiring
- Seaman’s book (discharge book) from a flag state
Sea service and promotion
Fitters usually come from engine ratings (wiper, oiler, motorman) or from shore workshops with welding experience. Some move on to engineer officer through STCW Reg. III/1, which requires 36 months of combined workshop skill training and approved seagoing service if not following a cadet programme.
Typical ships
- Bulk carriers
- Oil and chemical tankers
- General cargo and multipurpose ships
- Container ships
- Offshore vessels
- Tugs and offshore supply vessels
Contract length
Commonly 6 to 9 months, set by the employer for each vacancy. MLC 2006 limits continuous service on board to less than 12 months before the seafarer is entitled to repatriation.
How to apply
- Create a free seafarer account and confirm your email address.
- Fill in your online CV: rank, sea service, certificate of competency, STCW certificates, medical and seaman’s book. Upload copies of your documents.
- Apply to this post with one click and make your profile visible to verified employers, so crewing agencies and shipowners can find you when a vacancy opens.
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Related ranks
Seafarers: see how Seafarers Recruitment works for seafarers. Employers and crewing agencies: post a vacancy or search crew.