Careers

Do you want to be an Oiler?

Do you have mechanical training and a love for the sea? Are you able to work under various sea conditions? Do you have good people skills? Then we may have the job for you!

What do they do?

Oilers are responsible for a wide variety of tasks. They report to the watchkeeping engineer of the vessel.

An oiler's key responsibilities include keeping watch in the engine room for six hours at a time; assisting the chief engineer in the startup and shutdown of engine room equipment; keeping an engine room log; cleaning and caring for equipment, machinery and machinery spaces; maintaining and repairing vessel machinery and tanks; loading and stowage of spare parts and supplies.

An oiler also participates in firefighting, environmental response and other drills, exercises and operations.

How do I become an Oiler?

If you want to become an oiler, you must complete a Marine Diesel Mechanics course at a recognized institute. You will also require an Engine Room Rating Assistance certificate.

Like all positions on Canadian Coast Guard vessels, you will require a Marine Emergency Duties (MED) certificate (A1, B1, B2) and a valid Transport Canada medical certificate.

Individuals interested in the Officer Training Program offered at the Canadian Coast Guard College should visit the college website for more information at www.cgc.gc.ca.

Openings for jobs with the Canadian Coast Guard are advertised through the Public Service Commission website at www.jobs.gc.ca.

Spotlight on... Dennis Carter, Oiler, CCGS Henry Larsen

Dennis says everyday onboard is different from the next. "I could be assisting the engineer in maintenance or fixing a broken fuel line or a leaking pipe. There are a million things that can happen - that is what makes this job exciting - knowing that you are fixing problems." Dennis also enjoys being a part of the Canadian Coast Guard team. "Whether it is a broken-down vessel or a medevac at sea, there is no greater reward than bringing someone's family member back to shore safely."

This document is also available for download or viewing as a PDF version (1.4 MB).

Published By:
Fisheries and Oceans Canada
Communications Branch
P.O. Box 5667
St. John’s, NL A1C 5X1

DFO/2009-1610
Catalogue Number: Fs154-7/3-2010
ISBN: 978-1-100-51376-8
© Her Majesty the Queen in Right of Canada, 2010