Welder – Drydock Maintenance

Welder – Drydock Maintenance


Company
CHANNEL CONSTRUCTION (Pty) Ltd.
Location
Cape Town
Posted
3 days ago
Via
via Indeed

Job Description
Introduction:

The Welder is responsible for carrying out high-quality welding, fabrication, and repair work on marine vessels, drydock infrastructure, and associated equipment.

The successful candidate will support maintenance and repair operations by ensuring all welding activities are completed safely, efficiently, and according to approved marine and engineering standards.

Duties & Responsibilities:
β€’ Perform welding and fabrication work on ships, marine structures, piping systems, and steel components.
β€’ Conduct maintenance and repair activities during vessel drydocking operations.
β€’ Read and interpret technical drawings, blueprints, welding procedures, and engineering specifications.
β€’ Prepare surfaces and materials for welding by cutting, grinding, and cleaning metal components.
β€’ Operate welding equipment and related tools in accordance with safety standards and operational procedures.
β€’ Carry out structural repairs, modifications, and replacement of damaged steelwork.
β€’ Inspect welded joints and completed work to ensure compliance with quality and safety requirements.
β€’ Identify defects, weaknesses, or maintenance issues and report them to supervisors.
β€’ Ensure proper housekeeping and maintenance of tools, welding equipment, and work areas.
β€’ Adhere strictly to occupational health, safety, environmental, and marine industry regulations.
β€’ Work collaboratively with boilermakers, fitters, riggers, supervisors, and other technical personnel to complete projects within deadlines.
β€’ Participate in emergency repairs and overtime work when operational requirements demand.

Required Qualifications and Experience:

Mandatory:

Β· Valid Red Seal Trade Test Certificate

Β· Minimum of two (2) years’ experience related to drydock maintenance requirements

Β· Contactable references required

Preferred:

Β· Sound knowledge of welding techniques including Arc, MIG, and TIG welding.

Β· Understanding of marine steel structures, ship repair processes and welding symbols.

Β· Background in the ship repair industry or marine maintenance environments

Job Type: Full-time

Ability to commute/relocate:
β€’ Cape Town, Western Cape: Reliably commute or planning to relocate before starting work (Preferred)

Experience:
β€’ Drydock Maintenance: 2 years (Required)

License/Certification:
β€’ Red Seal Trade Test Certificate (Required)

Work Location: In person

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers about Welder Jobs

Q What is the 2026 national minimum wage for welders in South Africa?
The Department of Employment and Labour sets the national minimum wage at R28.79 per hour from 1 March 2026 for all sectors including welding. Welders working more than 45 hours per week must receive 1.5 times this rate for overtime. Employers must display the wage schedule at every workplace.
Q Which trade certificate is required to legally work as a welder in South Africa in 2026?
Welders must hold a QCTO-registered occupational certificate in welding at NQF Level 4 obtained after completing a minimum 3-year apprenticeship and passing the trade test at an accredited centre. The certificate number must be verifiable on the QCTO database before any employer can hire the welder.
Q How many hours per week and days of annual leave apply to welder contracts in 2026?
Welders are limited to 45 ordinary hours per week and 8 hours per day under the Basic Conditions of Employment Act. They are entitled to 21 consecutive days of paid annual leave after every 12 months of employment, calculated from the date of engagement.
Q What documents must South African welders submit when applying for formal employment in 2026?
Applicants must provide a valid South African ID, QCTO trade certificate, valid bank account details, and proof of UIF registration number. Employers are required to verify the trade certificate directly with the QCTO before issuing an employment contract.
View all 7 FAQs