Welder – Drydock Maintenance

Welder – Drydock Maintenance

Cape Town, South Africa

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

Required Qualifications and Experience:

Mandatory:

· Valid Red Seal Trade Test Certificate

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

· Contactable references required

Preferred:

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

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

· Background in the ship repair industry or marine maintenance environments

Job Type: Full-time

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

Experience:
• Drydock Maintenance: 2 years (Required)

License/Certification:
• Red Seal Trade Test Certificate (Required)

Work Location: In person
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Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers about Welder Jobs in South Africa

Q What is the national minimum wage for welder jobs in South Africa in 2026?
As per the Department of Employment and Labour, the national minimum wage is R30.64 per hour effective 1 March 2026 for all ordinary hours of work. For welders working a standard 45-hour week over 4.33 weeks, this equates to R5,975 per month before deductions. Sectoral determinations like those from the MEIBC set higher rates for covered welders.
Q What work visa is required for a foreigner to take up a welder job in South Africa in 2026?
Foreign welders require a General Work Visa as welding is not on the Critical Skills List effective 2026. The employer must apply via VFS Global with a job offer, company registration, and proof of advertising the job locally for 30 days, with visas valid up to 5 years. Processing takes 8-20 weeks and costs R1,520 application fee.
Q What qualifications and experience are needed for certified welder jobs in South Africa?
Certified welders need a National N3 Certificate in Mechanical Engineering or equivalent NQF Level 4, plus 36 months workplace experience, followed by passing a trade test at an accredited test centre. The QCTO issues the Welding Artisan certificate upon success. Entry-level helpers require only Grade 10 with no experience.
Q What documents do I need to apply for welder jobs through South African government employment services?
Register on the eServices SA (ESSA) portal with certified copies of your ID or passport, matric certificate, trade test certificate, CV, and bank statement. Unemployed South Africans get free priority matching to welder vacancies. Walk-in registration at 126 Labour Centres requires the same documents.
View all 8 FAQs