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 welders in South Africa in 2026?
The national minimum wage for all ordinary hours of work, including for welders, is R30.33 per hour effective 1 March 2026. This amounts to R5,914 per month for a standard 195-hour month. Overtime is paid at 1.5 times the normal rate up to 15 hours per week.
Q What salary can I expect as an entry-level welder with N2 qualification in South Africa in 2026?
Under the Metal and Engineering Industries Bargaining Council agreement effective 2024-2026, entry-level welders with N2 hold a minimum wage of R22,500 per month as of 1 July 2026. Qualified artisan welders earn R32,800 per month minimum. These rates apply to covered sectors like manufacturing.
Q What work visa do foreigners need for welder jobs in South Africa?
Foreigners require a General Work Visa sponsored by a South African employer offering a position on the labour market test. The visa is issued for up to 5 years and requires proof of qualifications equivalent to South African standards plus a job offer at market-related salary of at least R30,333 per month in 2026. Processing takes 8-10 weeks via VFS Global.
Q What qualifications and experience are required for welder jobs in South Africa?
A minimum N1-N3 technical certificate in welding or boiler making plus 18-24 months apprenticeship and a passing trade test (Red Seal) is required for artisan welder positions. Entry-level roles accept Grade 12 with N2 and 6 months on-the-job training. Registration with merSETA is mandatory for certification.
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