1

Oil Tanker Barge Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Tank Barge PIC

Baton Rouge, LA

$21.75 - $25.25/hr

Overview The primary function of a Tank Barge PIC is to prepare the barges that are assigned and complete loading and discharging of oil, refined and petrochemical cargoes. The Tank Barge PIC must ...

Tank Barge PIC

Baton Rouge, LA

$21.75 - $25.25/hr

The primary function of a Tank Barge PIC is to prepare the barges that are assigned and complete loading and discharging of oil, refined and petrochemical cargoes. The Tank Barge PIC must communicate ...

Tank Barge PIC

Baton Rouge, LA

$21.75 - $25.25/hr

Overview The primary function of a Tank Barge PIC is to prepare the barges that are assigned and complete loading and discharging of oil, refined and petrochemical cargoes. The Tank Barge PIC must ...

Tank Barge PIC

Baton Rouge, LA · On-site

$21.75 - $25.25/hr

Overview The primary function of a Tank Barge PIC is to prepare the barges that are assigned and complete loading and discharging of oil, refined and petrochemical cargoes. The Tank Barge PIC must ...

Barge Readiness Tech

Sulphur, LA · On-site

$14.25 - $19.50/hr

CANAL BARGE COMPANY BARGE READINESS TECHNICIAN *Sulphur, LA Area* Canal Barge Company (CBC ... cargo tank valves, pump cans, check valve, pressure relief on pumps and hot oil heaters.

Tank Barge Assistants have the opportunity to become certified Tank Barge PICs (Persons in Charge ... Deploys and retrieves oil spill preventative equipment. * Pre-checks all equipment prior to use.

Tank Barge Assistants have the opportunity to become certified Tank Barge PICs (Persons in Charge ... Deploys and retrieves oil spill preventative equipment. * Pre-checks all equipment prior to use.

As a Colonial Group, Inc. subsidiary, Colonial Towing partners with Colonial Oil Industries, Inc ... The Tank Barge Assistant supports the safe and efficient transfer of petroleum products between ...

Barge Readiness Tech

Gretna, LA · On-site

$13.50 - $18.50/hr

CANAL BARGE COMPANY BARGE READINESS TECHNICIAN I. BASIC FUNCTION The Barge Readiness Technician ... tank valves, pump cans, check valve, pressure relief on pumps and hot oil heaters. * Maintain and ...

Barge Readiness Tech

Sulphur, LA

$14.25 - $19.50/hr

CANAL BARGE COMPANY BARGE READINESS TECHNICIAN *Sulphur, LA Area* Canal Barge Company (CBC ... tank valves, pump cans, check valve, pressure relief onpumpsand hot oil heaters. * Extensive ...

Tankerman

Bayonne, NJ · On-site

$65K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Communicate with foreign crews and oil facility personnel. * Adjust and secure barge lines ... Services provided include the transportation and storage of petroleum products, tanker escort, ship ...

Liquid Barge Technician

Lemont, IL

$18.75 - $25.75/hr

... tank valves, pump cans, check valve, pressure relief on pumps and hot oil heaters. 5. Maintain and ensure that decks are clear from spills (cargo or engine fluids). 6. Assist as needed with barge ...

Liquid Barge Technician

Lemont, IL · On-site

$18.75 - $25.75/hr

... tank valves, pump cans, check valve, pressure relief on pumps and hot oil heaters. 5. Maintain and ensure that decks are clear from spills (cargo or engine fluids). 6. Assist as needed with barge ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Oil Tanker Barge information

See salary details

$43K

$87.2K

$129K

How much do oil tanker barge jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for oil tanker barge in the United States is $87,249.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $47,000.00 and $127,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Oil Tanker Barge vs Oil Tanker Captain?

AspectOil Tanker BargeOil Tanker Captain
CredentialsMaritime certifications, STCWMaritime certifications, STCW, captain's license
Work EnvironmentInland or coastal waters, barge operationsOpen sea, large oil tankers
Employer & IndustryShipping companies, inland waterwaysOil companies, international shipping

While both roles involve maritime operations related to oil transport, an Oil Tanker Barge primarily operates in inland or coastal waters on smaller vessels, requiring specific certifications for barge handling. An Oil Tanker Captain commands large vessels on open seas, holding advanced licenses and overseeing international voyages. The key differences lie in vessel size, environment, and certification requirements.

What are some common challenges faced by crew members working on an oil tanker barge, and how are they typically addressed?

Crew members on oil tanker barges often face challenges such as long periods away from home, strict safety regulations, and the physical demands of handling hazardous materials. Safety is a top priority, so extensive training and adherence to protocols are mandatory to minimize risks like spills or accidents. Teamwork and clear communication are essential, as daily responsibilities often involve coordinating with both onboard colleagues and shore-based support. Many companies offer ongoing safety drills and professional development to support crew members in adapting to these challenges.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an oil tanker barge operator?

To thrive as an Oil Tanker Barge Operator, you need a thorough understanding of maritime regulations, vessel operations, and hazardous materials handling, often supported by a Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC) and relevant endorsements. Familiarity with navigation systems, cargo transfer equipment, and pollution prevention technologies is essential. Strong attention to detail, communication, and teamwork skills distinguish top performers in this role. These abilities are crucial to ensure the safe, efficient, and environmentally responsible transportation of oil products.

What is an oil tanker barge?

Oil tanker barges are specialized vessels designed to transport large quantities of oil and petroleum products over inland waterways, rivers, or coastal areas. Unlike ocean-going tankers, barges are usually unpowered and are pushed or towed by tugboats. They play a crucial role in the supply chain by moving oil from refineries to distribution terminals or storage facilities. Safety and environmental precautions are strictly followed to prevent spills and protect waterways. Their use is essential for efficient and cost-effective bulk liquid transport.

How much does working on an oil tanker barge pay?

Salaries for oil tanker barge workers vary based on experience, location, and role, but they typically earn between $50,000 and $100,000 annually. Crew members such as deckhands and engineers with relevant certifications and safety training tend to earn higher wages, especially with overtime and hazard pay considerations.
More about Oil Tanker Barge jobs

What job categories do people searching Oil Tanker Barge jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Oil Tanker Barge jobs are:

Infographic showing various Oil Tanker Barge job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, 11% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $87,249 per year, or $41.9 per hour.

$21.75 - $25.25/hr

Full-time

Posted 26 days ago


Job description

Overview

The primary function of a Tank Barge PIC is to prepare the barges that are assigned and complete loading and discharging of oil, refined and petrochemical cargoes. The Tank Barge PIC must communicate with dock personnel and ensure that each person participating in the transfer of product understands what the product is, and how it should be transferred and protected. The Tank Barge PIC normally works a rotating 6 days on, and 3 days off schedule.

Responsibilities

Walk 2-3 miles per day. 

  • A Kirby Corporation vessel generally has a tow that is 500 ft. in length. A Tank Barge PIC may be required to walk the tow and back in order to check the condition of the barges and the rigging to perform tankering operations.

Step - 2ft vertical and 2ft horizontal. 

  • In the process of loading or discharging two barges breasted up through a crossover hose, occasions arise where slack in one or more lines causes the barges. In addition, if one barge is loading or discharging at a faster rate than the other, a vertical height differential may develop between the decks of the adjoining barges. Also, different docks, owned by individuals other than Kirby Corporation have various combinations of the barge drafts and river stages. This makes it necessary to step across, up, down, or over an obstacle in order to gain access to the dock from the barge to the boat or from the boat to the dock.

Reach:

  • Must be able to extend arms fully, throughout a normal range of motion both in a horizontal and vertical plane. A Tank Barge PIC may be required to throw and catch lines. Complete range of motion is also required to perform engine room maintenance responsibilities, which includes reaching over one's head.

Climb:

  • Must be able to climb a 90-degree vertical ladder 25-30 ft. Different docks have various means in which to gain access to the barges that are docked at their facilities. This is especially true when the river is at a low stage.

Lift 60-75 pounds and carry it approximately 500 ft. 

  • A barge ratchet weighs approximately 60 pounds. If the lead coupling on a tow was to break, a Tank Barge PIC may be required to carry a ratchet the length of the barges in order to repair the coupling. In addition, a Tank Barge PIC may need to help move a crossover hose that would require a lift of at least 60-75 pounds.

Vision:

  • Color vision and eyesight sufficient to pass an eye test as required to obtain a merchant mariners document. This requires an uncorrected vision of at least 20/20 in each eye correctable to 20/40 in each eye.

Hearing:

  • Hearing as required to obtain a merchant mariners document.

Speech:

  • Must be able to verbally communicate in the English language both in delivery and ability to be understood. May docks use handheld radios to communicate with the barges and/or boats; therefore, use of these devices is required.

Reading/Writing:

  • Must be able to communicate by reading and writing in the English language.

Smell:

  • A sense of smell sufficient to be able to detect the presence of potentially dangerous chemical vapors.

Pulmonary Function:

  • Must pass a pulmonary function test with a minimum score of 80% with physician's approval.

Physical Condition and Ability to Wear:

  • Gloves, goggles, rubber boots, slicker suit, steel-toes boots, hard hat, five-minute escape pack, negative pressure respirator or positive pressure respirator.

General:

  • Must be able to drive to and from hub cities. Must be able to endure harsh environment, which includes extreme temperature, rain, ice, sleet, wind wave action and long hours during transfers.  Ability to use firefighting/spill containment equipment communicates with dock personnel, maintain documentation, and assist in training new personnel. Maintenance functions - ability to assist with engine and generator room maintenance.  Ability to qualify for all federal and state standards and qualify for licenses and documents.  Ability to perform all duties while wearing protective equipment.

Mental/Emotional:

  • Living and working in close quarters.  Length of time away from family. Ability to communicate in English - teach, use radio, and coordinate with dock personnel. Ability to understand written and verbal orders. Comprehension of essential information - spill containment and cleanup, MSDS and emergency action information. Video training widely used - i.e. safety meeting, Benzene training.

Possible Non-Essential Functions:

  • Swimming, cooking, and washing clothes.
Qualifications

Tank Barge PIC:  A Tank Barge PIC License is REQUIRED.

Tank Barge PIC TRAINEE: No License Required. 

License Requirements:

  • Must possess a valid and current merchant mariners document with a Tank Barge PIC endorsement under 46 CFR 12/20 et seq. and a current and valid driver's license.

Education Requirements:

  • Must pass a company-approved test. In addition, must have successfully completed Kirby Corporation's training school for Tank Barge PIC.

Benzene Regulations:

Must be able to pass certification requirements of 46 CFR Part 197 Subpart C - Benzene.

Drug Regulations:

Must be able to satisfy all United States Coast Guard Chemical Drug Testing Programs for Vessel Personnel as found in 46 CFR Part 16.

Physical Examination:

In the event Kirby Corporation extends a conditional offer of employment, the employee will be subject to a physical examination by a physician appointed by Kirby Corporation.

Physical and Mental Requirements:

Necessary to safely undertake the essential functions of this position.

Employment Type: FULL_TIME