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Oil Tanker Captain Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Blessey Marine Services

Tankerman

Harahan, LA

$22.25 - $25.75/hr

Reports to: Captain, Relief Captain and Pilot Supervises: This position has no supervisory ... of oil, refined, and petrochemical barges. Other key job responsibilities include, but are not ...

Blessey Marine

Bunker Tankerman

Harahan, LA · On-site

$23 - $26.75/hr

Captain, Relief Captain and Pilot SUMMARY DESCRIPTION: Responsible for the safe, efficient ... discharging of oil, refined/petrochemical barges and bunkering barges. Other key job ...

Blessey Marine

Bunker Tankerman

Harahan, LA

$23 - $26.75/hr

Captain, Relief Captain and Pilot SUMMARY DESCRIPTION: Responsible for the safe, efficient ... discharging of oil, refined/petrochemical barges and bunkering barges. Other key job ...

Republic Services

Assistant Captain

Oxnard, CA · On-site

$70K - $89K/yr

Prior knowledge and experience in oil response. * Ability to travel and deploy to other vessels ... Tankerman PIC endorsement * Valid driver's license * API Rigger and Hydraulic Crane Operator ...

Republic Services

Assistant Captain

Oxnard, CA · On-site

$70K - $89K/yr

Prior knowledge and experience in oil response. * Ability to travel and deploy to other vessels ... Tankerman PIC endorsement * Valid driver's license * API Rigger and Hydraulic Crane Operator ...

Republic Services

Assistant Captain

Oxnard, CA · On-site

$70K - $89K/yr

Prior knowledge and experience in oil response. * Ability to travel and deploy to other vessels ... Tankerman PIC endorsement * Valid driver's license * API Rigger and Hydraulic Crane Operator ...

Centerline Logistics Corporation

Captain

Portland, OR · On-site

$780 - $875/hr

Possess a towing endorsement that qualifies you to tow oil barges. * Must be able to direct ... Services provided include the transportation and storage of petroleum products, tanker escort, ship ...

Centerline Logistics Corporation

Captain

Portland, OR · On-site

$875/wk

Possess a towing endorsement that qualifies you to tow oil barges. * Must be able to direct ... Services provided include the transportation and storage of petroleum products, tanker escort, ship ...

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All JobsOil Tanker Captain Jobs

Oil Tanker Captain information

See salary details

$43K

$87.2K

$129K

How much do oil tanker captain jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 15, 2026, the average yearly pay for oil tanker captain 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 Captain vs Oil Tanker Chief Officer?

AspectOil Tanker CaptainOil Tanker Chief Officer
CertificationsSTCW Basic Safety, Advanced Navigation, Tanker EndorsementsSTCW Basic Safety, Advanced Navigation, Tanker Endorsements
Work EnvironmentBridge, deck, ship operations, decision-making authorityDeck, cargo operations, assisting captain, supervising crew
ResponsibilitiesOverall ship command, safety, navigation, complianceCargo management, safety procedures, assisting captain

The Oil Tanker Captain is responsible for the overall operation and safety of the vessel, holding command authority. The Oil Tanker Chief Officer supports the captain by managing cargo operations and safety procedures. Both roles require similar certifications and work in the same environment, but the captain has ultimate decision-making authority while the chief officer focuses on operational tasks.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Oil Tanker Captain, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Oil Tanker Captain, you need extensive maritime experience, a valid master mariner’s license, and thorough knowledge of navigation, safety regulations, and cargo operations. Familiarity with electronic chart systems, radar, communication tools, and compliance with international maritime certifications like STCW is essential. Strong leadership, decision-making under pressure, and effective communication are critical soft skills in this role. These abilities ensure safe vessel operations, regulatory compliance, and efficient management of crew and cargo in a complex and high-risk environment.

What are some common challenges faced by Oil Tanker Captains during long voyages?

Oil Tanker Captains often encounter challenges such as navigating through adverse weather conditions, ensuring strict compliance with international maritime safety regulations, and maintaining effective communication with crew and shore-based teams. Managing the safe transfer and storage of hazardous cargo requires constant vigilance to prevent spills or accidents. Additionally, captains must oversee crew welfare and operational efficiency during extended periods at sea, balancing demanding schedules with the well-being of their team.

What does an Oil Tanker Captain do?

An Oil Tanker Captain is responsible for commanding and overseeing the safe operation of oil tanker vessels, which transport crude oil or petroleum products across oceans and seas. They manage the ship’s crew, navigate routes, ensure compliance with international maritime regulations, and supervise the safe loading and unloading of oil cargo. Additionally, the captain is accountable for environmental safety, emergency response, and maintaining communications with port authorities. Their leadership is crucial to prevent accidents and environmental hazards, such as oil spills.
More about Oil Tanker Captain jobs
What cities are hiring for Oil Tanker Captain jobs? Cities with the most Oil Tanker Captain job openings:
What states have the most Oil Tanker Captain jobs? States with the most job openings for Oil Tanker Captain jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Oil Tanker Captain jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Oil Tanker Captain jobs are:
Oil Tanker Captain jobs near you
Infographic showing various Oil Tanker Captain job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $87,249 per year, or $41.9 per hour.
Offshore Port Captain

Offshore Port Captain

Centerline Logistics Corporation

Channelview, TX • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted yesterday

Job description

Overview
Directly supervise, hire, train and evaluate marine personnel. Conduct Tug Inspections, attend SIRE inspections, and conduct evaluations and navigation audits of Deck Officers via direct observations on board while underway. Develop marine operations and cost control programs for vessels. Assist in new project development, interfacing with customers, etc. Assist in vessel scheduling of personnel as required. Produce weekly Operations reports.
Responsibilities
  • Supervise Captains, Mates, and Deck Crews.
  • Ensure that vessels and crews are following and complying with State and Federal regulations.
  • Ensure that crews are following and complying with company policies.
  • Conduct Management Vessel Inspections on repair and maintenance standards and procedures.
  • Ensuring that vessels are SIRE ready.
  • Assist in scheduling of SIRE's
  • Perform incident investigations.
  • Manage Compliance with company safety program.
  • Prompt and correct response to operating situations.
  • Perform inspections of vessels on repair & maintenance standards and procedures.
  • Recruitment, performance reviews and auditing of marine personnel.
  • Develop and administer operating & cost control procedures on company vessels.
  • Assist in new project development.
  • Interface with customers on an ongoing basis.
  • Operate company vessels as Captain if directed by President, Vice President, or Director of Marine Operations.
  • Accident & Spill Free Operations
  • Training, professional skill development of marine personnel
  • Monitor safety record of vessels and crew
  • Development of company operating procedures and acceptance by Vetters.
  • Perform in the company Spill Management team as assigned
  • Perform other related duties as assigned

Qualifications
  • Five (5) years at sea as Master on tugboats, tankers or oil barges or equivalent military experience.
  • Four (4) year college education in Maritime or related studies or equivalent experience preferred.
  • Valid US Coast Guard Master's license on offshore towboats 200T Minimum/Master of Towing Endorsement.
  • ATB Operational experience strongly preferred
  • 500T Minimum Master of Towing preferred.
  • Extensive knowledge of the tugboat and oil transportation industry.
  • Must be thoroughly familiar with tank barge, ship and terminal/refinery operations.
  • Knowledge of tug and barge maintenance systems and equipment.
  • Complete a 24 hour HAZWOPER (including Incident Command System) training within 6 months of being hired.
  • First Aid/CPR training.
  • STCW Certification.
  • Valid State Driver's license.
  • Ability to work with office staff and vessel crew members.
  • Maintain the confidentiality of all sensitive communications.
  • Able and willing to travel to the out ports.
  • Ability to work with others using courtesy, tact, and good judgment.
  • Ability to understand and execute complex oral and written instructions.
  • Ability to work independently with minimal or no guidance.
  • Proficient using Microsoft Suite (Word, Excel and Outlook)
  • Must be able to read, speak, write type and understand English in person and over the phone.

Job Condition and Environment
  • Capable of making decisions and giving directions to facilitate prompt service delivery.
  • Must be physically fit enough to board barges and tugs at sea and in port.
  • Frequently required to board tugs, barges, and ships, at dock or at anchor in all weather conditions and at all hours.

Expected Hours of Work
  • Normal office hours are 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday.
  • Take communications 24 hours a day, including weekends concerning changes in schedules and conditions.

Company Overview
Centerline Logistics is a leading provider of marine transportation services in the United States. Centerline Logistics operates on the United States West Coast (including Alaska and Hawaii), United States East Coast (including Puerto Rico), the United States Gulf Coast and the Mississippi River System. Services provided include the transportation and storage of petroleum products, tanker escort, ship assist, the transportation of general cargo and rescue towing. Centerline Logistics is the parent company of eight businesses specializing in marine services and a bulk liquids terminal business. Centerline Logistics provides accounting, administrative, human resources, safety and environmental services, and other support to the subsidiary companies.
The Company offers Medical, Dental, Vision, Life and AD&D options to our employees and their eligible dependents after meeting Company requirements. 401(k) options, Disability Insurance, sick pay, vacation pay, 10 paid holidays per calendar year (subject to work schedule) and Healthcare and/or Dependent Care FSAs are also available to our employees after meeting Company requirements. All benefits information may be subject to change based on any current or updated benefit plan year changes and/or Collective Bargaining Agreements.
We are an Equal Employment Opportunity and Drug Free Work place. Pre-employment drug testing is required.

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