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Tankerman Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

ssc

Tankerman - Marine

Norfolk, VA · On-site

The Tankerman is to make rounds of the equipment spaces and assist with cleaning and maintaining the vessel, as directed. Job Responsibilities: * Prepare barge equipment as needed and oversee cargo ...

Structural Mechanical Systems

Tank Cleaner

Norfolk, VA · On-site

A Gas-Free Tank Cleaner is responsible for cleaning, ventilating, inspecting, and preparing tanks, vessels, and confined spaces for maintenance, inspection, or repair. The role involves removing ...

Epsilon Systems Solutions

Tank Cleaner I

Portsmouth, VA · On-site

$15 - $16/hr

Epsilon Systems has a current opening for a full time Tank Cleaner I in Portsmouth, VA. Position Summary Performs bilge maintenance, pumping, cleaning and preparation for gas free certification of ...

Epsilon Systems Solutions

Tank Cleaner II

Portsmouth, VA · On-site

$17 - $21/hr

Epsilon Systems is seeking a full time Tank Cleaner II in Portsmouth, VA. Summary Performs bilge maintenance, pumping, cleaning and preparation for gas free certification of tanks, voids, cofferdams ...

Whitman,-Requardt-

$70 - $135/hr

Water Tank Inspector Full Time Fairfax, VA, US 2 days ago Requisition ID: 3286 At Whitman, Requardt & Associates, LLP, we are "People Focused and Project Driven". We have been in business for 110 ...

Ameri-Force

Tank Cleaner "MHI"

Norfolk, VA

$17 - $18/hr

Marine Tank Cleaner - 1+ Year Experience Job Summary We are seeking experienced Marine Tank Cleaners with a minimum of 1 year of marine or shipyard tank-cleaning experience. Candidates will be ...

New

Ameri-Force

Tank Cleaner "MHI"

Norfolk, VA · On-site

$17 - $18/hr

Marine Tank Cleaner - 1+ Year Experience Job Summary We are seeking experienced Marine Tank Cleaners with a minimum of 1 year of marine or shipyard tank-cleaning experience. Candidates will be ...

New

Epsilon Systems Solutions

EH&S Tank Cleaner

Portsmouth, VA · On-site

$21.25 - $23/hr

Epsilon Systems has a current opening for a full-time EH&S Tank Cleaner in Portsmouth, VA. For the SRS-ATL Division Position Summary Performs bilge maintenance, pumping, cleaning and preparation for ...

Ameri-Force

Tank Cleaner "Newport News"

Newport News, VA · On-site

$17 - $18/hr

Marine Tank Cleaner - 1+ Year Experience Job Summary We are seeking experienced Marine Tank Cleaners with a minimum of 1 year of marine or shipyard tank-cleaning experience. Candidates will be ...

Ameri-Force

Tank Cleaner "Newport News"

Newport News, VA · On-site

$17 - $18/hr

Marine Tank Cleaner - 1+ Year Experience Job Summary We are seeking experienced Marine Tank Cleaners with a minimum of 1 year of marine or shipyard tank-cleaning experience. Candidates will be ...

Chemtrade

Tanker Driver

Hopewell, VA · On-site

$31.57/hr

Position : Tanker Driver, CDL A HAZMAT (Local/Overnight) Primary Location: Box 759, 511 East Plant Street, Hopewell, VA 23860 Schedule: Full-Time Hourly Reports To: Regional Driver Manager ...

Jones Environmental Transportation

Be Seen First

CDL Class A Tanker Truck Driver

Harrisonburg, VA · On-site

$2.0K - $2.1K/wk

Haul 2 tanker loads daily between Harrisonburg, VA and Moorefield, WV * Complete 1 additional load daily from Harrisonburg, VA to Pennsylvania * Average earnings of approximately $420 per day ...

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All JobsTankerman JobsTankerman Jobs in Virginia

Tankerman information

See Virginia salary details

$13

$25

$38

How much do tankerman jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for tankerman in Virginia is $25.99, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $23.85 and $27.64 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a tankerman?

Tankermen are specialized maritime professionals responsible for the safe transfer of liquid cargo—such as oil, chemicals, or hazardous materials—on tank vessels like barges and ships. Their duties include operating pumps, supervising loading and unloading processes, ensuring compliance with safety and environmental regulations, and maintaining equipment. Tankermen must be highly trained and typically require certification, as their work is critical to preventing spills and accidents during cargo operations.

What does a tankerman do?

As a tankerman, your duties involve overseeing the transfer and transport of liquid cargo on a barge, ship, or specialized tankboat. The primary responsibilities of a tankerman (variously referred to as an able-bodied tankerman or AB tankerman) are to ensure the safety of crew during loading and transport of the liquid freight. You may work with hazardous materials such as gases and other potentially explosive or toxic substances. You are responsible for inspecting and maintaining liquid transfer equipment onboard and onshore.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a tankerman, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Tankerman, you need specialized knowledge in liquid cargo handling, safety protocols, and marine regulations, generally supported by a Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC) with a Tankerman endorsement. Familiarity with cargo transfer systems, pumps, hoses, and relevant safety equipment is essential, along with compliance training such as HAZMAT and OSHA standards. Attention to detail, strong communication, and the ability to work under pressure are vital soft skills for this role. These skills and qualifications are crucial for safe, efficient cargo operations and to prevent environmental incidents or workplace accidents.

What are typical work schedules and living conditions like for a tankerman on inland or coastal vessels?

Tankermen often work in rotating shifts that can range from several days to weeks on board, followed by similar periods off. Living conditions on vessels are typically communal, with shared sleeping quarters and limited personal space, so adaptability and strong communication skills are important. The work can be physically demanding and requires adherence to strict safety and environmental protocols, but it also offers a structured routine and opportunities for advancement into supervisory or training roles. Teamwork is essential, as Tankermen collaborate closely with crew members and shore-based personnel during cargo operations.

What is the difference between Tankerman vs Deckhand?

AspectTankermanDeckhand
CertificationsSTCW Basic Safety Training, Tankerman CertificationSTCW Basic Safety Training, Basic Deckhand Certification
Work EnvironmentTank barges, tankers, chemical shipsGeneral cargo ships, tankers, offshore vessels
Job ResponsibilitiesHandling, transferring, and securing liquid cargoesGeneral deck duties, cargo handling, maintenance

Tankermen specialize in handling liquid cargoes and require specific certifications related to tank operations. Deckhands perform broader deck duties across various vessel types. While both roles work in maritime environments, Tankermen focus on cargo transfer safety and procedures, making their skills more specialized compared to Deckhands.

What qualifications do you need for a tankerman job?

Tankermen typically need a Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC) with a Tankerman endorsement issued by the Coast Guard, along with relevant maritime experience and safety training. Basic safety certifications such as STCW and first aid are also required, and physical fitness is important due to the demanding environment.
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Tankerman jobs near you
Infographic showing various Tankerman job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 66% Full Time, 17% Part Time, and 17% Nights. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $54,051 per year, or $26 per hour.

Tankerman - Marine

ssc

Norfolk, VA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Re-posted 15 days ago

Job description

Benefits you receive when working with Savage:

  • A culture that appreciates team members  
  • Profit Sharing
  • Excellent Benefits including medical, dental, vision, and 401(k) with match
  • Opportunity for growth 
  • A commitment to helping our team members do things that they never dreamed possible

Position Summary: 

The primary function of the Tankerman is to prepare for cargo operations and to safely complete loading and discharge of Caustic Soda.  The Tankerman is to make rounds of the equipment spaces and assist with cleaning and maintaining the vessel, as directed.

Job Responsibilities:   

  • Prepare barge equipment as needed and oversee cargo operations
  • Operate and maintain all systems, including but not limited to Ballast, Ballast Water Treatment, Electrical Distribution, Cargo Pumps, Mooring Winches, Cranes, and Bilge Pumps
  • Perform scheduled maintenance & inspections as defined in the maintenance system or other duties on as “as-needed” basis
  • Must be able to make certain that any and all required cargo documents are available and in proper order
  • Communicate with dock/vessel personnel and ensure each person participating in cargo transfers understands the properties of the product and how the transfer should be conducted
  • Responsible for handling lines during docking & undocking if needed.
  • Report any hazardous or unsafe conditions to designated personnel and take immediate corrective action as per company policy

Requirements/Qualifications: 

  • USCG Merchant Mariner Credential international and national endorsements:
    • Must hold the following International STCW Endorsements:
      • STCW Basic Safety Training (STCW VI/1),
      • PSC (STCW VI/2),
      • Vessel Personnel with Designated Security Duties (VPDSD) (STCW VI/6)
    • Preferred International Endorsements:
      • Able Seafarer-Deck (STCW II/5),
      • RFPNW (STCW II/4),
    • Must hold the following National Endorsements:
      • Able Bodied Seaman,
      • Lifeboatman,
      • Ordinary Seaman,
      • Steward’s Department (F.H.)
      • Tankerman PIC limited to Dangerous Liquid (DL) – Experience with Caustic Soda preferred
  • Must hold a valid TWIC card and a U.S. Passport

Education/Experience: Enter bullet format of specific education and experience that is required.

  • High School diploma
  • Maritime Academy graduate preferred
  • ABS Nautical Systems NS5 experience preferred

Physical Requirements:

  • Able to work in confined spaces, carrying heavy tools, climbing and descending ladders, and consistently asked to lift and carry loads greater than 25 pounds
  • Must have current USCG STCW Medical Certificate, renewed every 2 years

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