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Tankerman Jobs in Baton Rouge, LA (NOW HIRING)

Tank Barge PIC

Baton Rouge, LA

$21.75 - $25.25/hr

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 ...

Tank Barge PIC

Baton Rouge, LA · On-site

$21.75 - $25.25/hr

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 ...

The Tank Wash Technician ensures Health and Safety is the number one goal by following policies, processes, and acting in a safe manner at all times. * Operate light and heavy equipment including but ...

Tank Welder

Baton Rouge, LA · On-site

$28.25 - $31.50/hr

Position Description PALA Interstate, LLC Summary Lays out, fits and welds together metal components of such products as pipelines, boilers, tanks, structural steel and vehicles. Reads, studies and ...

Discover a career at Depot Connect International (DCI) , a global leader in the Tank/ISO Tank Container Services and Tank Trailer Parts industry. We're more than just a service provider; we're a ...

Discover a career at Depot Connect International (DCI) , a global leader in the Tank/ISO Tank Container Services and Tank Trailer Parts industry. We're more than just a service provider; we're a ...

Tank Wash Technicians / Skilled Labor

Geismar, LA · On-site

$17 - $21.25/hr

Discover a career at Depot Connect International (DCI) , a global leader in the Tank/ISO Tank Container Services and Tank Trailer Parts industry. We're more than just a service provider; we're a ...

Tank Wash Technician

Baton Rouge, LA

$15 - $20.75/hr

The Tank Wash Technician ensures Health and Safety is the number one goal by following policies, processes, and acting in a safe manner at all times. * Operate light and heavy equipment including but ...

Showing results 21-40

Tankerman information

See Baton Rouge, LA salary details

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How much do tankerman jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 16, 2026, the average hourly pay for tankerman in Baton Rouge, LA is $20.56, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.85 and $21.88 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 nature of the job.

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 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 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 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 the most commonly searched types of Tankerman jobs in Baton Rouge, LA?

The most popular types of Tankerman jobs in Baton Rouge, LA are:

What cities near Baton Rouge, LA are hiring for Tankerman jobs?

Cities near Baton Rouge, LA with the most Tankerman job openings:

Infographic showing various Tankerman job openings in Baton Rouge, LA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, 8% Part Time, and 2% Temporary. Highlights an 97% Physical, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $42,772 per year, or $20.6 per hour.

$21.75 - $25.25/hr

Full-time

Posted 27 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