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Tankerman Jobs in Houston, TX (NOW HIRING)

BUFFALO MARINE SERVICE INC

Tankerman

Houston, TX · On-site

$60K/yr

General Job Responsibilities The Tankerman is responsible for the safe, efficient, reliable, and environmentally compliant operation of assigned area. Employee's key responsibilities include, but are ...

BUFFALO MARINE SERVICE INC

Tankerman

Houston, TX · On-site

$60K/yr

General Job Responsibilities The Tankerman is responsible for the safe, efficient, reliable, and environmentally compliant operation of assigned area. Employee's key responsibilities include, but are ...

Terral RiverService

TANKERMAN

Channelview, TX · On-site

$21.50 - $25/hr

The TRS Tankerman is responsible for safely preparing barges for the loading and discharging of cargoes and as well, perform all loading and discharging activities, connecting and disconnecting of ...

TerralRiver Service

TANKERMAN

Channelview, TX · On-site

$21.50 - $25/hr

The TRS Tankerman is responsible for safely preparing barges for the loading and discharging of cargoes and as well, perform all loading and discharging activities, connecting and disconnecting of ...

Terral River Service Inc

TANKERMAN

Channelview, TX · On-site

$21.50 - $25/hr

The TRS Tankerman is responsible for safely preparing barges for the loading and discharging of cargoes and as well, perform all loading and discharging activities, connecting and disconnecting of ...

Canal Barge Company

Shore Tankerman

Houston, TX · On-site

$60 - $90/hr

CANAL BARGE COMPANY SHORE TANKERMAN***HOUSTON, TX AREA***Canal Barge LLC Shore Tankerman are our internal experts in the transfer of liquid cargos. Qualified candidates must be safety conscious and ...

Canal Barge Company, Inc.

Shore Tankerman

Houston, TX · On-site

$62K/yr

CANAL BARGE COMPANY SHORE TANKERMAN ***HOUSTON, TX AREA*** Canal Barge LLC Shore Tankerman are our internal experts in the transfer of liquid cargos. Qualified candidates must be safety conscious and ...

Canal Barge Company

Shore Tankerman

Houston, TX · On-site

$62K/yr

CANAL BARGE COMPANY SHORE TANKERMAN ***HOUSTON, TX AREA*** Canal Barge LLC Shore Tankermanare our internal experts in the transfer of liquid cargos. Qualified candidates must be safety conscious and ...

Marathon Petroleum

Marine Tankerman

Texas City, TX · On-site

Tankerman are critical members of the Tankering Services Group, and we are looking for individuals who can contribute to our inclusive work environment. Tankerman are responsible for safely and ...

Marquette Transportation Company LLC

Tankerman

La Porte, TX · On-site

$23.50 - $27.25/hr

Possess a valid USCG Merchant Mariner's Credential (MMC) with Tankerman endorsement. * Must have Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) or be able to attain it. * Must be able to pass ...

loadstarusa

Shoreside Tankerman

Houston, TX · On-site

$62K/yr

S. Coast Guard regulations, tankermen serve as the person-in-charge of the vessel for cargo transfer operations involving tank barges. Transfers involve all types of liquids including oils and ...

ACBL Branding

Vessel Tankerman

Channelview, TX · On-site

$65 - $90/hr

Vessel Tankerman Company: American Commercial Barge Line Location: Harahan, LA; Channelview, TX Job Type: Full-Time American Commercial Barge Line is currently seeking a skilled and experienced ...

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All JobsTankerman JobsTankerman Jobs in Houston, TX

Tankerman information

See Houston, TX salary details

$13

$25

$37

How much do tankerman jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average hourly pay for tankerman in Houston, TX is $25.03, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $22.93 and $26.63 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 Houston, TX as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $52,063 per year, or $25 per hour.

Tankerman

BUFFALO MARINE SERVICE INC

Houston, TX • On-site

$60K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 5 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Prepare barges for safe and complete loading and discharging of oil, refined, and petrochemical products.

  • Ensure all federal and state required documents are on board and in proper order, and communicate transfer procedures with dock personnel.

  • Handle lines and rigging during tow building, locking, and docking activities.

Job description

General Job Responsibilities
The Tankerman is responsible for the safe, efficient, reliable, and environmentally compliant operation of assigned area. Employee's key responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following:
  • The primary function on the Tankerman is to prepare the barges that are assigned to his boat for safe and complete loading and discharging of oil, refined, and petrochemical barges.
  • The Tankerman must be able to make certain that any and all federal and state required documents that must accompany the barges are on board and in proper order.
  • The Tankerman must be able to communicate with dock personnel and ensure that each person participating in the transfer of the product understands what the product is and how it should be transferred and protected.
  • The Tankerman must be able to participate in the maintenance of the boat and barges, and help with the training of newly hired employees aspiring to become Tankerman.
  • The Tankerman must be able to handle lines and rigging during tow building, locking, and docking activities.
  • The Tankerman must be able to work a rotating six hours on and six hours off watch schedule, and occasionally work different hours not to exceed sixteen consecutive hours without rest.
  • The Tankerman must be able to work on the boat with a schedule based on a ratio of 2 to 1 (i.e. 20 days on, 10 days off or 28 days on, 14 days off).
  • The Tankerman must be able to wear a negative or positive respirator, PVC foul weather gear, rubber gloves and boots to protect himself from harmful cargo contact.
  • The Tankerman must be able to wear a 5-minute escape pack, or a negative pressure respirator, or a supplied airline respirator.
  • The Tankerman must be able to drive to and from hub cities.
  • The Tankerman must be able to perform all duties necessary to navigate locks.
  • The Tankerman must be able to adhere to all company policies, United States Coast Guard and environmental regulations.

Education and License Requirements
Employee must:
  • Have a high school diploma or GED
  • Possess a valid, current Merchant Mariners Document with a Tankermans' endorsement for Grade B liquid cargos and under (46 CFR 12.20 et seq.) and a current and valid driver's license. The Tankerman endorsement applies to vessel's Tankerman exclusively engaged in petroleum or chemical transportation
  • Be able to pass certification requirements of 46 CFR Part 197 Subpart C - Benzene. This applies to vessel Tankerman exclusively engaged in petroleum and/ or chemical transportation

Bunker Tankerman work a 14/7 rotation and Line Haul Tankerman work a 20/10 rotation.

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