1

Tankerman Jobs in Houston, TX (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

Shoreside Tankerman (Houston)

Houston, TX · On-site

$23.75 - $27.75/hr

One year of tankerman experience or more preferred Job Duties & Responsibilities * Perform each essential duty satisfactorily with or without reasonable accommodation * Serve as the Person-In-Charge ...

Tankerman duties vary from vessel to vessel and from watch to watch. The Master sets the watch-standing schedule and posts the duty list for the crew. The Master or his relief must ensure that the ...

Tankerman duties vary from vessel to vessel and from watch to watch. The Master sets the watch-standing schedule and posts the duty list for the crew. The Master or his relief must ensure that the ...

Marine, Tankerman

Houston, TX · On-site

$65 - $90/hr

Minimum 5-10 years Shore Tankerman experience / 2nd Issue of License * Valid U.S. Merchant Mariner's endorsement as a PIC/DL * Current, valid TWIC * Valid Driver's License * High school diploma or ...

New

Tank Strapper Location: Highlands, TX, 77562 Job Summary We are seeking a reliable and detail-oriented Tank Strapper to join our team in Highlands, TX. The Tank Strapper will be responsible for ...

Tank Strapper Location: Highlands, TX, 77562 Job Summary We are seeking a reliable and detail-oriented Tank Strapper to join our team in Highlands, TX. The Tank Strapper will be responsible for ...

As a Tank Cleaner, you will support industrial cleaning and remediation projects at refineries and chemical plants. This role helps ensure tanks and equipment are cleaned safely and efficiently while ...

Showing results 21-40

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.

What are the most commonly searched types of Tankerman jobs in Houston, TX?

The most popular types of Tankerman jobs in Houston, TX are:

What cities near Houston, TX are hiring for Tankerman jobs?

Cities near Houston, TX with the most Tankerman job openings:

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.

Inland Deckhand / Tankerman

Centerline Logistics

Channelview, TX • On-site

$55 - $75/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 4 days ago


Centerline Logistics rating

8.0

Company rating: 8.0 out of 10

Based on 5 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Overview

Responsible for the safe and efficient transfer of petroleum products between barges, ships, and facilities including completion of bills of lading and gauge reports.

Responsibilities

The job responsibilities include, but are not limited to the following:

  • Monitor product level in tanks, operate diesel engines, operate cargo pumps and operate tank/pipeline valves.
  • Communicate with foreign crews and oil facility personnel.
  • Adjust and secure barge lines.
  • Complete loading and discharge gauge reports. Load 55 gallon drums.
  • Inspect vessel for Coast Guard and state regulatory compliance.
  • Check oil and water in any equipment onboard before putting in use.
  • Change engine oil and filters.
  • General boat and barge maintenance and cleanliness.
  • Hydrostatic testing of cargo hoses and piping.
  • Splice barge lines and boom running gear.
  • Operate diesel engines, cargo pumps, hydraulic booms, cargo gear, gate valves, and butterfly valves.
Qualifications
  • Previous experience as a tank barge operator on oil barges required.
  • Must have a valid Coast Guard Merchant Mariners Document with PIC endorsement.
  • Must have physical ability to maneuver cargo hoses, handle barge lines and board vessels by use of an accommodation ladder, Jacob’s ladder or tugboat.
  • Must possess good communication skills by voice and/or visual hand signals.
  • Ability to do accurate paperwork.
  • Knowledge of basic math skills (add, subtract, multiply, and divide).
  • General computer skills- Outlook, Excel, Word.
  • Knowledge of Coast Guard and state requirements for transfer operatons.
  • Must have experience in multiple load calculations.
  • Knowledge of company safety practices.
  • Ability to think and respond quickly to emergency situations (oil spills, mechanical failures, etc.).
  • Must be able to work independently and without direct supervison.
  • Ability to be self-motvated.
  • Ability to maintain professional relations with customers.
  • Valid state Driver’s license.
  • Valid TWIC.
Job Condition and Environment
  • Must not be afraid of heights.
  • Use of air purifying respirator, Self Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA), air monitoring equipment, hearing protection, VHF radio, hand tools, tow lines, high level alarms, and thermometer.
  • Ability to work in extreme weather conditions- (Hot/Cold)
Expected Hours of Work
  • Ability to adapt to a variety of schedules and hours.
  • Able to work weekends, holidays, and at night.
  • Willing to take call outs.
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.

#J-18808-Ljbffr

What Centerline Logistics employees say

Pay

Benefits

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom