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Tankerman Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Shore Tankerman

Lemont, IL · On-site

$65K/yr

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

$60 - $90/hr

The Tankerman must be able to work safely and independently while maintaining motivation to effectively and efficiently complete the job. Benefits include health insurance, a pension, competitive pay ...

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 ...

AB Tankerman

Bayonne, NJ · On-site

$80 - $110/hr

Monitor product level in tanks, operate diesel engines, operate cargo pumps, operate tank/pipeline valves, and operate manual and hydraulic booms. * Adjust and secure barge lines. * Complete loading ...

AB Tankerman

Chesapeake City, MD · On-site

$1.2K - $1.7K/wk

The AB/Tankerman is directly responsible and accountable to the vessel Barge Captain & DMT Barge Manager for the proper safe cargo operation and maintenance of all mechanical equipment on the ...

Vessel Tankerman

Harahan, LA · On-site

$59K/yr

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 ...

Tankerman (PIC) The primary function for all qualified candidates is the ability to prepare assigned barges for transit to and from facilities as well as the ability to complete loading and discharge ...

Tankerman (PIC) The primary function for all qualified candidates is the ability to prepare assigned barges for transit to and from facilities as well as the ability to complete loading and discharge ...

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 ...

AB Tankerman

$1.3K - $1.8K/wk

The AB/Tankerman is directly responsible and accountable to the vessel Barge Captain & DMT Barge Manager for the proper safe cargo operation and maintenance of all mechanical equipment on the ...

Showing results 41-60

Tankerman information

See salary details

$13

$26

$38

How much do tankerman jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average hourly pay for tankerman in the United States is $26.21, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $24.04 and $27.88 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 cities are hiring for Tankerman jobs?

Cities with the most Tankerman job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Tankerman jobs?

The most popular types of Tankerman jobs are:

What states have the most Tankerman jobs?

States with the most job openings for Tankerman jobs include:

Infographic showing various Tankerman job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 96% Full Time, 1% Part Time, and 3% Temporary. Highlights an 96% Physical, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $54,518 per year, or $26.2 per hour.

$65K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 15 days ago


Job description

CANAL BARGE COMPANY

JOB DESCRIPTION

SHORE TANKERMAN

*Chicagoland area.*

Canal Barge LLC Shore Tankermanare our internal experts in the transfer of liquid cargos. Qualified candidates must be safety conscious and able to work in a physically demanding environment. Shore Tankerman must be on-call and be able to travel independently. All applicants must have favorable work references and a valid driver's license and must pass a pre-employment physical examination and drug screen. Tankermen must hold a U.S. Merchant Mariner's endorsement as a PIC/DL, and must possess a current, valid TWIC

I. Primary Job Duties

  • Conduct transfers of liquid cargos

  • Follow all safety, environmental, and barge processes to conduct incident-free transfers

  • Conduct inspections of barges prior to conducting transfers

  • Perform minor maintenance and repair of barges and pumps as necessary

  • Inspect all safety and transfer equipment

  • Perform liaison role with customer dock personnel

  • Serve as first-line emergency responders

  • Physical requirements of the job include climbing ladders and stairs, repetitive bending and stooping, lifting heavy marine equipment, and lifting objects from various levels ranging from 10-100 pounds

II. Requirements

  • A valid Driver's License

  • A high school diploma or equivalency

  • Able to pass a background check

  • Able to pass a physical which includes a respirator fit test and requires candidate to be clean shaven

  • Must live in the Chicagoland area

Canal Barge Company and its subsidiaries are Equal Opportunity Employers - All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, age, protected veteran or disabled status, or genetic information.