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Tankerman Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Tankerman (PIC), Marine POSITION SUMMARY: The Tankerman (PIC) is a certified maritime professional responsible for the safe, compliant, and efficient transfer of liquid cargo-such as oil, fuel, and ...

Shoreside Tankerman (River)

Saint James, LA

$23.75 - $27.50/hr

Tankerman Under U.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 ...

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 (River)

Covington, LA

$21.50 - $25/hr

Tankerman Under U.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 ...

Tankerman Under U.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 ...

Shoreside Tankerman (Houston)

Houston, TX

$23.75 - $27.75/hr

Tankerman Under U.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 ...

AB Tankerman

Bayonne, NJ · On-site

$1K - $1K/wk

Monitor product level in tanks, operate diesel engines, operate cargo pumps, operate tank/pipeline valves, operate manual and hydraulic booms. * Communicate with foreign crews and oil facility ...

AB Tankerman

Bayonne, NJ

$1K - $1K/wk

Monitor product level in tanks, operate diesel engines, operate cargo pumps, operate tank/pipeline valves, operate manual and hydraulic booms. * Communicate with foreign crews and oil facility ...

AB Tankerman

Bayonne, NJ · On-site

$1K - $1K/wk

Monitor product level in tanks, operate diesel engines, operate cargo pumps, operate tank/pipeline valves, operate manual and hydraulic booms. * Communicate with foreign crews and oil facility ...

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 ...

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Tankerman information

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$13

$26

$38

How much do tankerman jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 11, 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.

How much do tankermans get paid?

Tankermen typically earn between $50,000 and $80,000 annually, depending on experience, certifications, and the employer. Salaries can increase with additional skills such as cargo handling and safety training, and often include benefits like overtime pay and per diem for offshore work.

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 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 Tankermen?

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 is the job of a tankerman?

A tankerman is responsible for loading, unloading, and transferring liquid cargo, such as petroleum or chemicals, on tank ships or barges. The role requires knowledge of safety procedures, proper handling of hazardous materials, and often involves certifications like STCW or Tankerman licenses. They work in marine environments and may operate specialized equipment to ensure safe cargo transfer.

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 jobs pay 10,000 a month without a degree?

Tankermen, who handle liquid cargo on ships, can earn around $10,000 or more per month with experience and certifications such as STCW. High-paying roles in sales, real estate, or skilled trades like commercial diving or offshore drilling also offer similar earnings without requiring a college degree, often relying on skills, licenses, and experience. These jobs typically involve physical work, specialized training, or certifications rather than formal education.

Is it hard to become a tankerman?

Becoming a tankerman requires completing specific training, obtaining a Merchant Mariner Credential with a Tankerman endorsement, and gaining experience in handling flammable liquids. The process involves safety courses, background checks, and sometimes physical exams, making it moderately challenging but achievable with proper preparation.
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What are the most commonly searched types of Tankerman jobs? The most popular types of Tankerman jobs are:
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Tankerman - La Porte, TX

$23.50 - $27.25/hr

Full-time

Posted 8 days ago


Job description

Job Description
SUMMARY
The Tankerman is directly responsible and accountable to the Master or his relief, working directly under him and following his instruction(s) The Tankerman/ Person is responsible for all barge(s) loading and unloading(s).
It is the duty of the Tankerman/ Person to oversee cargo transfer operations which are covered by extensive laws and regulations of the U.S. Coast Guard and other federal and local government agencies. The objective of the Tankerman/ Person is safe, pollution-free and efficient cargo movements and transfers and to the safety of the environment and to the public.
The Tankerman/ Person is primary accountable for his own health, safety, and cleanliness. He must be familiar with Martin Marine - SMS-Safety Management System , VRP- Vessel Response Policies, procedures, safety rules and regulations, and must abide by them at all times.
The Tankerman/ Person are responsible for the safety, operational, maintenance and housekeeping duties while serving on a Martin vessel.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Operational
a) Making up the tow
b) Dropping, spotting and switching barges at docks;
c) Assisting and switching barges at docks;
d) Standing lookout, or riding the head of the tow as a lookout; and,
e) Performing the various tasks necessary to carry out the above, such as making a coupling, operating winches and ratchets, and line handling, include splicing and throwing lines.
f) Confirming with and receiving orders from the Captain, Relief Captain, Mate
g) Being familiar enough to work with complex pumping diagrams, pumps, valves, etc.
h) Moving cargo from one compartment to another within the barges
i) Loading cargo to proper barge draft
Maintenance Duties
a) Chipping and painting vessel and tow;
b) Maintain engine room watch, Grease winches, and other moving parts, oil and lube changes
c) Maintenance of machinery on vessel and barge(s) (pumps, pump engines ETC..)
d) Painting draft marks (Vessel, Barge)
Housekeeping Duties
a) Cleaning the vessel;
b) Cleaning quarters, including personal quarters;
c) Cleaning the wheelhouse and galley;
d) Cleaning the lavatories and companionways;
e) Share in cooking and galley clean up
f) Performing other cleaning chores as directed by the Master
Safety Duties
a) Reporting any hazardous or unsafe condition to the Master and making "on-the-spot" corrections when capable
b) Familiar with all paperwork relating to; Barge Inspections, Reports and Cargo Transfers
c) Other duties as directed by the Master or his relief
d) Responding in a safe, efficient manner to mitigate pollution or damage in any shipboard emergency such as hatch overflow or holes in the barge
Job Requirements
EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE
High School or Equivalent, skilled related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
The Tankerman is required to be coast guard certified to conduct necessary transfers of the various liquid cargoes handled by Martin Marine. The Tankerman must be able to demonstrate the special handle loading and discharging of cargo and fuels. On the job training, experience and the ability to read and understand the tankerman manual are all necessary requirements.
  • Must obtain a U.S.C.G./MMC-MMD PIC-DL/LG (Dangerous Liquids/Liquified Gas, Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC)
  • Must be able to work 2 for 1 schedules 14-7, 20-10, 28-14, on a vessel
  • Must be able to work with a team, take direction from supervisors, keep required work schedules, focus attention to detail(s) and follow work rules

PREFERRED EXPERIENCE, SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE
a) 5 to10 year of continuous Towing and Tankering experience,
b)Take and follow direction well from others
c) Have towing vessel engine room, tow building and safety knowledge
d) 50 Transfers documented without incident
LANGUAGE SKILLS
Ability to read and understand the English language, analyze and interpret information. Ability to write reports and basics business correspondence Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups, managers, clients, customers and the general public.
MATHEMATICAL SKILLS
Ability to add, subtracts, multiplies and divides in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions and decimals.
REASONING ABILITY
Martin Marine is responsible for ensuring that a potential employee will not endanger the safety, environment and to the public, and of other co- workers or the equipment. As a result of the hazardous nature of petroleum transportation, all boat personnel must be of sound, mind, and body. Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variable's in situations where only limited standardization exists. Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram or schedule form. Employment is for no fixed time and may be discontinued with or without cause or notice by employee or company at anytime.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Upon request, reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with qualified disabilities to perform the essential functions.
The job of a tankerman demands heavy work and very heavy labor. This is classified as lifting, carrying, pushing, pulling in excess of one hundred pounds repetitively. Repetitively climbing and balancing, repetitive bending and stooping of the tankerman is exposed to wet and humid conditions, and is subject to the motion of the vessel (rolling and pitching), which may be considerable depending on the weather conditions. Tankerman must be able to work in close, confined spaces.