Tankerman

Buffalo Marine Service; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Buffalo Marine Service in Houston, TX is seeking an experienced Tankerman to prepare barges for loading and discharging of oil, refined and petrochemical cargos. The role requires coordinating with dock personnel and maintaining proper documentation for each transfer.

Candidates must hold a valid Merchant Mariners Document with Tankerman endorsement (Grade B) and a current driver’s license, with flexibility to travel to hub cities and work a rotating schedule.

Qualifications

• Must have a high school diploma or GED.
• Possess a valid, current Merchant Mariners Document with Tankerman endorsement for Grade B liquid cargos and a current driver’s license.
• Pass certification requirements of 46 CFR Part 197 Subpart C – Benzene.

Responsibilities

• Prepare barges for safe and complete loading/discharging of oil and petrochemical cargos.
• Ensure all federal/state documents accompany barges and are in order.
• Communicate with dock personnel to ensure proper handling and product knowledge.
• Participate in maintenance of boats and barges; assist in training new hires.
• Handle lines and rigging during tow building, locking, and docking activities.
• Follow rotating watch schedule; work hours as specified and rest as required.
• Travel to hub cities as needed and comply with company policies and Coast Guard regulations.

Skills

Safety procedures

Dock communication

Watch rotation

Rigging and lines

Education

HS diploma or GED

Merchant Mariners Document w Tankerman endorsement (Grade B)

Driver's license

Job description

Tankerman

Job Details Level: Experienced | Location: Houston – Houston, TX 77012 | Position Type: Full Time | Travel Percentage: Road Warrior | Job Shift: 14/7

General Job Responsibilities

• The primary function of the Tankerman is to prepare the barges assigned to his boat for safe and complete loading and discharging of oil, refined and petrochemical barges.
• Must be able to ensure that any and all federal and state required documents that must accompany the barges are on board and in proper order.
• 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.
• Must be able to participate in the maintenance of the boat and barges, and help train newly hired employees aspiring to become Tankerman.
• Must be able to handle lines and rigging during tow building, locking, and docking activities.
• Must be able to work a rotating six‑hour on and six‑hour off watch schedule, and occasionally work different hours not to exceed sixteen consecutive hours without rest.
• 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).
• 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.
• Must be able to wear a 5‑minute escape pack, or a negative pressure respirator, or a supplied airline respirator.
• Must be able to drive to and from hub cities.
• Must be able to perform all duties necessary to navigate locks.
• Must be able to adhere to all company policies, United States Coast Guard and environmental regulations.

Education and License Requirements

• Have a high school diploma or GED.
• Possess a valid, current Merchant Mariners Document with a Tankerman’s endorsement for Grade B liquid cargos and under (46 CFR 12.20 et seq.) and a current and valid driver’s license.
• 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 works a 14/7 rotation and Line Haul Tankerman works a 20/10 rotation.