How to Get Your USCG Tank Vessel Endorsement (PIC, Assistant & Engineer)

USCG Tank Vessel (Formerly Tankerman) Endorsements - FAQ

This indepth article provides an overview of the different types of tanker endorsements and explains how to add them to your Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC), including National and STCW endorsements for “Dangerous Liquids” Tankers that carry oil, chemicals as well as Liquefied Gas Tankers.

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Whether you're adding your first Tank Vessel Assistant endorsement or upgrading to PIC, MM-SEAS walks you through every requirement, tracks which national and STCW endorsements you qualify for, and generates a complete application package reviewed by fellow US mariners. 100% online. Start Your Application

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What are the types of tank vessels?

• ‍A Tank Ship (vessel) is a self-propelled tank vessel that carries oil or other chemicals in cargo tanks. ‍
• A Tank “Barge” is a non-self-propelled vessel that carries oil or other chemicals in cargo tanks. They generally require a tugboat to move.  ‍
• Oil Tankers (ship or barge) carry certain refined oil products and crude oil. ‍
• Chemical Tankers (ship or barge) can carry just about any liquid that can go in a large tank, some of which are very dangerous such as gasoline, or industrial  chemicals. They also may carry oil in their tanks like oil tankers, but are certified for more chemicals.‍
• Liquefied Gas Tanker / LNG Tanker (Ship or Barge) Tanker that carries gas that has been pressurized and / or cooled to a liquid state. Like liquified natural gas (LNG)

Barges are sometimes used for ocean crossings, but more often are seen in coastal and inland waters.

What are the possible tanker endorsements?

The official USCG requirements for these endorsements can be found here. We will also break the endorsements down and explain what they do later in this article.

• ‍National Tank Vessel PIC, PIC Barge, Assistant, or Engineer
• ‍National Restricted Tank Vessel PIC, or PIC Barge
• ‍STCW-Advanced Oil Tanker Cargo Operations
• STCW-Advanced Chemical Tanker Cargo Operations
• ‍STCW-Advanced Liquefied Gas Tanker Cargo Operations‍
• STCW-Basic Oil and Chemical Tanker Cargo Operations‍
• STCW-Basic Liquefied Gas Tanker Cargo Operations

What's a Tankerman or Tank Vessel Operator and what do they do?

Historically, a “Tankerman” referred to workers of any gender on a tanker vessel, in the Deck or Engineering department. They may have individual “Tankerman” endorsements indicating responsibility levels they can fulfill. The Tankerman's responsibilities are to transport and transfer bulk liquid cargo and maintain the specialized equipment needed for vessels carrying these liquids. As of January 2025, the USCG adopted several new terminologies for these Tankerman endorsements to use more gender-neutral terminology, usually starting with “Tank Vessel” and ending with the specific endorsement.

The endorsements you qualify for will depend on the type of vessel worked on (tankship or barge, oil or chemical, and so on) and the training you have. You'll typically start as a Tank Vessel Assistant (Formerly Tankerman Assistant) and upgrade to get your Tank Vessel Person In Charge (“PIC”) as you get more work experience. Engineers may be endorsed with Tank Vessel Engineer or skip to a PIC which will allow those with an engineering endorsement to work as a tank vessel engineer as well.

Employers are required by law, insurance and various other entities to have specified numbers and types of Tank Vessel Assistants, PIC, and Tank Vessel Engineer ratings on their vessels that match their operation.

During transfers, the Tanker crews, under the direction and supervision of the Person In Charge (PIC), ensure that the hoses are properly connected to the correct fittings and that all valves on shore and aboard the ship are properly aligned. The tanker crew also ensures that all environmental and safety policies are followed and that cargo is transferred safely.

In case of an emergency, the entire tanker crew needs to know the proper procedures and take action quickly. Knowledgeable persons are essential for safe tanker operations. Spills can be disastrous to the environment, the ship, and crew. Tank vessel operators also take preventative actions and perform regular ship maintenance to fix potential problems ahead of time to prevent accidents and spills. In addition, they must be familiar with the specialized equipment needed on tankers.

Each or the below Issued for either Dangerous Liquid (DL) or Liquified Gas (LG) Tankers or both which will be noted on the endorsement.

• Tank Vessel PIC (Formerly Tankerman - PIC) - (DL) or (LG)
• Tank Barge PIC (Formerly Tankerman - PIC (Barge) - (DL) or (LG)
• Tank Vessel Engineer (Formerly Tankerman Engineer) - (DL) or (LG)
• Tank Vessel Assistant (Formerly Tankerman Assistant)  - (DL) or (LG)
• Restricted tank Vessel PIC or PIC Barge - (DL) or (LG)

Basic STCW Tanker Endorsements -

• Basic Oil Tanker Cargo Operations
• Basic Chemical Tanker Cargo Operations
• Basic Liquified Gas Tanker Cargo Operations

Advanced STCW Oil Tanker Endorsement

• Advanced Oil Tanker Cargo Operations  
• Advanced Oil Tanker Cargo Operations Limited to Non-Self-Propelled Vessels (Barge)
• Advanced Oil Tanker Cargo Operations Limited to Maintenance and Repair of Cargo Equipment *** This  is issued to Oil Tanker Engineers only.

Advanced STCW Chemical Tanker Endorsements

• Advanced Chemical Tanker Cargo Operations
• Advanced Chemical Tanker Cargo Operations Limited to Non-Self-Propelled Vessels (Barge)
• Advanced Chemical Tanker Cargo Operations Limited to Maintenance and Repair of Cargo Equipment *** This is issued to Chemical Tanker Engineers.

Advanced STCW Gas Tanker

• Advanced Liquefied Gas Tanker Cargo Operations
• Advanced Liquefied Gas Tanker Cargo Operations - Limited to Non-Self-Propelled Vessels (Barge)
• Advanced Liquefied Gas Tanker Cargo Operations -  Limited to Maintenance and Repair of Cargo Equipment *** This is issued by Gas Tanker Engineers.

💡Helpful Hint:For the most current guidance on USCG merchant mariner ratings, visit the USCG National Maritime Center's Checklists page. Tankers are found in the “Deck Ratings” section, even if you’re applying for tanker-related endorsements that may traditionally fall under engineering or officer roles.

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Not sure which endorsements your training and sea time qualify you for? MM-SEAS checks your eligibility for every matching national and STCW endorsement automatically, so you never leave credentials on the table. Every application is reviewed by experienced US mariners before it goes to the NMC. No guesswork, no Awaiting Information letters. Build Your Application

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What schools offer tank vessels courses?

One of the steps to becoming a credentialed Tank Vessel Crewmember is completing a USCG-approved course. You will learn about proper cargo handling, tanker safety procedures, pollution prevention, and more.

Tanker courses can either be tanker ships or tank barges. Further, they can either be basic familiarization courses that will qualify you for Tank Vessel Assistant, or can be more advanced courses that cover PIC. We recommend you ensure that the course that you are taking meets or exceeds the endorsement you wish to pursue.

Here are a few of the schools with approved courses we recommend:

• ‍Calhoon M.E.B.A. Engineering School - Tank Vessel DL (PIC / Basic & Advanced) and Tankship Liquified Gases (Basic and Advanced)
• Maritime Institute - Tank Vessel PIC (DL), Tank Vessel-PIC (Barge) (DL), Tank Vessel -Assistant (DL) or Tank Vessel-Engineer (DL)
• Sea School - Tank Vessel PIC (DL), Tank Vessel-PIC (Barge) (DL), Tank Vessel -Assistant (DL) or Tank Vessel-Engineer (DL)
• Columbia Pacific Maritime - Tank Vessel PIC (DL), Tank Vessel-PIC (Barge) (DL), Tank Vessel -Assistant (DL) or Tank Vessel-Engineer (DL)
• ‍Chesapeake Marine Training Institute - Tank Vessel PIC Barge (DL)

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A full list of all approved schools can be found at the USCG/NMC website Courses & DE/QA Info. If you have firsthand experience at a school that you want added to our list, please feel free to contact us.

How do I document my sea time on tankers?

Sea time can be documented on a Sea Service Letter or a Certificate Of Discharge.

What other documentation do I need?

For most tanker endorsements other than Tank Vessel Assistant, one must have a letter indicating competency and experience with loading and discharging cargo.

The letter must document loads and discharges of cargo. The number of loads and discharges required depends on the endorsement but is usually 10 transfers of cargo (2 within five years of application), under supervision of a Tank Vessel PIC or Tank Barge PIC, INCLUDING 5 loadings and 5 discharges, 2 commencements and 2 completions of loadings, AND 2 commencements and 2 completions of discharge.

All of this experience can be on one letter, or can be gained on several letters or vessels.

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Getting your loads and discharges letter right is critical. MM-SEAS guides you through the exact documentation the NMC requires for your specific endorsement and flags anything missing before you submit. Start for Free

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💡If a dangerous liquid tanker is certified as both a oil products tanker and a chemical tanker it is helpful to note this on the loads and discharges letter. This is because STCW credentials these separately.

Do I need a tanker endorsement for a ship carrying only its own fuel?

No. Tank Vessel endorsement is generally not needed to carry or receive fuel or lube oil for the ship's own use. Also, generally, when the liquid cargo is in packaged containers such as on a containership, no Tank Vessel endorsements are needed. Those delivering fuel or lube oil to your ship in waterborne barges. For example “Bunker Barges” typically will be required to have tanker barge endorsements as it is their cargo.

Can an engineering officer be endorsed as a Tank Vessel - PIC?

YES! Per 46 CFR § 13.203 engineering officers can be Tank Vessel PIC. In fact it's very wise for companies to encourage all their officers, deck and engine, to obtain PIC Certifications as it will greatly help the company in SIRE vetting. We will discuss SIRE more in another part of this blog. The more credentials you have the easier it is for the vessel owner to get and maintain insurance as well as access to marine terminals that require SIRE Vetting.

I am an engineer officer and I hold a Tankerman PIC. Do I need to get endorsed with Tank Vessel Engineer?

No. Per 46 CFR § 13.107 (a) a person with a valid Tank Vessel - PIC endorsement may also serve as a Tank Vessel-Engineer, provided they also hold an Engineer Officer endorsement. At MM-SEAS, we highly recommend that, wherever possible, engineers be endorsed as PIC for the reasons listed above even if they don't plan on running cargo operations.

What are Liquefied Gas Carriers, and LNG Carriers?

In broad terms, Liquified Gas carriers contain super cooled to cryogenic temperatures in order to “liquify” the gas and keep it in a tank. One example is Liquified Natural Gas commonly called LNG.

Liquefied Gas carriers fall under separate USCG requirements and certification from the more traditional Dangerous Liquid Oil and Chemical tankers. They are referred to as Liquified Gas Carriers (LG). The licensing and titles are very similar however the Coast Guard will want to see specific training and experience for Liquified Gas endorsements.

💡Please note that there is often confusion with the certifications needed for vessels that only use Liquified Gases as fuel for the ship but not as cargo. Fuel gas certifications fall under the International Code of Safety for Ship Using Gases or Other Low-flashpoint Fuels (IGF Code) and require separate certification from tankers. Many US-flagged vessels are starting to move to gas fuels for environmental reasons.

Who checks for all these endorsements? What inspections do tankers have? What is SIRE?

There are several entities that will inspect tankers. Tankers have some of the highest safety and credentialing requirements of ships on the ocean. U.S.-flagged vessels are inspected by the USCG. They can be inspected by the “Port State” or the host countries equivalent to the Coast Guard when traveling internationally. The vessels are also inspected by non-governmental organizations such as the ship classification society and by SIRE vetting.

A unique inspection for tankers is “SIRE vetting" which is an inspection of the vessel as well as the competency of the crew. SIRE stands for Ship Inspection Report program. It's a system created by the Oil Companies International Marine Forum (OCIMF) to improve safety in the tanker industry. SIRE uses standardized inspections of tankers, chemical tankers, and gas carriers to assess their safety and operational standards. These inspections are documented and shared through a database accessible to program participants. It is a non-governmental inspection but can greatly affect the ability of the ship to do business with oil terminals.

As far as licensing/endorsements, SIRE inspectors often will want to see as many experienced and credentialed mariners with advanced tanker training as possible - often in excess of USCG minimum crew requirements for that vessel. This is one reason we recommend engineers get endorsed as PIC.

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If you're an employer looking to strengthen your SIRE vetting profile, or a mariner who wants to maximize their credentials, MM-SEAS can identify every additional national and STCW endorsement your crew's experience supports. More credentials means smoother vetting, better insurance terms, and access to more terminals. Talk to Our Team

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Are there requirements that are needed for all tanker endorsements?

Yes. In addition to the specific requirements for each rating, which we will discuss shortly below, there are general requirements you'll need to meet before applying for any tanker endorsement.

You will need to hold an MMC and TWIC card or be in the application process, and have taken a USCG-approved firefighting course.

💡As always, you can find official checklists and more information on the USCG credentialing site and most up to date information.

https://www.dco.uscg.mil/nmc/checklist/

What is a Tank Vessel Assistant (Formerly Tankerman Assistant)?

This is the first Tanker endorsement you can receive. It is also available to non-officers. The Tank Vessel Assistant performs many of the same duties under the direction of the PIC. They are the PIC’s eyes, ears, and hands. While they don’t require direct supervision, the law does require that when performing their Tank Vessel Assistant -related duties, the assistant must maintain continuous two-way communications with the PIC.

You can apply for the Tank Vessel Assistant after meeting the general requirements plus taking an approved Tankerman/Tank Vessel course OR completing 90 days of deck service on a tankship or self-propelled tank vessel certified to carry DL (dangerous liquids) or LG (liquified gasses) and completing an exam at the USCG Regional Exam Center.

Taking a course is the most common option as many employers want you to have this endorsement before starting work on a tanker.

Limitations

• The cargo type you are credentialed for will depend on the classes you have taken or experience you have. E.g., Gas Tanker or Dangerous Liquid Tanker.
• Someone with only barge classes or experience will be limited to non-self-propelled vessels.
• Those who have completed classes or experience on self-propelled vessels have no limitations and can work on both ships and barges.

💡Note the applicant should also see if they are qualified for a Basic Tanker STCW for the same type of vessel and cargo.
MM-SEAS automatically checks your eligibility for matching STCW endorsements when you apply for a national endorsement, so you never miss one.

What is a Tank Vessel PIC (Formerly Tankerman- PIC)?

This endorsement qualifies you to plan and oversee cargo transfers on a tank vessel.  A PIC is the highest level of tanker endorsement. One holding a Tank Vessel PIC can generally serve as an Assistant, or an engineer (if they are an engine officer) with the same limitations to cargo and vessel type.

To qualify for the Tank Vessel PIC endorsement, you’ll need to meet the general credentialing requirements (MMC, Firefighting, and TWIC) plus appropriate training courses and seatime.  Seatime must include a record of loads and discharges for the type of certification they wish to receive.

To qualify for Tankerman PIC endorsement, you’ll need:

• MMC, TWIC and Firefighting Course within the last 5 years.
• A USCG approved Cargo Course for Tankerman PIC - Tank Ships
• 90 days of service as a deck or engineering officer on a tankship or self-propelled tank vessel certified to carry DL or LG, OR 90 days rating or cadet service on deck or engine department on a tankship or self-propelled tank vessel certified to carry DL or LG, OR Combination of service listed above.
• 10 transfers of cargo (2 within five years of application), under the supervision of a Tankerman-PIC or Tankerman- PIC (Barge) including,
  
  • 5 loads and 5 discharges, with
  • 2 commencements and 2 completions of loadings, and
  • 2 commencements and 2 completions or discharge.

Full requirements here: National Tank Vessel PIC, PIC Barge, Assistant, or Engineer

Need help interpreting these requirements for your situation? MM-SEAS can help.

To qualify for the Tankerman PIC Barge endorsement, you’ll need:

• MMC, TWIC and Firefighting Course within the last 5 years.
• A USCG approved Cargo Course for Tankerman PIC - Barge
• 60 days of service (shore or vessel based) on tank vessels certified to carry DL and LG, OR 180 days of closely related service directly involved with tank barges
• 10 transfers of cargo (2 within five years of application), under the supervision of a Tankerman-PIC or Tankerman- PIC (Barge) including,
  
  • 5 loads and 5 discharges, with
  • 2 commencements and 2 completions of loadings, and
  • 2 commencements and 2 completions or discharge.

Full requirements here: National Tank Vessel PIC, PIC Barge, Assistant, or Engineer

Need help interpreting these requirements for your situation? MM-SEAS can help.

PIC Limitations

• The cargo type you are credentialed for will depend on the classes you have taken or experience you have. E.g., Gas Tanker or Dangerous Liquid Tanker.
• Someone with only barge classes or experience will be limited to non-self-propelled vessels.
• Those who have completed classes or experience on self-propelled vessels have no limitations and can work on both ships and barges.

Full requirements here: National Tank Vessel PIC, PIC Barge, Assistant, or Engineer

Need help interpreting these requirements for your situation? MM-SEAS can help.

💡Note the applicant should also see if they are qualified for a Basic Tanker STCW for the same type of vessel and cargo.
MM-SEAS automatically checks your eligibility for matching STCW endorsements when you apply for a national endorsement, so you never miss one.

What is a Tank Vessel Engineer (Formerly Tankerman Engineer)?

A Tank Vessel Engineer is the only Tank Vessel endorsement that you must be an engineer to receive. All others are available to both engineers and the deck department. No person may serve as a chief engineer, first assistant engineer, or cargo engineer aboard an inspected self-propelled tank vessel when liquid cargo in bulk or cargo residue is carried unless they have a tankerman-engineer endorsement or equivalent.

However if the engineers hold a PIC that person may also act as a Tank Vessel-Engineer, provided they also hold an engineer officer endorsement. One can read more about this at 46 CFR (§ 13.107 (a)

Tank Vessel Engineers have an intimate knowledge of the cargo equipment and maintain or run equipment such as pumps, and inert gas systems.

To qualify for the Tank Vessel Engineer endorsement, you’ll need to meet the general credentialing requirements (MMC, Firefighting, and TWIC) plus complete an appropriate cargo course within previous 5 years (DL or LG as appropriate) AND 90 days of service as an engineering officer or cadet in the engine department on a tankship or self-propelled tank vessel of the cargo type they wish to receive.

Full Requirements here National Tank Vessel PIC, PIC Barge, Assistant, or Engineer.

Need help interpreting these requirements for your situation? MM-SEAS can help.

💡Note the applicant should also see if they are qualified for an Advanced Tanker STCW - Limited to the maintenance and repair of cargo equipment for the same type of vessels and cargo.
MM-SEAS automatically checks your eligibility for matching STCW endorsements when you apply for a national endorsement, so you never miss one.

What are Restricted Tank Vessel Endorsements?

Finally, the Restricted Tank Vessel endorsement restricts its holder as the USCG deems appropriate. For example, the endorsement may restrict the mariner to: specific cargo or cargoes; a specific type of vessel or vessels (such as uninspected towing vessels and oil spill response vessels); a specific facility or facilities; a specific employer or employers; or a specific activity. USCG will evaluate each application and may modify the applicable requirements for the endorsement, allowing for special circumstances.

Full Requirements here: National Restricted Tank Vessel PIC, or PIC Barge

Need help interpreting these requirements for your situation? MM-SEAS can help.

What STCW Endorsements should I have?

“Standards of Training, Certification, and Watchkeeping for Seafarers” or “STCW” is an International Certification of Competency needed to work aboard ships and barges that leave US waters. Your STCW is also issued and entered into your MMC by the USCG, but they must follow international standards for you to qualify. Whenever applying for a Tank Vessel National Endorsement it's important to see if you qualify for the STCW endorsement and apply for it as well. Many employers will require STCW endorsements on their tankers even if the ship does not regularly leave the US.

To receive a STCW Tank Vessel endorsement you must have an equivalent national endorsement as well, so we will point out which ratings normally go together. Please note that any limitations or restrictions on your national endorsement will also be listed on your STCW endorsement. For example, if you're limited to non-self-propelled tankers on your national endorsement, that will also be listed on your STCW.

What is STCW Basic Oil & Chemical Tanker Operations?

This is the endorsement you would normally apply for with a national Tank Vessel Assistant (Formerly Tankerman Assistant) Dangerous Liquids (DL). For Basic, there is no separation for chemical and oil tankers. There is a separate endorsement for gas tankers.

Full requirements found here STCW-Basic Oil and Chemical Tanker Cargo Operations

Need help interpreting these requirements for your situation? MM-SEAS can help.

What is STCW: Advanced Cargo Tanker Operations?

This is the endorsement you would generally apply for with National Tankerman PIC.

For Advanced, there are separate endorsements for chemical, oil, and gas tankers. If you have training and experience on more than one, they will each be listed separately.

Full requirements can be found at  STCW-Advanced Oil Tanker Cargo Operations or STCW-Advanced Chemical Tanker Cargo Operations or STCW-Advanced Liquefied Gas Tanker Cargo Operations.

Limitations, such as “Limited to non-self propelled vessels” or “limited to maintenance and repair of cargo equipment” listed on your national endorsement will be listed on your Advanced STCW endorsement.

What is STCW: Advanced Cargo Operations -  Limited to Non-Self-Propelled Vessels (Barges)?

This is typically the STCW you want to apply for with a national Tankerman PIC - Limited to Non-Self-Propelled Vessels.

Again, for Advanced, there are separate endorsements for chemical, oil, and gas tankers. If you have training and experience on more than one, they will each be listed separately.

Full Requirements can be found at the same links as Advanced Cargo Operations, above.

I'm ready to apply. Can you help me?

Tank vessel endorsements are some of the most documentation-heavy credentials the USCG issues. Between national endorsements, STCW endorsements, course certificates, sea service, loads and discharges letters, and firefighting records, there is a lot to get right. MM-SEAS tracks all of it, builds your complete application, identifies every endorsement you qualify for, and our credentialing experts review everything before submission. Start Your Tank Vessel Endorsement Application

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