The Tankerman is responsible for the safe, efficient, reliable, and environmentally compliant operation of assigned area. Employee’s key responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following:
- The primary function on the Tankerman is to prepare the barges that are assigned to his boat for safe and complete loading and discharging of oil, refined, and petrochemical barges.
- The Tankerman must be able to make certain that any and all federal and state required documents that must accompany the barges are on board and in proper order.
- The Tankerman 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.
- The Tankerman must be able to participate in the maintenance of the boat and barges, and help with the training of newly hired employees aspiring to become Tankerman.
- The Tankerman must be able to handle lines and rigging during tow building, locking, and docking activities.
- The Tankerman must be able to work a rotating six hours on and six hours off watch schedule, and occasionally work different hours not to exceed sixteen consecutive hours without rest.
- The Tankerman 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).
- The Tankerman 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.
- The Tankerman must be able to wear a 5-minute escape pack, or a negative pressure respirator, or a supplied airline respirator.
- The Tankerman must be able to drive to and from hub cities.
- The Tankerman must be able to perform all duties necessary to navigate locks.
- The Tankerman must be able to adhere to all company policies, United States Coast Guard and environmental regulations.
QualificationsEducation and License Requirements
Employee must:
- Have a high school diploma or GED
- Possess a valid, current Merchant Mariners Document with a Tankermans’ endorsement for Grade B liquid cargos and under (46 CFR 12.20 et seq.) and a current and valid driver’s license. The Tankerman endorsement applies to vessel’s Tankerman exclusively engaged in petroleum or chemical transportation
- 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 work a 14/7 rotation and Line Haul Tankerman work a 20/10 rotation.
Skills Required
- High school diploma or GED
- Valid, current Merchant Mariner's Document with Tankerman endorsement for Grade B liquid cargos and under (46 CFR 12.20 et seq.)
- Current and valid driver's license
- Ability to pass certification requirements of 46 CFR Part 197 Subpart C - Benzene
- Ability to wear negative or positive respirator, PVC foul weather gear, rubber gloves and boots
- Ability to wear a 5-minute escape pack, negative pressure respirator, or supplied airline respirator
- Ability to handle lines and rigging during tow building, locking, and docking activities
- Ability to work rotating six-on/six-off watch schedule and occasionally up to 16 consecutive hours without rest
- Willingness to work vessel rotation schedules (e.g., 20/10 or 28/14) and perform duties necessary to navigate locks
- Adherence to company policies, United States Coast Guard and environmental regulations
What We Do
Buffalo Marine Service, Inc. is a premier barge and bunkering company operating since 1935. The company owns and operates a fleet of inland towing vessels and tank barges, providing bunkering and line haul services across the Gulf Coast area, including Texas, New Orleans, Mississippi, and Alabama. Their operations span inland waterways from Corpus Christi, Texas to Mobile, Alabama, dedicated to exceeding customer expectations.








