Tanker Courses for Oil, Chemical & Gas Ships | DG Shipping Approved

Working on tanker vessels is one of the highest-paying career paths in the maritime industry. Whether it is an oil tanker, chemical tanker, or gas tanker, every seafarer must complete specific DG Shipping–approved tanker courses before joining. These certifications ensure seafarers are fully trained in hazardous cargo handling, pollution prevention, safety procedures, and emergency response.

If you want to build a career on tankers, this complete 2025 guide explains all the mandatory tanker courses, eligibility, fees, DG Shipping rules, and career scope.

What Are Tanker Vessels?

Tanker vessels transport liquid cargo in bulk. They are divided into three major categories:

1. Oil Tankers

These carry crude oil, diesel, aviation fuel, petrol, and petroleum products.
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2. Chemical Tankers

These ships transport corrosive, toxic, reactive, and temperature-sensitive chemicals.
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3. Gas Carriers (LNG/LPG)

These carry liquified gases like LNG and LPG at extremely low temperatures or high pressure.
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Due to the high-risk cargo involved, all seafarers must complete STCW tanker courses approved by DG Shipping before joining.

Why You Need Tanker Courses

All tanker ships operate under strict STCW and IMO regulations. The purpose of tanker courses is to provide:

• Awareness of hazardous and flammable cargo

• Knowledge of cargo containment and safety systems

• Training in cargo loading and discharging procedures

• Emergency and firefighting skills

• Spill control and pollution prevention

• Compliance with international tanker safety standards

These courses are compulsory for ratings, officers, engineers, and ETOs joining tankers.

Mandatory Courses for Tanker Vessels

Below are all the DG Shipping–approved courses required to work on oil tankers, chemical tankers, and gas tankers.

1. Basic Oil and Chemical Tanker Cargo Operations (OCTCO)

Required for: Deck Ratings, Engine Ratings, Trainees, and Freshers.

This course provides an introduction to:

• Tanker hazards

• Cargo characteristics

• Containment systems

• Basic emergency procedures

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2. Advanced Training for Oil Tanker Cargo Operations (TASCO)

Required for: Deck/Engine Officers, Pumpmen, Experienced AB/Oiler.

This advanced training covers:

• Crude oil properties

• Pumping systems

• Inert gas systems

• Ballasting operations

• Oil washing

• Pollution control

• Advanced cargo handling emergencies

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3. Advanced Training for Chemical Tanker Cargo Operations (CHEMCO)

Required for: Deck/Engine Officers, Pumpmen on chemical tankers.

Course modules include:

• Chemical cargo hazards

• Reactivity and toxicity

• Tank coatings

• Ventilation systems

• Spill containment

• Closed loading/discharging

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4. Advanced Gas Tanker Cargo Operations (Gas Tanker Course)

Required for: Deck Officers, Engine Officers, and ETOs joining LNG/LPG ships.

Topics include:

• LNG/LPG characteristics

• Cargo refrigeration

• Gas containment systems

• Loading/unloading processes

• Vapour recovery

• Emergency shutdown systems

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Additional Mandatory Safety Courses (STCW)

Before enrolling in any tanker course, candidates must complete:

• PST (Personal Survival Techniques)

• FPFF (Fire Prevention & Fire Fighting)

• EFA (Elementary First Aid)

• PSSR (Personal Safety & Social Responsibilities)

• STCW Refresher Courses (every 5 years)

Some ranks may also require Tanker Firefighting Training.
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Eligibility for Tanker Courses

Eligibility for Basic Tanker Familiarization (OCTCO)

• STCW Basic Safety Training

• Minimum age 18

• Valid medical fitness

Eligibility for Advanced Tanker Courses

• Required sea service as per STCW

• Rank-based qualification

• Valid COP/COC

• Updated STCW certificates

• Medical fitness

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Course Duration and Fees 

• OCTCO: 6 days

• TASCO (Advanced Oil Tanker): 10 days

• CHEMCO (Advanced Chemical Tanker): 10 days

• Gas Tanker Course: 10 days

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Career Scope After Completing Tanker Courses

Tanker vessels offer higher salaries than bulk carriers or container ships because of the hazardous cargo allowance.

Salary Ranges

• Ratings: ₹60,000 – ₹1,50,000 per month

• Officers: ₹2,00,000 – ₹6,00,000 per month

• Senior Officers: ₹8,00,000+ per month

Career Opportunities After Tanker Experience

• Marine & cargo surveying

• Port/terminal operations

• Oil & gas industry jobs

• Marine consultancy

• LNG/LPG shore-based roles

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Why Choose a DG Shipping–Approved Maritime Institute

Before enrolling, ensure your institute:

• Is DG Shipping approved

• Follows STCW 2010 standards

• Offers tanker simulation labs

• Has experienced maritime faculty

• Provides placement guidance

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Conclusion

Whether you plan to join an oil tanker, chemical tanker, or LNG/LPG gas carrier, completing DG Shipping–approved tanker courses is mandatory. These certifications prepare you for the high-risk tanker environment and open opportunities for some of the highest-paying maritime jobs worldwide.

For guidance on selecting the right course, institutes like Anvay Maritime Institute offer approved tanker training programs, expert faculty, and complete eligibility assistance.