Carries crude oil in bulk from the oilfield to the refinery, often on long ocean passages with few port calls. Needs a tanker endorsement beyond standard STCW certificates.
Size classes
Life aboard
Strict safety and no-smoking/hot-work discipline around the cargo; long sea passages between a handful of major loading and discharge terminals.
Port time
Long passages with very few, often remote, port calls — sometimes weeks between them.
Courses this trade needs
On top of standard STCW basic safety and your rank's Certificate of Competency, officers and crew on this trade need:
Other Liquid Cargo
Details last checked 27 Sep 2026. Source: https://tankermap.com/guides/tanker-classes-and-sizes. Individual ships vary — always confirm specifics with your company.
📶 Staying connected
Terminals are usually outside town and shore leave is limited for safety reasons, so don't count on local SIMs — an eSIM set up before you sail is the reliable option.
📶 eSIM for Mariners
Stay connected wherever this trade takes you — set up your eSIM on the website before you sign on, so it's ready the moment you're in range. Use code SEA10 for 10% off your first order.
eSIM for seafarers →