Oil tanker vs chemical tanker jobs
Tanker job comparison: oil (crude + product) versus chemical (IBC Code). Cargo handling, certificates, pay, lifestyle, and which suits which seafarer.
Side-by-side
| Criterion | Oil tanker Crude (VLCC, Suezmax, Aframax) + product (LR1/2, MR) | Chemical tanker IBC Code Type 1 / 2 / 3, multi-grade voyages |
|---|---|---|
| Cargo grades per voyage | Usually 1, sometimes 2 | 3–15+ grades parcel-traded |
| Tank cleaning complexity | Moderate (oil-to-oil) | High (grade compatibility matrix, dedicated cleaning chemicals) |
| STCW certificates | Basic Tanker Training (A-V/1-1-1) + Advanced Oil Tanker for officers | Basic Tanker Training + Advanced Chemical Tanker for officers |
| Vetting culture | SIRE 2.0 (OCIMF) | CDI (Chemical Distribution Institute) + SIRE 2.0 where applicable |
| Officer pay (indicative monthly USD) | VLCC Master $14–19k; 2/E ~$10–13k | Stainless-steel chemical Master $15–20k; 2/E ~$11–14k |
| Rating pay (indicative) | ~$1.6–2.4k AB on a VLCC | ~$1.8–2.6k AB on a stainless chemical |
| Contract length (typical) | 4 months officers / 6 months ratings | 4 months officers / 6 months ratings |
| Routes | Long sea legs, fewer port calls | Shorter legs, frequent port calls (parcel trade) |
| Workload in port | Heavy at loading / discharge only | Heavy at every port — small parcels, repeated handling |
| Career rarity (and pay leverage) | Common | Specialist — fewer crews trained → better leverage |
Who each suits
- Oil tanker
Officers wanting tanker premium without the chemical-cargo complexity. Long-sea-leg comfort, sleep-friendly UMS rotations, fewer ports per contract. Good first-tanker entry from container / bulker.
- Chemical tanker
Officers building specialist tanker careers — the pay leverage compounds with experience. Suits those who enjoy detailed cargo planning, frequent port calls, and the discipline of compatibility matrices.
Pros and cons
Oil tanker
Pros
- Operationally simpler — one or two grades per voyage.
- Long sea legs mean better rest patterns.
- Larger crew (especially VLCC) — workload distribution.
Cons
- Lower pay than chemical tanker at equivalent rank.
- Heavier vetting pressure (SIRE 2.0) than non-tanker fleet.
- Older fleet on some routes — more PSC scrutiny.
Chemical tanker
Pros
- Higher pay (5–15% officer premium typical).
- Specialist skill set — better leverage when changing companies.
- Variety — frequent ports, different cargoes, intellectually engaging.
Cons
- Demanding tank-cleaning discipline + PPE requirements.
- Toxic + corrosive cargo risk; stricter ER + cargo control.
- Short port calls cut into rest hours.
- Smaller crew (typically 18–22) — workload concentration.
Common misunderstandings
- 'Chemical tanker = always more dangerous.' Risk is well-managed through CDI inspections + cargo compatibility procedures; the work is more demanding, not necessarily more hazardous.
- 'Oil tanker pays the most.' Crude carriers (VLCC) pay well, but stainless-steel chemical at senior ranks usually wins on $/month.
- 'Tanker certs work on both.' Basic Tanker Training is shared; the advanced certificates are cargo-specific — oil-advanced does not unlock chemical, and vice versa.
FAQ
- Can I move from oil tanker to chemical tanker without losing rank?
- Yes — your CoC carries across. You'll need the Advanced Chemical Tanker endorsement and the principal will want a few months' supernumerary or 'second 2/E' time onboard before promoting you to senior cargo-watch officer. Pay typically increases on the move.
- Which has more time at sea vs in port?
- Oil tankers, especially VLCC and Suezmax, run long sea legs (10–25 days). Chemical tankers parcel-trade — many port calls, often 2–4 days apart. If you want sea-time-heavy rotations, oil wins; if you want short-leg variety, chemical.
- Are vetting pressures the same?
- Both fall under OCIMF's SIRE 2.0. Chemical tankers also face CDI inspections (Chemical Distribution Institute). Net: chemical tanker officers face more frequent vetting in practice.
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