A specialised deck or engine rating on tankers responsible for operating cargo and ballast pumps and maintaining pump rooms.
Quick facts
Regulation
MARPOL Annex I
In practice
MARPOL Annex I and the IBC Code (for chemical tankers) impose strict requirements on pump room safety, including gas-tight bulkheads, bilge alarms, and emergency stop systems. STCW chapter V requires tanker personnel to hold appropriate tanker familiarisation and advanced tanker training certificates. OCIMF's SIRE inspection programme includes detailed criteria for pump room safety and equipment condition. The pumpman typically works closely with the cargo officer to plan each cargo stage and must be thoroughly familiar with the vessel's cargo and ballast system drawings. On large tankers the pumpman may supervise assistant pumpmen or junior ratings assigned to the pump room during operations.
Regulatory detail & full definition
A pumpman is a specialised rating employed primarily on tankers and chemical carriers who is responsible for operating and maintaining the cargo pumps, ballast pumps, stripping systems, and pump room equipment. The pumpman holds the practical expertise in pump operation that supports the chief officer's cargo plan: they operate the pumps during loading and discharging, ensure pump room ventilation is adequate, monitor for leaks, and keep all pump room fittings — valves, seals, gauges, and pipework — in good working order.
MARPOL Annex I and the IBC Code (for chemical tankers) impose strict requirements on pump room safety, including gas-tight bulkheads, bilge alarms, and emergency stop systems. STCW chapter V requires tanker personnel to hold appropriate tanker familiarisation and advanced tanker training certificates. OCIMF's SIRE inspection programme includes detailed criteria for pump room safety and equipment condition. The pumpman typically works closely with the cargo officer to plan each cargo stage and must be thoroughly familiar with the vessel's cargo and ballast system drawings. On large tankers the pumpman may supervise assistant pumpmen or junior ratings assigned to the pump room during operations.