Automatic translation
Seamans often hesitate: should they be hired to work on a tanker? On the one hand, salaries in this area are excellent, since oil shipping is a profitable business. On the other hand, everything connected with chemistry is fanned by so many rumors and scary stories that you involuntarily begin to think - not out of the blue, all these stories have arisen. So what is the reality, what to expect from this kind of work, and is it worth taking on at all?
Potential risks - myths and reality
First, let's talk about what real dangers a sailor can face on a tanker transporting oil, liquefied natural gas (LNG) or chemical products:
It is true that you can get poisoned, but the risk is lower than commonly believed, since all hazardous work is carried out in protective suits.
It is possible to get cancer - this is partly true, but the likelihood of getting such a disease as a result of working on a ship is no higher than in any other area of the chemical industry.
It is true that you can get hurt in an explosion or fire, although only old tankers built more than 20 years ago have a tangible chance of an accident.
You can be written off ashore for a trifling offense - it's true. The safety precautions on ships of this class are valued above all else, and an unextinguished cigarette butt can put all sailors on board at risk.
You can get a fine as a result of a check - and this is also true. The number of documents to be filled out here is much higher than on dry cargo ships, and inspections can be expected literally in every port.
So there really are dangers in this kind of work. Only those who are disciplined, accurate and ready to invest 100% in work without losing a bright mind are advised to look for a place on an oil or chemical tanker. Only in this case will a novice sailor be able to hold on to a position that many envy and consider to be an elite one.
Salary level in the tanker fleet
Now a few words about "gingerbread". If you are confident in your abilities, then spending several years on tankers is an excellent option both to start and to continue your career. Due to the increased risk of potential danger, the crew is not only imposed increased requirements, but they also try to motivate people to work well. High salaries, a variety of loyalty programs, training at the expense of the company, shortened contract terms and other pleasant bonuses that are unlikely to be found in other areas of shipping are used.
On tankers that transport chemicals, the rates are on average $ 500-1000 higher than on oil carriers. Here junior officers receive 3 to 7 thousand dollars - depending on the experience and complexity of the work performed. For comparison, the captain receives over 12 thousand a month. No less pleasant prospects are opening up for mechanical specialists: the lowest salary here is 3.5 thousand, and in the future, for the position of Chief Engineer, you can already earn 11.5 thousand and more. And what about the rank and file? Here salaries are practically indistinguishable from those on oil and gas carriers, and only $ 300-500 higher than in the rest of the fleet. This is due to the fact that in normal situations, seafarers do not risk anything, and their duties practically do not differ from those that they would have performed on another ship. So a tanker sailor working at sea without experience can bring honor and good career opportunities, but not financial benefits.
The salaries of officers and mechanics on oil tankers are slightly lower, and most of all are paid for LPG and LNG transporting gas. These are the latest ships, equipped with everything you need, safe and comfortable. Working for such people is not only difficult, but also very profitable, both in terms of salaries and in terms of working conditions.
