Chemical Tanker vacancies

Chemical tanker: what functions and tasks does it perform in the fleet?

It is difficult to imagine a modern fleet without specialized vessels transporting dangerous and sensitive cargo. One of these ships is chemical tanker - a technically complex, one might even say high-tech, vessel designed for transporting liquid chemicals. Working on such a ship means being part of a responsible and well-paid profession that requires high qualifications and discipline.

What is a chemical tanker?

A chemical tanker is a type of tanker designed to transport hazardous liquid chemicals in insulated tanks. Such vessels transport:

• acids (for example, sulfuric or phosphoric);

• alkalis;

• alcohols;

• solvents;

• liquid fertilizers;

• vegetable and animal fats;

• petrochemical products.

The peculiarity of a chemical tanker is that it can simultaneously transport different types of cargo that do not allow contact with each other. To achieve this, each tank is equipped with its own filling/draining system, separate pumping system, pipelines and inert gas system.

Classification of chemical tankers

Vessels are divided into classes depending on the level of danger of the substances transported:

• type 1 – for particularly hazardous chemicals (aggressive acids, highly toxic substances);

• type 2 – for moderately hazardous substances;

• type 3 – for the least dangerous goods.

Not only the design of the vessel depends on the class, but also the requirements for the crew, including the availability of special certificates of training for working with dangerous goods.

Functions and tasks of a chemical tanker

Safe transport of chemicals

The main task of a chemical tanker is to deliver chemicals from the port of departure to the port of destination without loss, leakage or threat to the crew or the environment.

Cargo insulation

Each tank must be completely sealed to prevent contact between substances. Even chemical vapors can cause a reaction when mixed - so isolation is vital here.

Temperature control

Some chemicals require a certain temperature - the vessel must be equipped with a heating or cooling system.

Inerting

To prevent ignition, many chemicals are transported under an inert gas atmosphere (usually nitrogen), eliminating the presence of oxygen in the tank.

Thorough tank cleaning

Before loading a new cargo, each tank must be cleared of residues of the previous substance. This is done using a CIP (cleaning-in-place) system and requires strict adherence to instructions.

Who works on a chemical tanker?

The crew includes such specialists as: 

• captain;

• Chief Officer;

• second and third mates;

• boatswain and sailors;

• senior mechanic;

• second/third/fourth mechanics;

• mechanics;

• Cook, galleyman, sometimes ship's doctor.

The main role in the process of transporting chemicals is played by the senior mate, who is responsible for loading/unloading, monitoring the condition of the tanks and the safety of the cargo. He must thoroughly know the chemical properties of all transported substances.

Requirements for seafarers on a chemical tanker

To get a job on a chemical tanker, a candidate must:

• have experience working on tankers (desirable);

• complete Advanced Chemical Tanker and Tanker Familiarization courses (as per STCW);

• speak English to work with documentation and international crew;

• have good knowledge in the field of safety and ecology;

• be able to work with technical systems related to loading, draining and cleaning tanks.

You will also need to pass a medical examination and have a current passport package (Seaman’s Book, certificates, visas, etc.).

The main thing is that if you successfully find employment on such a vessel, completely new, unique opportunities will open up for you. Not only will a high salary be available to you, but career growth will also open up. Experience with dangerous goods opens the door to work on gas carriers and other specialized vessels. 

Where to find work on a chemical tanker?

If you are looking work on a chemical tanker or if you want to gain experience on this type of vessel, contact the Marine MAN crewing company. We have vacancies from trusted shipowners, flexible selection of seafarers according to their qualifications, support and advice on the preparation of all necessary documents.

A chemical truck is a challenge, responsibility and high standards. But for those who are ready to work in difficult conditions, it opens up real horizons in a maritime career!