Crude Oil Tanker vacancies

What is oil tanker (VLCC): Who can work on it?

Oil VLCC tankers - an integral part of the global economy, because they transport millions of barrels of oil around the world. Among them, the giants of the VLCC class (Very Large Crude Carrier) - the real “titans” of the seas - stand out especially. These are not just ships, but entire mobile oil storage facilities up to 330 meters long, transporting oil over intercontinental distances.What specialists are required on such ships? What are the working conditions? What do you need to get into VLCC? Let's look at all these questions in detail. 

What's happened VLCC tanker?

The VLCC is a supertanker with a displacement of 200,000 to 320,000 tons. Such vessels are designed to transport crude oil over long distances, most often from the Middle East to Europe, Asia and America.Main features of VLCC tankers:

• length - 300–330 m, width - up to 60 m;

• carrying capacity - up to 2 million barrels of oil;

• draft - about 20–22 meters;

• cruising range - up to 25,000 nautical miles without calling at a port;

• flights can last from 30 to 90 days.

Due to their size, such vessels cannot enter most ports directly and often use offshore terminals or offshore unloading systems.

How does work work on VLCC?

Aboard VLCC tanker Dozens of people work. The team is divided into several areas: deck service, engine service, maintenance personnel. The work schedule is shifts, often on a 6/6 or 4/8 hour system. Flights are usually long - from two to six months.

The job requires strict adherence to safety standards, especially during loading operations. Oil is a dangerous cargo, so all personnel must be proficient in operating tanker systems and undergo regular spill response, firefighting and evacuation training.

Who is needed at VLCC?

Both experienced sailors and novice specialists work on such vessels. Here are the main positions at VLCC:

1. The captain is the main leader of the ship, responsible for safety, navigation, interaction with ports and cargo owners;

2. Chief mate - organizes mooring, loading/unloading, maintains ship's logs, manages the deck crew;

3. Second assistant - responsible for navigation, maintaining the route, monitoring the technical condition of maps, radar and navigation devices;

4. Third mate - control of life-saving equipment, ship lights, keeping watch;

5. Boatswain and sailors - work with deck equipment, participation in mooring, painting, system maintenance, assistance with loading operations.

6. Senior mechanic - monitoring the operation of the main power plant, fuel system, diesel generators;

7. Second mechanic - ensures uninterrupted operation of auxiliary mechanisms;

8. The third and fourth mechanics monitor individual systems, take part in repairs, and are on duty in the engine room;

9. Motor mechanics - maintaining cleanliness and order in the engine room, working with pumps, compressors and ventilation.

10. Cook (cook) - prepares food for the crew, controls supplies;

11. Galley keeper, cleaner - ensures order in the galley, living and technical areas;

12. Medic (on large ships) - responsible for the health of the crew, the first aid kit, and keeps records of diseases.

VLCC operation places strict demands on qualifications, discipline and physical fitness. To get a job on such a tanker, you must: have a maritime education and valid STCW documents (depending on the position), and complete tanker courses (Basic/Advanced Oil Tanker Training). There are also other requirements for applicants: 

• have good physical shape, resistance to stress, and the ability to work in a closed team;

• knowledge of English is mandatory (all documentation and communication on board is in English);

• for officers - experience on tankers from 6 months and above.

Additionally, certifications in occupational safety, fire safety, emergency response, and pollution prevention may be required.

Why work on VLCC?

To the advantages work on VLCC tankers has the following advantages: 

• high salary - even a junior officer on a VLCC receives significantly more than on a dry cargo ship;

• stability - tankers are in demand all year round, regardless of the season;

• career growth - experience on a VLCC opens the way to work on other large vessels and even on FPSO;

• modern working conditions - tankers are equipped with the latest equipment, spacious cabins and amenities on board.