Pumpman Jobs
No open Pumpman vacancies right now
No open Pumpman vacancies right now
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- Bosun (Boatswain)1 vacancy
- Able Seaman (AB)1 vacancy
About the role
A Pumpman works on oil and chemical tankers. They run the cargo pumps, valves, lines and pump room machinery. They prepare the pump room before cargo operations and monitor pressures during loading and discharging. They report to the Chief Officer for cargo work and to the Bosun for deck work. They work mainly during cargo and tank cleaning operations. They coordinate with engine room ratings when pumps need maintenance. Typical ships include crude oil tankers, product tankers, chemical tankers and VLCCs.
Duties on board
- Operate cargo pumps and valves in the pump room.
- Prepare pump room and cargo lines before loading or discharging.
- Monitor pump pressures, temperatures and tank levels during cargo operations.
- Drain and strip cargo lines after a cargo transfer.
- Inspect pump room for leaks, bilge water and gas.
- Clean tanks and cargo lines after a grade change.
- Report defects and advise the Chief Officer before repair work.
- Maintain pump room log and handover notes.
Requirements
| Document | Convention | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Safety Training (BST) | STCW VI/1 | Seafarers must receive safety familiarization and basic training in line with section A-VI/1 of the STCW Code. |
| Basic training for oil and chemical tanker cargo operations | STCW V/1-1 | Officers and ratings with specific duties related to cargo or cargo equipment on oil or chemical tankers must hold a certificate in basic training for oil and chemical tanker cargo operations. |
Sea service
For the basic oil and chemical tanker certificate, you need at least three months of approved seagoing service on oil or chemical tankers, or an approved basic tanker training course.
Medical fitness
Before joining a ship, you must hold a valid medical certificate. It must show hearing and sight are satisfactory, and colour vision where relevant. A medical certificate is valid for a maximum of two years, or one year if you are under 18.
Documents
- Passport with valid visa when the voyage needs it
- Seaman's book (CDC)
- Valid medical certificate
- Certificate of Proficiency for basic oil and chemical tanker cargo operations
- BST certificate
Career path
Comes from: Able Seaman (AB), Ordinary Seaman (OS)
Next step: Bosun (Boatswain)
Pumpman: questions and answers
What does a Pumpman do on an oil tanker?
A Pumpman operates the cargo pumps, valves and lines in the pump room. They prepare the system before loading or discharge, monitor pressures during the transfer, and drain lines after. They also inspect the pump room for leaks and bilge water.
Do I need a gas tanker certificate to work as a Pumpman?
No. The rank works mainly on oil and chemical tankers, so the basic oil and chemical tanker cargo operations certificate is the tanker certificate needed. Gas tanker certificates are for work on LNG or LPG carriers.
Do I need advanced tanker training?
No. Advanced training is for masters, chief engineers, chief mates, second engineers and anyone with immediate responsibility for cargo operations. A Pumpman reports to the Chief Officer and does not need the advanced certificate.
What documents do I need for sign-on as Pumpman?
You usually need a passport, Seaman's book (CDC), valid medical certificate, BST certificate and a Certificate of Proficiency for basic oil and chemical tanker cargo operations.
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Sources
- ILO, Maritime Labour Convention, 2006 (MLC, 2006)
- IMO, STCW/CONF.2/33 (1 July 2010), Resolution 1: The Manila Amendments to the annex to the STCW Convention
Checked against the official texts on 26 Oct 2026.