Blogs & News

Home / Blogs & News / Tanker Courses for Oil, Chemical & Gas Ships | DG Shipping Approved

December 3, 2025

Working on tanker vessels is one of the highest-paying career paths in the maritime industry. Whether it is an oil tanker, chemical tanker, or gas tanker, every seafarer must complete specific DG Shipping–approved tanker courses before joining. These certifications ensure seafarers are fully trained in hazardous cargo handling, pollution prevention, safety procedures, and emergency response.

If you want to build a career on tankers, this complete 2025 guide explains all the mandatory tanker courses, eligibility, fees, DG Shipping rules, and career scope.

What Are Tanker Vessels?

Tanker vessels transport liquid cargo in bulk. They are divided into three major categories:

1. Oil Tankers

These carry crude oil, diesel, aviation fuel, petrol, and petroleum products.
Keywords: oil tanker course, oil tanker training India, DG Shipping oil tanker course

2. Chemical Tankers

These ships transport corrosive, toxic, reactive, and temperature-sensitive chemicals.
Keywords: chemical tanker course, chemical tanker course DG Shipping, advanced chemical tanker course

3. Gas Carriers (LNG/LPG)

These carry liquified gases like LNG and LPG at extremely low temperatures or high pressure.
Keywords: gas tanker course, LNG tanker course, gas tanker training India

Due to the high-risk cargo involved, all seafarers must complete STCW tanker courses approved by DG Shipping before joining.

Why You Need Tanker Courses

All tanker ships operate under strict STCW and IMO regulations. The purpose of tanker courses is to provide:

Awareness of hazardous and flammable cargo
Knowledge of cargo containment and safety systems
Training in cargo loading and discharging procedures
Emergency and firefighting skills
Spill control and pollution prevention
Compliance with international tanker safety standards

These courses are compulsory for ratings, officers, engineers, and ETOs joining tankers.

Mandatory Courses for Tanker Vessels

Below are all the DG Shipping–approved courses required to work on oil tankers, chemical tankers, and gas tankers.

1. Basic Oil and Chemical Tanker Cargo Operations (OCTCO)

Required for: Deck Ratings, Engine Ratings, Trainees, and Freshers.

This course provides an introduction to:

Tanker hazards
Cargo characteristics
Containment systems
Basic emergency procedures

OCTCO course, basic tanker familiarization India, oil and chemical tanker course

2. Advanced Training for Oil Tanker Cargo Operations (TASCO)

Required for: Deck/Engine Officers, Pumpmen, Experienced AB/Oiler.

This advanced training covers:

Crude oil properties
Pumping systems
Inert gas systems
Ballasting operations
Oil washing
Pollution control
Advanced cargo handling emergencies

advanced oil tanker course, TASCO course DG Shipping, oil tanker course in India

3. Advanced Training for Chemical Tanker Cargo Operations (CHEMCO)

Required for: Deck/Engine Officers, Pumpmen on chemical tankers.

Course modules include:

Chemical cargo hazards
Reactivity and toxicity
Tank coatings
Ventilation systems
Spill containment
Closed loading/discharging

CHEMCO course India, advanced chemical tanker training, DG Shipping chemical tanker course

4. Advanced Gas Tanker Cargo Operations (Gas Tanker Course)

Required for: Deck Officers, Engine Officers, and ETOs joining LNG/LPG ships.

Topics include:

LNG/LPG characteristics
Cargo refrigeration
Gas containment systems
Loading/unloading processes
Vapour recovery
Emergency shutdown systems

LNG tanker course India, gas tanker course DG Shipping, advanced gas tanker training

Additional Mandatory Safety Courses (STCW)

Before enrolling in any tanker course, candidates must complete:

PST (Personal Survival Techniques)
FPFF (Fire Prevention & Fire Fighting)
EFA (Elementary First Aid)
PSSR (Personal Safety & Social Responsibilities)
STCW Refresher Courses (every 5 years)

Some ranks may also require Tanker Firefighting Training.
STCW basic course, STCW refresher course, DG Shipping safety courses

Eligibility for Tanker Courses

Eligibility for Basic Tanker Familiarization (OCTCO)

STCW Basic Safety Training
Minimum age 18
Valid medical fitness

Eligibility for Advanced Tanker Courses

Required sea service as per STCW
Rank-based qualification
Valid COP/COC
Updated STCW certificates
Medical fitness

tanker course eligibility, DG Shipping tanker requirements

Course Duration and Fees

OCTCO: 6 days
TASCO (Advanced Oil Tanker): 10 days
CHEMCO (Advanced Chemical Tanker): 10 days
Gas Tanker Course: 10 days

tanker course fees, DG Shipping tanker course price, advanced tanker course fees

Career Scope After Completing Tanker Courses

Tanker vessels offer higher salaries than bulk carriers or container ships because of the hazardous cargo allowance.

Salary Ranges

Ratings: ₹60,000 – ₹1,50,000 per month
Officers: ₹2,00,000 – ₹6,00,000 per month
Senior Officers: ₹8,00,000+ per month

Career Opportunities After Tanker Experience

Marine & cargo surveying
Port/terminal operations
Oil & gas industry jobs
Marine consultancy
LNG/LPG shore-based roles

tanker ship salary India, oil tanker jobs, LNG ship jobs, chemical tanker vacancies

Why Choose a DG Shipping–Approved Maritime Institute

Before enrolling, ensure your institute:

Is DG Shipping approved
Follows STCW 2010 standards
Offers tanker simulation labs
Has experienced maritime faculty
Provides placement guidance

DG Shipping approved institute, tanker courses in India, best maritime institute

Conclusion

Whether you plan to join an oil tanker, chemical tanker, or LNG/LPG gas carrier, completing DG Shipping–approved tanker courses is mandatory. These certifications prepare you for the high-risk tanker environment and open opportunities for some of the highest-paying maritime jobs worldwide.

For guidance on selecting the right course, institutes like Anvay Maritime Institute offer approved tanker training programs, expert faculty, and complete eligibility assistance.