At OTB (Centerline) we were both tankering…Depends on the charter It was required.
Most terminals want two men on the barge at all times, that meant (at least for me it did) the “Mate Tankermen” worked opposite each other alongside an AB Tankerman who had an opposite as well. There was no Chief Mate or Junior Mate, just Mate Tankermen and AB tankermen.
Had to have two on the barge at all times, who together make a load and discharge plan, do the paperwork and make the connection, line up, tank the barge alternating 15 minute rounds and strip/top off tanks together. We liked to each work one side of the barge or each one set of tanks in unison.
In short…
Usually when finished and once gaugers are aboard we would split up and one drain, disconnect the hose or arm while the other gets the barge buttoned up for transit and monitors gaugers. (Closes all blocks and deck valves, gauges fuel tanks etc)
Once gaugers finishes gauging the barge we would have one guy go make up the tug and the other finalizing paperwork for the terminal and closing gauges, close logs, COE report, ORB, etc.
Mate-Tankerman also is leading mooring and unmooring ops.
Responsible for ALL of the inspections and paperwork, voyage planning and drills, record keeping and clerical duties (depending on the Captain, some do more than others)
Once underway you begin your navigation watches whilst the AB’s begin their Netflix watch.
It was fairly demanding, and you need a wide variety of skills including being proficient in directing the assist tug with commands over the radio, I promise you will earn every dollar of that $560/day.
I wouldn’t take the job again, instead I’d take $30’ish less per day and have a quarter of the responsibility as plain old AB-Tankerman.
Not a complaint, just reporting my experience there as accurately as possible. I’m sure it varies by vessel too.
In my opinion, the company should have different manning but it is what it is.
