Bigger doors meaning pay. AB Tankerman generally pays quite more than just AB. Yes ,you will have to help pump/load cargo and more responsibility. But what the heck, you are gone from home anyway, put the bucks in your pocket. Back in the day, started as an OS, Had a tankermans ticket, but little experience. Shadowed the barge guys, got what was badly called a “Barge Captain” job in less than 6 months. Was chasing what I thought was good money. It paid just a bit less than mate. But that was as high as you could go. It did get me in the door to a quality company. Switched up, and went AB. Maybe not your cup of tea, but started working offshore for about the same pay as tankerman. Upgraded from there on, I was 18 when I began, am happily retired now from AMO. SIU gave me a shot to start off and got my first job on the water… For that I am grateful.