Vacancies for Pumpman

Pumpman is a rating position found mainly on oil, chemical, LPG and LNG tankers. This role is usually taken by an experienced seafarer who has progressed from AB Seaman after gaining tanker experience, practical training and the required sea time. In practice, the Pumpman helps keep the vessel's cargo pumping and piping systems in safe working condition during loading, discharge, tank cleaning and other tanker operations.

Pumpman Salary Expectations

Pumpman salary depends mainly on vessel type, cargo, company and previous tanker experience. The average Pumpman salary on Maritime Zone is around USD 2,800/month. In current vacancies, Pumpman wages usually start at around USD 2,200 - 2,300 per month on Oil Products Tankers and about USD 2,400 per month on Crude Oil Tankers. Chemical tankers, LPG and LNG carriers usually offer higher salaries, often around USD 2,500 - 3,200 per month.

Specialized tanker contracts, gas carriers and companies with higher requirements may offer better wages, especially when the candidate has strong experience with cargo systems, pumps, valves and tanker safety procedures. For a broader overview, see the Pumpman salary statistics page.

Duties

The Pumpman is responsible for the vessel's pumping and piping systems. During cargo operations, this includes assisting with the operation of cargo pumps, checking pipelines and valves, monitoring for leaks, maintaining reach rods, greasing fittings and glands, and helping keep the cargo system in safe working condition.

The job also includes routine maintenance of pumps, valves, strainers and related cargo equipment, supporting tank cleaning operations, and helping prepare the cargo system for inspections, surveys and port state control. On many tankers, the Pumpman works closely with the Chief Officer during cargo operations and with the engine team when pump-related repairs are required.

Because cargo operations on tankers are safety-critical, employers usually expect a Pumpman to understand tanker procedures, follow safety routines around hazardous cargoes, and react quickly if leaks, pressure problems or equipment issues appear during loading or discharge.

Requirements

A Pumpman vacancy usually requires solid previous sea service as an AB Seaman or Pumpman on tanker vessels, good practical knowledge of cargo pumps and piping systems, and valid tanker certificates for the relevant vessel type. For oil and chemical tankers, employers may require basic and advanced tanker training for the relevant cargo type. For LPG and LNG carriers, gas tanker endorsements and relevant gas training are usually required.

Additional advantages may include previous experience with inert gas systems, tank cleaning, cargo heating systems, hydraulic valves, specific cargo handling equipment and basic repair skills. A good Pumpman is not just a rating who can operate pumps, but a practical specialist who helps prevent delays, leaks and unsafe situations during cargo operations.

If you are looking for the best Pumpman vacancies, compare not only salary, but also vessel type, cargo, contract length, equipment condition and the reputation of the company. The best contract is not always the one with the highest number. A well-run tanker, clear procedures and reliable cargo equipment often matter just as much.