Tanker shipping is one of the most specialised parts of the Merchant Navy. Seafarers working on tankers handle dangerous cargo, follow strict safety rules and perform duties that require proper training and practical knowledge.
The 2025 certification numbers show clear differences between Advanced Oil, Chemical and Gas Tanker courses. Oil tanker certificates recorded the highest numbers, chemical tanker certificates came second, and gas tanker certificates remained the smallest but most specialised category.
An Advanced Tanker course prepares eligible seafarers for higher responsibilities during tanker cargo operations. It covers cargo handling, safety procedures, pollution prevention, emergency response and the risks connected with a particular tanker type.
There are separate advanced courses for oil, chemical and liquefied gas tankers because their cargoes and operating systems are different. A seafarer should choose the course that matches their tanker experience, eligibility and future vessel plan.
Tanker operations involve flammable, toxic, corrosive or highly pressurised cargo. A small mistake during loading, discharge, tank cleaning or cargo transfer can affect the crew, vessel, cargo and environment.
Advanced training helps officers understand these risks and take safe decisions. It also improves knowledge of cargo systems, emergency procedures and international rules. The course is not just a certificate but preparation for greater responsibility onboard.
The 2025 certification record shows that 3,876 Advanced Oil Tanker certificates were issued. Advanced Chemical Tanker certificates reached 2,001, while Advanced Gas Tanker certificates recorded 950.
The ranking was therefore clear. Oil had the highest certification activity, chemical remained in the middle, and gas had the lowest volume. These figures show the size of each training pathway but do not decide which course is best for everyone.
Advanced Oil Tanker Course certification led the 2025 record with 3,876 certificates. Oil tankers carry crude oil, petroleum products and other related liquid cargoes across international shipping routes.
The course covers loading, discharging, tank cleaning, cargo measurement, vapour control, fire safety and pollution prevention. The high number shows that oil tanker training remained the most active advanced tanker certification category during 2025.
Oil tankers are widely used for transporting crude oil and petroleum products. Because this vessel category is large, more seafarers may require the related training and endorsement for their career.
Oil tanker operations also provide a common tanker career route for deck officers and other eligible crew. However, high certification numbers do not guarantee a job. Sea experience, company requirements and available vacancies still matter.
Advanced Chemical Tanker Course certification recorded 2,001 certificates in 2025. This was lower than oil tanker certification but still represented strong training activity during the year.
Chemical tankers carry many different products with specific hazards and handling requirements. Officers must understand cargo compatibility, tank coatings, segregation, cleaning standards, piping systems and the safety precautions required for each chemical cargo.
Chemical tanker operations can be complex because the vessel may carry several cargoes during the same voyage. Each product may need a different tank condition, temperature, cleaning method or safety procedure.
Advanced Chemical Tanker training helps officers understand these requirements and avoid dangerous reactions or contamination. It remains valuable for seafarers planning a long-term career on chemical or oil and chemical tankers.
Advanced Gas Tanker Course certification recorded 950 certificates in 2025. It had the lowest number among the three advanced tanker categories, but it remained an important specialised course.
Gas tankers may carry LNG, LPG and other liquefied gases under pressure or at very low temperatures. Officers need detailed knowledge of cargo containment, gas detection, ventilation, pressure control and emergency shutdown systems.
Gas tanker operations require strong technical understanding because the cargo may be refrigerated, pressurised or highly flammable. The vessel’s cargo systems are also different from those used on normal oil and chemical tankers.
The smaller certification number may reflect the specialised nature of this sector. It does not mean the course has less career value. For eligible seafarers targeting LNG or LPG vessels, it may be highly relevant.
The Advanced Oil Tanker course supports work involving crude oil and petroleum products. The Advanced Chemical Tanker course focuses on chemical cargoes, compatibility, segregation and specialised tank-cleaning requirements.
The Advanced Gas Tanker course is connected with LNG, LPG and other liquefied gas operations. Each course supports a different vessel type. A certificate from one category does not automatically prepare a seafarer for every tanker sector.
Choose Advanced Oil Tanker training if your sea experience and future job plans are connected with oil or product tankers. Choose chemical tanker training when you are building experience on chemical vessels.
Gas tanker training may be suitable for seafarers targeting LNG or LPG carriers. The correct choice should depend on your qualifying sea service, company requirement, present vessel experience and long-term career direction.
Certification trends help seafarers understand which courses had more activity. However, a course with higher numbers is not automatically better for your personal career.
Oil certification was the largest category, but a seafarer working on gas vessels may gain no immediate benefit from choosing it. Your vessel type, rank, required endorsement and future joining opportunity should come first.
Before booking, confirm your eligibility, required sea service and supporting documents. Also verify that the institute and course are approved by DG Shipping.
Compare course dates, fees, location, accommodation and batch availability. Do not complete an advanced tanker course only because it is popular. First confirm that it supports your present experience and the vessel category you plan to join.
The 2025 numbers show that Advanced Oil Tanker certification led with 3,876 certificates, followed by Chemical with 2,001 and Gas with 950. Each course has value, but only when it matches the seafarer’s career path.
Use STCW Course Finder to book advanced tanker courses and compare approved institutes, course dates and available batches. You can also use the Sailor Pro App to organise certificates, receive expiry reminders and stay updated with important information for your
It is specialised training for eligible seafarers taking responsibility for cargo operations on oil, chemical or liquefied gas tankers.
Advanced Oil Tanker had the highest number with 3,876 certificates. Chemical recorded 2,001, while Gas recorded 950.
Oil tanker training focuses on crude oil and petroleum products. Chemical tanker training covers chemical hazards, compatibility, segregation, coatings and specialised cleaning requirements.
Yes. It is useful for eligible seafarers planning to work on LNG, LPG or other liquefied gas carriers.
There is no single best course. The right option depends on your sea experience, vessel type, eligibility and future employment plan.
Eligibility depends on the required sea service, duties and applicable certification rules. Candidates should check the official requirements before booking.
No. Certification numbers show activity, but your course should match your actual experience and career direction.
You can compare approved institutes, batch dates, fees and locations through STCW Course Finder before booking.
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