Tankers v. ATBs

**SCgamecock** · February 28th, 2009, 11:32 PM

I asked this on the Professional Mariner - Questions board and didn't get much of a response. Perhaps it's a bit of a tacky question, but I thought I would try again. I'm currently out as a cadet observer on a lightering vessel in the Gulf of Mexico, which will hopefully enable me to obtain a PIC endorsement for my license at the end of my 90 days. This has me thinking about the possibility of working on tankers or ATBs after I finish school. Can anyone give me a general idea of the range of salaries for a third mate unlimited oceans with a PIC working an even time schedule on a tanker and on an ATB? Thanks.

**Tankerchief** · March 11th, 2009, 02:11 AM

Check with the American Maritime Officers Union. They have a website and their management may be more forthcoming about benefits and salaries than they have in the past.

**MMA_Alex** · March 11th, 2009, 08:02 AM

All the companies running ATB's out of ny (k-sea, reinauer, penn) contract rates are available on the UMD Local 333 website. Most ATB's dont have a 3/m either, but that can be worked around.

**Mate** · April 2nd, 2009, 02:12 PM

If you got an unlimited license you are wasting your time on ATBs, my opinion. Get on a ship, there are enough tanker jobs around at the moment.

**Mate** · April 2nd, 2009, 02:13 PM

Unless you really like the short rotation (IE too big of a woos to go to sea for long periods of time)

**ThirdMate** · June 12th, 2009, 02:29 AM

Mate, et al,
What is considered a "long period of time" on a US commercial tanker these days? I've been working over at MSC and the 120+ day gig is getting old.

Any suggestions on a decent commercial company?

Thanks Much.
ThirdMate

**Mate** · June 28th, 2009, 02:20 AM

most tankers 75-90 days, some still 120.

**Journey** · February 22nd, 2010, 01:29 PM

You will be making more money than you ever thought and youwill think you died and gone to heaven....then a year later the money is not that great and you want more.

Seriously, you will make more money as a fresh college grad than any shore job imaginable besides lawyer or doctor. The high end of 3rd mates on tankers are in the 80-85K range with a few top notch companies reaching about 90K. The lower end are 60-70K range. Its likely you will be making around 70-75K to start. As far as ATB's go I believe they generally make less and work in a worse environment than tankers.

Thats for 6 months of work though. I find that if you work for an mid level company you will be able to work an extra month and make just as much if not more than the top notch companies and you don't get the hassle of following policy to the nth degree. I had cadets who were at such companies tell us that they would much rather be here making 10grand less.

Also consider that its easier to move up in the mid/lower level companies.

**jnovak** · May 10th, 2010, 08:15 PM

I'm currently working as a "second mate" (as in the second of two, not the license) on an ATB w/ a NY UMD-333 company (the vessel is required to have a 3 man watch because we do 600+mi trips). I've been here 2 years, have my MoTV as well as my 3/m from school. I started out from school all gung ho to sail deep sea to the fullest potential of my license and scofed at those that didnt. Started with MSC at first, but decided that 6 month hitches weren't my cup o' tea (call me what you wish if it makes you feel better about your job). Fished around for jobs after that and eventually landed on a coastwise ATB. According to 'Journey', I make now nearly what a 3/m makes on a "top notch" ship. Ain't too shabby if you ask me for an equal time 3 week rotation and not having to do cargo (tho I do have a PIC, and not all ATBs are like this).

Just from my limited tanker experience during my cadet shipping (others' mileage may vary), the ATB seems like an easier gig for a mate. There are certainly trade offs, the smaller crew (7) pinches everyone during certain evolutions, much shorter hauls, tho some longer ones thrown in there (6-8 days), advacement of your agt license is highly questionable, articulating in 15-20' seas when there is a genuine fear the wheelhouse is going to slam into the barge might not necessarily agree with your stomach, and the "tug life" in general isn't always for everyone either; coming from MSC there was definite culture shock at first, but I got to likeing it. I hear those larger ATBs that Crowley and USS run are a slightly different story (more ship-like operation, unlimited licensed guys, and COOKS!), cant comment much on them.

Just my $.02, nothing against deep sea, one isn't "better" than the other, some day I might go back, they're just a different game.