USCG Approved Tank Barge-PIC (Person In Charge) Course
Explore Sea Schools Tank Barge-PIC Courses and take the next step toward earning your Tank Barge-PIC endorsement. The course is taught at one of our Brick and Mortar locations and takes four (4) days to complete.
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Sea School’s Tank Barge Dangerous Liquids (DL) course is designed to satisfy the training requirements of 46 CFR 13.309 for an endorsement as Tank Barge-PIC.
This course provides essential training for mariners with immediate responsibility for:
- Loading, discharging, and carriage of dangerous liquid cargoes in bulk
- Cargo handling procedures
- Pollution prevention and spill response
- Oil tanker safety and fire safety measures
- Legal obligations and environmental regulations
This course also satisfies the training requirements of 46 CFR 10.227(d)(8) for renewing a Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC) endorsed as Tankerman PIC (Barge) Dangerous Liquids
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Train on your schedule with Sea School’s self-paced online courses. Designed for flexibility and convenience, our online programs allow you to complete key certifications and knowledge-based training from anywhere, at any time.
Call us today to get scheduled for our Apprentice Mate of Towing Vessels bundle
Throughout this sixteen (16) day course, mariners will go through trainings for OUPV, Master 100 Ton upgrade, Master 200 Ton upgrade, Inland to Western Rivers and the Apprentice Mate of Towing Vessels upgrade.
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Join our Captain’s License OUPV course from anywhere with our convenient Zoom sessions. Choose the dates that work best for your schedule and start your journey toward earning your license - without ever leaving home.
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What Our Clients Say
Outstanding staff and comfortable classroom.
One of the best instructors I had with perfect English language. I learned a lot more than I expected.
Ricardo G.
It’s a great setting with awesome staff.
The instructor is outstanding and the course is informative.
Dean D.
Great instructor, strongly recommend!
Jarrad A.
Best instructors I’ve had.
Instructor was a great teacher, and made the class fun and enjoyable.
Gavin A.
Excellent instructor.
Very adept at answering questions and ensures requirements are met. Great sea stories and experience.
James C.
Nice and very sweet office staff, I enjoyed meeting everyone.
Always an awesome time being at Sea School!
David A.
Highly recommend it.
The staff, classroom, instructors and the course is very professional.
Richard G.
Course is very informative.
Very experienced instructor, easy to talk to. Overall great experience and enjoyable.
Joseph D.
Office staff is always great.
Superb instructor and course has good material.
Kenneth G.
I loved the instructor, he is amazing.
The proctor was excellent too.
Kathleen H.
Good course and good classroom.
Loved the instructor and his knowledge.
Abigail L.
Instructor was so helpful in instructing the rules and safety of boats.
Simple class, easy to understand and loved the pictures so helpful.
Noa A.
The course is very informative.
The instructor was incredibly knowledgeable with plenty of examples and stories.
Haley D.
Instructor was amazing and very insightful to boating knowledge.
Learned a lot of information in this course.
Griffin K.
I have no complaints and I am super satisfied with my class.
Very helpful for the rules of the water. Instructor is super knowledgeable and clearly cares about the art of seamanship.
James H.
Good customer service from the staff.
Professional and knowledgeable instructor. Classroom is clean and adequate.
Arturo B.
Very good instructor.
Excellent communications from the staff.
James H.
Everything was top notch.
I found the instructor to be very knowledgeable in this course.
Donald D.
Great staff and clean classroom.
Instructor is great and also the course.
Mark D.
The course is very enjoyable.
The instructor is very nice to everyone and is knowledgeable. Clean and cool classroom and friendly staff.
Joseph G.
Office staff were very nice.
Instructor did a good job teaching and I love this course.
Mainor C.
Very good course.
Top notch instructor and very experienced instructor.
James D.
Comfortable classroom, well set up to exhibit course very well.
Very knowledgeable, helpful and courteous instructor and staff.
Gerorge B.
Instructor is friendly and very knowledgeable.
Excellent sea stories related to the subject.
Mark L.
Always helpful and accommodating staff.
Highly recommend it. Instructor is uniquely skilled at teaching. Kudos!
Patrick H.
John is very knowledgeable and informative!
Cody C.
Nice office staff.
Clean Classroom. Awesome instructor. Great course. Great food.
Cameron G.
Classroom was a great environment!
Instructor was extremely knowledgeable.
Anthony G.
John is the best teacher I’ve personally had at Sea School.
Knowledgeable and didn’t beat around the bush.
Trenton F.
Great office staff and classroom.
Lots of respect for the instructor. Taught very well!
Nicholas H.
I enjoyed John’s teaching.
Very to the point and sharp.
Cade B.
Very helpful office staff.
Great learning environment. Very knowledgeable and great instructor. Tremendous course! Delicious food!
Noah A.
Staff are professional and extremely helpful.
Instructor is extremely knowledgeable and made the painful course easy for us.
Charles G.
The very best staff.
Will return for any future class needs. Instructor is a great man with a wealth of knowledge.
Gabriel C.
Thank you.
Great job from everyone involved.
Jacob C.
Everyone was nice and very good to help with every problem that I had.
Aaron H.
Classroom is clean.
They provided everything we needed to learn the course. Instructor’s a great guy, super knowledgeable with great stories.
Jacob H.
Friendly office staff.
Instructors were very helpful.
Walter C.
Knowledgeable good instructors.
Instructors were good, reassuring and informative.
Kyle K.
Best staff I have ever met.
Classroom was nice and the course was very meaningful. Instructor is very intelligent.
Leland K.
Classroom is comfortable.
Instructor and staff were awesome and amazing.
Patrick C.
Excellent knowledge from the instructor.
She will make you learn.
Dustin B.
Instructor did not cut corners in teaching this class.
Very clear and straight to the point. Awesome teacher.
Garrison G.
Office staff is easy to deal with.
Friendly and helpful instructor.
Peter F.
Instructor was awesome.
I look forward to another class.
Dimecio D.
Office staff is a ten.
Informative course and clean classroom.
Sara H.
Amazing office staff.
Fun classroom. Awesome instructor. Fun course. Great food.
Hal E.
Great sea stories.
Excellent instruction.
Christopher M.
Instructor is very knowledgeable and passionate about teaching.
Thank you for all the help and for putting up with me.
Phillip C.
Instructor is very helpful and very good at teaching and knowing how to get you to understand.
Jarrett F.
Helpful and friendly staff.
Instructor did a good job and also an eye opening course.
Robert F.
Instructor is informative and the course is very detailed.
Helpful staff and clean classroom.
Carlos K.
Friendly and professional staff.
Instructor is knowledgeable and very willing to assist. I have enjoyed this experience and will be back for upgrades.
Darien H.
Excellent class.
All information was covered and a great instructor.
Jim C.
Pat is a great instructor!
John C.
Accommodations were perfect.
The cleaning staff do an amazing job.
Robert D.
Awesome office staff.
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Ryan A.
Great office staff!
Instructor is a funny guy. Knows his stuff!
Austin C.
Thank you! I appreciate everything.
Trevan B.
Everything was excellent.
Dylan B.
Nice & helpful office staff.
Very helpful instructor. Excellent accommodations.
Alfonso L.
Well done!
David C.
Very good experience.
George J.
Office staff went above & beyond.
Instructor has relevant and real life experiences or storeis told.
Jacob H.
Amazing!!!
Drake B.
Office staff was great.
Pat did an excellent job and I loved his stories. As always, eggs were fantastic.
John C.
Food is delicious and prepared on time!
Pat is the best instructor to walk the earth and sail the 7 seas, he deserves a red porsche for a company vehicle.
David R.
Awesome office staff.
Nice and cool classroom. Awesome food!
Ryan A.
Instructor was helpful & stayed until our questions got answered.
Timothy H.
I enjoyed just about everything.
Instructor was super knowledgeable and I really enjoyed hearing all his sea stories.
John G.
Super sweet office staff.
Instructor stories keep you entertained and he knows his stuff! Chef is great. More cookies!
Austin C.
Excellent office staff. Awesome instructor!
Demetrios D.
Amazing across the board!
Shone H.
Great food!
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People are great!
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Justin M.
Learned a lot - thanks guys!!!
Everyone from the Sea School personnel are very nice and knowledgeable. Classroom was very neat and clean.
Allen C.
Enjoyed having Capt. John as my instructor. Meals provided were good and enough!
David D.
Excellent instruction from experience.
Jeremy H.
Office staff was friendly and accommodating.
Classroom was clean, in a good state, comfortable. Instructor was experienced, approachable, friendly, and helpful.
Jonathan A.
Great, knowledgeable instructor, good stories.
Food was wonderful and unexpected!
Charles G.
John is amazing at what he does and I greatly appreciate him being my instructor!
Devin H.
Very helpful office staff.
Classroom was clean and organized. Instructor was a good guy. Overall, the course was good and I learned a lot about ships.
Amar A.
Office staff were very nice & helpful!
The course had good information and was easy to understand. Good instructor. Helps any way he can.
Steven J.
Gave clear instructions and presented the material in a relatable manner.
Ian M.
All excellent! Thank you!
Ramon H.
Great, very friendly and helpful office staff.
Instructor was very engaged in the course. Overall, great course!
Grant D.
Welcoming staff! Great instructor.
Hayes E.
Great knowledge & brought real world knowledge to class.
Christopher D.
Thank you!
Instructor was great and didn’t mind me asking any of my questions. I was nervous, but he made me feel comfortable.
Jayme H.
Great office staff!
Awesome classroom. Awesome instructor. Very good course.
Jason E.
Great instructor!
Very knowledgeable.
Ryan M.
I highly recommend!
Pat did a fine job.
Michael G.
Very enlightening course.
Great folks! Awesome instructors.
Aaron H.
Amazing people.
Course is straightforward and very informative.
Brendon K.
Informative course and instructor is very good as his experience teaches us knowledge.
Kevin D.
Instructor made the class very understandable.
This is my third time attending this school and the staff are always helpful and nice.
Dave C.
Great staff and instructor worked hard to help me in every way possible.
Gorki H.
Great instructors take the time to actually teach and help you learn everything that's needed.
Elijah C.
Thank you!
Office staff went out of their way to help me out.
Jonathan B.
Everything was good and the instructor was excellent.
Jaequavius J.
Why Thousands of Mariners Choose Sea School?
Each year, over 7,500 students choose Sea School for their maritime training. We offer 30+ USCG-approved courses across in-person, online, and satellite formats, with training available at 6 locations nationwide. Team training is also available on-site or via satellite to meet company needs.
We’ve developed comprehensive, engaging, and practical curriculum to set you up for success on the water
While the curriculum represented on the Sea School website is a general layout of course information, it is not the exact order in which lessons are taught.
- Introduction
- Bulk Liquids Defined as Dangerous Liquids
- Introduction
- Bulk Liquids Defined as Dangerous Liquids
- Principles of Containment Systems
- General Arrangement of Cargo Tanks
- Venting & Vapor-Control Systems
- Principles of Containment Systems
- General Arrangement of Cargo Tanks
- Venting & Vapor-Control Systems
- Piping Systems, Valves, Pumps & Expansion
- Operating Characteristics
- Piping Systems, Valves, Pumps & Expansion
- Operating Characteristics
- Cargo-Level Indicators
- Cargo-Level Indicators
- Ventilation, Inerting
- Valves
- Ventilation, Inerting
- Valves
- Lining Up the Cargo & Vapor-Control Systems
- Pre-Transfer Inspections & Completion of Declaration of Inspection
- Hooking Up of Cargo Hose, Loading Arms & Grounding Strap
- Starting of Liquid Flo0w
- Discussion of Loading
- Ballasting and Deballasting
- Topping Off of the Cargo Tanks
- Discussion of Discharging
- Stripping of the Cargo Tanks
- Monitoring of Transfers
- Gauging of Cargo Tanks
- Disconnecting of Cargo Hoses or Loading Arms
- Cargo Tank Cleaning Procedures & Precautions
- Lining Up the Cargo & Vapor-Control Systems
- Pre-Transfer Inspections & Completion of Declaration of Inspection
- Hooking Up of Cargo Hose, Loading Arms & Grounding Strap
- Starting of Liquid Flo0w
- Discussion of Loading
- Ballasting and Deballasting
- Topping Off of the Cargo Tanks
- Discussion of Discharging
- Stripping of the Cargo Tanks
- Monitoring of Transfers
- Gauging of Cargo Tanks
- Disconnecting of Cargo Hoses or Loading Arms
- Cargo Tank Cleaning Procedures & Precautions
- Inerting of Cargo Tanks and Void Spaces
- Gas Freeing
- Testing of Cargo Tank Atmospheres for Oxygen & Cargo Vapor
- Inerting of Cargo Tanks and Void Spaces
- Gas Freeing
- Testing of Cargo Tank Atmospheres for Oxygen & Cargo Vapor
- Fire
- Collision
- Grounding
- Equipment Failure
- Leaks & Spills
- Structural Failure
- Emergency Discharge of Cargo
- Entering Cargo Tanks
- Emergency Shutdown of Cargo Handling
- Emergency Systems for Closing Tanks
- Fire
- Collision
- Grounding
- Equipment Failure
- Leaks & Spills
- Structural Failure
- Emergency Discharge of Cargo
- Entering Cargo Tanks
- Emergency Shutdown of Cargo Handling
- Emergency Systems for Closing Tanks
- Procedures to Prevent Air & Water Pollution
- Measures to Take in Event Spillage
- Danger from Drift of Vapor Cloud
- Procedures to Prevent Air & Water Pollution
- Measures to Take in Event Spillage
- Danger from Drift of Vapor Cloud
- Purpose
- Principles
- Coast Guard Regulations
- Hazards
- Active System Components
- Passive System Components
- Purpose
- Principles
- Coast Guard Regulations
- Hazards
- Active System Components
- Passive System Components
- Testing & Inspection Requirements
- Pre-Transfer Procedures
- Connecting Sequence
- Start-Up Sequence
- Normal Operations
- Testing & Inspection Requirements
- Pre-Transfer Procedures
- Connecting Sequence
- Start-Up Sequence
- Normal Operations
- Testing Test Atmospheres for Oxygen & Hydrocarbon Vapors
- Definition & Hazards of Confined Spaces
- Cargo Tanks & Pumprooms
- Evaluation & Assessment of Risks & Hazards
- Safety Precautions & Procedures
- Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) & Clothing
- Maintenance of PPE
- Dangers of Skin Contact
- Inhalation of Vapors
- Electricity & Static Electricity - Hazards & Precautions
- Emergency Procedures
- Federal Regulations, National Standards & Industry Guidelines
- Inspections by Marine Chemists & Competent Persons, Including Hot-Work Permits & Procedures
- Testing Test Atmospheres for Oxygen & Hydrocarbon Vapors
- Definition & Hazards of Confined Spaces
- Cargo Tanks & Pumprooms
- Evaluation & Assessment of Risks & Hazards
- Safety Precautions & Procedures
- Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) & Clothing
- Maintenance of PPE
- Dangers of Skin Contact
- Inhalation of Vapors
- Electricity & Static Electricity - Hazards & Precautions
- Emergency Procedures
- Federal Regulations, National Standards & Industry Guidelines
- Inspections by Marine Chemists & Competent Persons, Including Hot-Work Permits & Procedures
- Purpose, Content & Location of Information
- Procedures for Notice and Mitigation of Spills
- Geographic Specific Appendices
- Vessel-Specific Appendices
- Emergency Action Checklist
- Purpose, Content & Location of Information
- Procedures for Notice and Mitigation of Spills
- Geographic Specific Appendices
- Vessel-Specific Appendices
- Emergency Action Checklist
Team Trainings
Sea School provides comprehensive team training solutions designed to meet your organization's unique requirements. Our certified instructors are available for on-site training at your location, or your team can utilize our dedicated training facilities. Please contact us for further details regarding our corporate training opportunities.
Online Trainings
Looking to obtain your next license at your own pace? Sea School offers a selection of immersive online courses designed to provide you with convenient access to our high-quality course material. Explore our online options and contact us with any questions you may have.
A Simple 3-Step Process to Get Certified and Start Your Maritime Career
Choose Your Course
Pick the course that fits your experience level and sea time and select the available format that works for you (in-person, Zoom, or online).
Enroll & Prepare
Register online or at a Sea School location. Ensure you meet eligibility requirements and start reviewing the provided study materials.
Get Certified
After finishing the course, you will need to submit your application to the Coast Guard to receive your Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC).
Advance your Maritime Career
What Our Clients Say
Awesome instructor, knowledgeable and friendly.
Teresa H.
Instructor offers a wealth of knowledge.
I’d take any and every course he teaches. Staff is great, very helpful and kind.
Sean F.
Had a really great time and learned a lot.
I’ll definitely be back for more courses. Instructor was the best. Thank you.
Sean B.
Everything was good and the instructor was excellent.
Jaequavius J.
Thank you!
Office staff went out of their way to help me out.
Jonathan B.
Great instructors take the time to actually teach and help you learn everything that's needed.
Elijah C.
Great staff and instructor worked hard to help me in every way possible.
Gorki H.
Instructor made the class very understandable.
This is my third time attending this school and the staff are always helpful and nice.
Dave C.
Informative course and instructor is very good as his experience teaches us knowledge.
Kevin D.
Amazing people.
Course is straightforward and very informative.
Brendon K.
Course Comparison
Tank Barge-PIC Requirements: Everything You Need to Get Certified
Education & Testing Requirements
Course Completion Certificate:
- Completion of Sea School’s USCG-approved course and exam
- Alternatively, students may take the exam at a USCG Regional Exam Center (REC) (note: not all RECs provide testing; scheduling is required)
- Prep courses are strongly recommended
Cargo Course:
- Must be completed within the previous 5 years, specific to DL (dangerous liquids) or LG (liquefied gas)
Basic Firefighting Course:
Must be dated within 5 years
Eligibility Requirements
Minimum Age
- Must be 18 years old
- 17-year-olds may take the course if their 18th birthday falls within one year of course completion
Security Clearance
TWIC Card
- Required for U.S. government security clearance
Medical & Drug Testing Requirements
Medical Exam (Form CG-719K):
- A valid USCG physical is required
- Physicals available at most Sea School brick-and-mortar locations
Drug Test & Consortium Membership:
- Required for licensing
- Sea School provides access to APCA, a USCG-approved drug consortium
- Sign up at apcadrugtesting.com or call (727) 522-2727
Sea Service & Experience Requirements
General Sea Service (either of the following):
- 60 days service (shore or vessel-based) on tank vessels certified to carry DL or LG
- 180 days of closely related service directly involved with tank barges
- 60 days on Offshore Supply Vessels (OSVs) where a Tank Vessel PIC or equivalent is required on the COI
Cargo Transfers- 10 supervised cargo transfers required, including:
- 5 loadings and 5 discharges
- At least 2 commencements and 2 completions of loadings
- At least 2 commencements and 2 completions of discharges
Supervision
- Must be supervised by a Tank Vessel PIC or Tank Barge PIC
Recency Requirement:
- 25% of qualifying service must be within the last 5 years, including 2 cargo transfers within that same period
Documentation & Application Requirements
Service Letter:
- Must be signed by the owner, operator, master, or chief engineer
Service Letter Should Include:
- Name and official number of vessel(s)
- Dates of service for each vessel
- Type of cargo (DL or LG)
If transfers are required:
- Dates, number, and types of transfers (loading/discharge)
- Ports or terminals involved
- Whether the mariner commenced or completed each transfer
Application & Licensing Process
- Mariners should always consult the USCG Checklist NMC for the most accurate and up-to-date requirements and submission procedures
All the answers you’ll need before enrolling in the Tank Barge - PIC course
The Tank Barge Person In Charge (PIC) is responsible for the safe and compliant transfer of liquid cargo. Their duties include pre-transfer planning, overseeing cargo transfer operations, emergency response, and regulatory compliance.
Yes. You must hold a valid medical certificate issued by the USCG.
[1] A certificate of completion of Sea School’s approved course and exam.
- Alternatively, a student could take the exam at a USCG Regional Exam Center (REC). Not all USCG locations provide testing, so students must schedule at an REC. Prep courses like ours are strongly recommended.
[2] 18 years of age
- Students who are 17 years old may take the class, provided that their 18th birthday falls within one year of completing the course. This is a common question from parents who want to take the class with their children.
[3] Physical that satisfies the Form CG-719K
- We offer physicals at most of our brick and mortar locations
[4] Consortium membership / drug test compliance
- Sea School has its own USCG drug consortium, APCA. Interested students can sign up for a drug test/consortium membership at apcadrugtesting.com or by calling (727) 522-2727
[5] TWIC card (U.S. government security clearance)
[6] Basic Firefighting Course dated within 5 years
[7] Recency: 25% of qualifying service within 5 years of application, including 2 transfers where applicable
[8] Sea Service:
- 60 days service (shore or vessel based) on tank vessels certified to carry DL or LG as appropriate; OR
- 180 days closely related service directly involved with tank barges: OR
- 60 days service only on OSC’s in which the COI requires a Tank Vessel PIC or a licensed officer authorized to conduct or supervise transfers, AND
- Cargo Course completed within the previous 5 years, DL or LG as appropriate
- Cargo Transfers Required:
- 10 transfers of cargo (2 within five years of application), under supervision of a Tank Vessel PIC or Tank Barge PIC, INCLUDING
- 5 loadings and 5 discharges, WITH
- 2 commencements and 2 completions of loadings, AND
2 commencements and 2 completions of discharge
- 2 commencements and 2 completions of loadings, AND
- 5 loadings and 5 discharges, WITH
- A service letter signed by the owner, operator, master, or chief engineer of the vessel. The service letter must include:
- Name and official number of the vessel(s), dates of service for each vessel,
- Type of cargo, DL or LG except for Tank Vessel Engineer, and
- When transfers are required, the dates, number and kinds of transfers (loading or discharge), the ports or terminals, if applicable whether a commencement of or completion of transfer.
Training will typically cover the following topics:
- Liquid cargo handling
- Safety procedures
- Regulatory compliance (46 CFR)
- Emergency response
Additional training specific to the type of cargo being handled (e.g., oil, chemicals) may also be required.
No. Only the USCG can issue official documentation and certifications. To obtain official certifications, mariners must:
- Complete the necessary USCG application form.
- Submit both the Sea School Course Completion Certificate and USCG application form to the USCG.
The USCG then processes the application and issues the official certification.
It’s Time to Start Your Maritime Career!
Helping thousands of mariners every year, Sea School is a leader in the maritime education space. Whether you are new to the industry or looking to add onto your Merchant Mariner Credential, find the courses right for you at Sea School.
