USCG Approved Tank Barge-PIC (Person In Charge) 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
  • 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.