Course syllabus for Profilkurs: Tanker shipping

Course syllabus adopted 2026-02-09 by Head of Programme (or corresponding).

Overview

  • Swedish nameProfilkurs: tanksjöfart
  • CodeSJM129
  • Credits15 Credits
  • OwnerTSJKL
  • Education cycleFirst-cycle
  • Main field of studyShipping and Marine Technology
  • DepartmentCHALMERS SCHOOL OF MARITIME STUDIES
  • GradingUG - Pass, Fail

Course round 1

  • Teaching language

    English
  • Application code

    75165
  • Maximum participants

    24 (at least 10% of the seats are reserved for exchange students)
  • Open for exchange students

    Yes

Credit distribution

Module
Sp1
Sp2
Sp3
Sp4
Summer
Not Sp
Examination dates
0126 Examples class, part A 3 c
Grading: UG
1.5 c1.5 c
0226 Written and oral assignments, part B 4.5 c
Grading: UG
4.5 c
0326 Examples class, part C 3 c
Grading: UG
1.5 c1.5 c
0426 Examination, part D 4.5 c
Grading: UG
4.5 c

In programmes

Examiner

Eligibility

General entry requirements for bachelor's level (first cycle)
Applicants enrolled in a programme at Chalmers where the course is included in the study programme are exempted from fulfilling the requirements

Specific entry requirements

The same as for the programme that owns the course
Applicants enrolled in a programme at Chalmers where the course is included in the study programme are exempted from fulfilling the requirements

Course specific prerequisites

Knowledge and skills corresponding to the learning outcomes of the following courses:
  • SJO780 Cargo handling - transport of liquids at sea

Aim

The course aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the tanker segment, including insight into different types of tanker shipping, vetting procedures, and other industry‑specific practices, as well as the ability to manage planning and watchkeeping on the bridge and in the cargo control room. The primary focus is on onboard safety and the operational responsibilities associated with the duties of nautical officers.

The course provides students with solid theoretical knowledge of the handling and transport of liquefied gases in bulk, both on LNG and LPG vessels. Successful completion of the course, together with approved fire‑safety training, fulfils the requirements for the special qualification for service on board ships carrying liquefied gases in bulk in accordance with the Swedish Regulation (2011:1533) on the Certification of Seafarers, Chapter 3, Section 6, and the Swedish Ordinance (2011:166) on the Training of Seafarers, Chapter 10, Section 5.

In addition, the course constitutes the basis for the certificate of basic training for service on ships subject to the IGF Code, in accordance with the Swedish Regulation (2011:1533) on the Certification of Seafarers, Chapter 4, Section 11a, and the Swedish Ordinance (2011:166) on the Training of Seafarers, Chapter 11, Section 8.

Learning outcomes (after completion of the course the student should be able to)

(L1) Demonstrate knowledge of vetting procedures within tanker shipping.
(L2) Demonstrate familiarity with commercial contracts and documentation used in tanker shipping.
(L3) Demonstrate familiarity with the various tanker market segments.
(L4) Plan a tanker voyage with respect to the Safety Management System (SMS) in accordance with industry standards.
(L5) Describe the physical and chemical properties of gases.
(L6) Explain the thermodynamic properties of gases.
(L7) Perform relevant thermodynamic calculations related to gas cargo handling.
(L8) Explain the onboard systems of tanker vessels.
(L9) Calculate cargo intake.
(L10) Conduct loading and discharging operations.
(L11) Manage risks and safety issues with a focus on tanker vessels.
(L12) Assess the environmental impact of vessels and their cargoes.
(L13) Demonstrate knowledge of basic service onboard vessels subject to the IGF Code (IGF Basic).
(L14) Carry out parts of a tanker voyage in the role of Officer of the Watch (OOW)

Content

Physical, Chemical, and Thermodynamic Properties of Gases:
Fundamental principles governing gas behaviour, including molecular structure, phase transitions, and thermodynamic processes relevant to tanker cargo operations.

Operation and Management of Onboard Systems on Tanker Vessels:
Detailed study of technical systems used on tanker ships—particularly gas carriers—including cargo containment, cargo handling systems, safety systems, and support utilities.

Risk Management, Safety Procedures, and Environmental Impact:
Identification, assessment, and mitigation of risks associated with tanker operations, with emphasis on safety regulations, pollution prevention, and environmental protection strategies.

Commercial Contracts and Documentation in the Tanker Shipping Sector:
Overview of key commercial agreements, charter parties, certificates, and operational documentation used in tanker shipping.

Cargo Handling and Voyage Planning for Tanker Operations:
Principles and practices for planning, loading, transporting, and discharging liquid and gas cargoes, including compliance with industry standards and regulatory frameworks.

Vetting Procedures in the Tanker Industry:
Examination of vetting systems, inspection protocols, and quality‑assurance processes applied to tanker vessels in commercial operations.

Industry‑Standard Voyage Planning for Tanker Cargo Transport:
Methods and tools for planning tanker voyages in accordance with operational, safety, and regulatory requirements established by industry bodies.

Introduction to Crude Oil Tanker, Shuttle Tanker, and Offshore Loading Operations:
Overview of cargo transfer operations in crude oil transport, shuttle tanker logistics, and offshore loading systems such as FPSOs and STS operations.

Basic Service Requirements Under the IGF Code:
Introduction to competencies, operational practices, and safety requirements for personnel serving on vessels subject to the International Code of Safety for Ships Using Gases or Other Low‑Flashpoint Fuels (IGF Code).

Organisation

The course comprises several instructional components, including:
  • Simulations
  • Group projects
  • Written assignments
  • Lectures and seminars
  • Guest lectures from relevant authorities and industry representatives
  • Study visits
  • Calculation exercises
Please note that parts of the course content is certifying (TS); therefore, most components of the course are compulsory.

Literature

Olsson Neptun, Tomas (ed) Tanker Safety - Liquefied Gases, volume 1 (2006)
Olsson Neptun, Tomas (ed) Tanker Safety - Liquefied Gases, volume 2 (2019)

Examination including compulsory elements

Part A: Cargo Voyage Exercise; OOW (3.0 credits):
Approved completion of all mandatory simulations and practical exercises.

Part B: Written Assignment – Voyage Planning (4.5 credits):
Approved submission of required written assignments and participation in mandatory lectures and seminars.

Part C: Cargo Handling Exercise (3.0 credits):
Approved completion of mandatory practical cargo‑handling exercises.

Part D: Final Examination (4.5 credits):
Participation in mandatory lectures and successful completion of the written examination (Pass = ≥80%).
The course compendium and a non‑programmable calculator are permitted aids.

The course examiner may assess individual students in other ways than what is stated above if there are special reasons for doing so, for example if a student has a decision from Chalmers about disability study support.

STCW

  • A-II/2 Control trim, stability and stress
    Also in course:SJM010,SJM050,SJM076,SJO765,SJO780,
  • A-II/2 Plan a voyage and conduct navigation
    Also in course:SJM016,SJM033,SJM112,SJM141,SJO775,
  • A-II/2 Plan and ensure safe loading, stowage, securing, care during the voyage and unloading of cargoes
  • A-II/2 Use of leadership and managerial skill
    Also in course:SJM112,SJM141,SJO901,
  • A-V/1-2-2 Specification of minimum standard of competence in advanced training for liquefied gas tanker cargo operations
    Also in course:MMS055,
  • A-V/3-1 Specification of minimum standard of competence in basic training for ships subject to the IGF Code
    Also in course:MMS055,
Profilkurs: Tanker shipping | Chalmers