The Ship Officers Act establishes minimum qualifications for handling dangerous cargo. Previously, onboard experience on chemical tankers was mandatory to complete advanced chemical tanker training. However, a legal amendment in 2023 now permits completion of the training without prior onboard experience, potentially diminishing the expected learning outcomes. This study examines variations in satisfaction with advanced chemical tanker training based on prior onboard experience of trainees. Results revealed that many trainees shifted from working on other types of vessels to chemical tankers after removing onboard experience from qualification requirements. Trainees with onboard experience reported higher satisfaction across multiple aspects, including educational management, educational design, educational effectiveness, the lecturer’s ability, and application to their work.. Notably, the most significant differences were observed in application to their work, with the smallest differences found in educational design. The study recommends recognizing onboard job training, using simulators, and incorporating discussion techniques that engage experienced and inexperienced trainees. These findings highlight the influence of onboard experiences on learning outcomes and serve as foundational data for improving future curricula.