| While many of the offshore oil rig jobs are | | | | you wanted to work offshore. |
| physical in nature, many of the rig companies | | | | |
| go out of their way to make sure your time | | | | - There are smoking rooms at various places |
| spent onboard is an enjoyable one. For | | | | on a rig where safety matches will be |
| instance employees may find themselves living | | | | supplied. |
| in accommodation wings that meet 4 or 5 star | | | | |
| hotel standards - despite the fact that you a | | | | - For meals you take off your work gear and |
| living in the middle of the ocean. While you | | | | eat in the galley. |
| are on board the company will usually meet | | | | |
| all food, board and laundry expenses, along | | | | - You may have to work a night shift or two |
| with travel and transfer costs. | | | | as an oil rig is a 24 hour operation. |
| | | | |
| There are a large number of offshore oil rig | | | | - Don't upset the radio operator, medic or |
| jobs that are available. The range of | | | | chef. Helicopters, medical attention and food |
| employment opportunities include: | | | | are most important. |
| | | | |
| Driller, Derrickman, Shakerhand or Mudman, | | | | Aboard an oil rig every piece of lifting |
| Toolpusher, Floormen or Roughnecks, Motorman, | | | | equipment has a color code on it - this is an |
| Assistant Driller, Crane Operator, | | | | indication that it was tested as safe to use |
| Roustabouts, Cleaner/Painter, Storekeeper, | | | | on the last lifting equipment check. Only |
| Mechanic/Electrician, Sub Sea Engineer, Rig | | | | items with the current color code on them |
| Mechanic, Rig Electrician, Rig Welder, Barge | | | | should be used. |
| Engineer, Ballast Controlman or Watchstander, | | | | |
| Captain and Chief Engineer, Rig Medic and | | | | When working in the petroleum industry, don't |
| Safety Man. | | | | bring alcohol, illegal drugs, weapons (of any |
| | | | description) including knives, flammable |
| Most offshore oil rig jobs call for a 14/21 | | | | items, lighters and matches (safety matches |
| day rotation that means you work for 14 days | | | | will be provided in the smokers room) when |
| and have 21 off. This equates to you having | | | | working on energy jobs. |
| approximately 3/5 of the year off on holiday. | | | | |
| | | | If working aboard an offshore rig, remove |
| In the offshore oil rig industry, there are | | | | batteries from electrical equipment before |
| opportunities for drilling employment and | | | | checking in you luggage. If you are to be |
| travel to countries such as: Saudi Arabia, | | | | transported by helicopter your mobile phone |
| Nigeria, the United States, Kuwait, United | | | | may be taken from you before you board the |
| Arab Emirates, Venezuela, Mexico, Russia, | | | | helicopter. |
| Norway, China, Canada and the United Kingdom. | | | | |
| | | | A number of people working aboard oil rigs |
| Typically salaries for roustabouts and | | | | work are in support roles such as catering |
| roughnecks (drill deck workers) are | | | | crew and doctors, etc. The following is an |
| approximately US $300 per day. Annual | | | | outline of what may be expected for doctors |
| salaries work out to be approximately US | | | | or medics. Because of the physical size of |
| $47,000. | | | | rigs, many of these types of roles are sole |
| | | | charged and one must be able to make do with |
| More specialized jobs such as that of Driller | | | | the facilities and resources at end. In the |
| is likely to make around $56,000 per annum, | | | | case of doctors or medics based aboard oil |
| which Toolpushers, Drill Leaders and | | | | rigs, it may be necessary to treat patients |
| Supervisors are likely to earn around the US | | | | suffering from a huge variety of ailments and |
| $75,000 - $100,000 mark per year. | | | | illnesses. Issues can arise as a lot of the |
| | | | workers aboard oil rig installations may |
| Entry level positions typically make between | | | | speak foreign languages, so it is critical |
| US $50,000 - US $80,000 per annum. Trades, | | | | for the medical personnel to be able to |
| technical and professional positions will | | | | quickly and effectively diagnose the problem. |
| likely earn between US $70,000 - US $220,000 | | | | Generally medical staff will work one of two |
| per annum. The website at features more | | | | shifts, either day or night. Their role can |
| information on getting jobs in this industry. | | | | often also include checking and maintianing |
| | | | stocks of emergency supplies, testing and |
| Life Offshore | | | | verifying drinking water supplies are clean, |
| | | | as well as inspecting both raw and cooked |
| - You will be issued with safety boots hard | | | | foods from the kitchen. They are also often |
| hat safety glasses and coveralls. | | | | responsible for conducting weekly first aid |
| | | | seminars for all workers aboard the oil rig. |
| - Keep a good attitude and be focused on why | | | | |