WORKING OFFSHORE

The offshore oil industry has been around for more than 50 years now and will continue to be around until we run out of fossil fuels, which is not likely to happen very soon since oil resources are abundant all over the world. This always-growing industry is constantly looking for new talent and new employees on an hourly basis.

Individuals with many different skills are needed to explore for oil and gas, drill new wells, maintain existing wells, and process natural gas. The largest group is construction and extraction workers, accounting for nearly 35 percent of industry employment. Managerial and professional workers account for about 24 percent of employment, while office and administrative support workers (catering personnel etc.) make up about 13 percent.

WHO ARE WORKING OFFSHORE?

The oil field is composed of people like yourself, people who are looking for the same things in life you are: job security, an interesting career, an opportunity to better themselves.

They come from all walks of life: farmers, lawyers, preachers, musicians, bankers, businessmen, laborers, college graduates, high school dropouts, medical personnel, retired military personnel, male and female alike. You will find one of every kind in the oil field.

Remember though that offshore work is not for everyone. It requires that you be away from home, sometimes for weeks at a time. More often than not, the drilling vessel you are on will not even be in sight of land. It involves long and hard hours, working in all kinds of weather and conditions as well as in some dangerous situations. Being 100 miles out in the Gulf of Mexico in the middle of a hurricane is a frightening experience for sure!

On the plus side it is very rewarding and exciting. The food is good, the quarters are clean and well kept, and the benefits and opportunities for advancement are excellent.

HOW MUCH CAN I EARN WORKING OFFSHORE?

It is not uncommon for a person starting at the bottom with no previous oil field experience to be making US$40,000 to US$60,000 a year, and that is for working only six months out of the year!

Entry-level positions start at $700 to $1,000 per week. Dishwashers and BR hands (who wash dishes, sweep and mop floors, put up inventory and do general house-cleaning in the living quarters) earn $700 per week.

Roustabouts (general laborers) earn $900 to $1100 per week or more. Other entry level positions are deckhands, oilers, welder helpers, cleaner painters and so on; and there are currently plenty of openings.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Working conditions in the offshore oil industry vary significantly by occupation. Roustabout and other construction and extraction occupations may involve rugged outdoor work in remote areas in all kinds of weather. For these positions, physical strength and stamina are mandatory. Executives generally work in office settings, as do most administrators and clerical workers. Geologists, engineers and managers may split their time between the office and the jobsites.
Rotating shift work is not uncommon.

A shift may vary from 8 to 12 hours, depending on the worker's position and the location of the work to be done. Overtime and weekend work, primarily in the early mornings or evenings, is often required.

Working on an offshore oil platform is indeed a very hard work, however the facilities are excellent. Many of the accommodation modules meet luxury hotel standards, despite being located in the middle of the ocean. All food, room and laundry expenses are usually met by the employer - and the food is of exceptional quality. All transfer and travelling expenses to and from platforms are also met by the employer. Visas and entry requirements, work permits etc. are arranged by the employer or the company representing the employer.

HOW CAN I MAKE A CAREER WORKING OFFSHORE?

Once workers have mastered the entry level positions on platforms, they will usually be given the chance to progress to more difficult or responsible positions. For example, roustabouts may move up to become switchers, gaugers, and pumpers. More experienced roughnecks may advance to derrick operator and, after several years, to driller. Drillers may advance to Toolpusher.

Along this route, on-the-job training is usually given. This may be handled in a variety of ways, including job shadowing, tutoring and coaching.

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