While many offshore oil rig jobs are physical in nature, many of the rig companies go to great lengths to make sure your time on board is enjoyable. For example, employees may find themselves living in accommodation wings that meet 4- or 5-star hotel standards, even though you live in the middle of the ocean. While on board, the company will normally cover all food, meal and laundry expenses, plus travel and transfer expenses.
There are a large number of offshore oil rig jobs that are available. The range of employment opportunities includes:
Driller, Derrickman, Shakerhand or Mudman, Toolpusher, Floorman or Roughnecks, Machinist, Assistant Driller, Crane Operator, Laborers, Cleaner/Painter, Warehouseman, Mechanic/Electrician, Subsea Engineer, Rig Mechanic, Rig Electrician, Rig Welder, Barge Engineer, Ballast Controller or Watchman, Captain and Chief Engineer, Rigging Doctor and Security Man.
Most offshore oil rig jobs require a 14/21 day rotation, which means you work 14 days and have 21 days off. This equates to having approximately 3/5 of the year vacation free.
In the offshore oil rig industry, there are employment opportunities in drilling and travel to countries such as: Saudi Arabia, Nigeria, United States, Kuwait, United Arab Emirates, Venezuela, Mexico, Russia, Norway, China, Canada, and United Kingdom. . .
Typically, wages for peons and thugs (drilling rig workers) are about US$300 per day. Annual salaries work out to be approximately US$47,000.
More specialized jobs like Driller are likely to earn around $56,000 per year, while Toolpushers, Drill Leaders and Supervisors are likely to earn around US$75,000 – $100,000 per year.
Entry-level positions typically earn between US$50,000 and US$80,000 per year. Sales, technical and professional positions will likely earn between US$70,000 and US$220,000 per year.
life on the high seas
– You will be given safety boots, helmet, safety glasses and coveralls.
– Keep a good attitude and focus on why you wanted to work abroad.
– There are smoking rooms at various places on a platform where safety matches will be supplied.
– For meals you take off your work clothes and eat in the kitchen.
– You may have to work one or two night shifts as an oil rig is a 24 hour operation.
– Do not disturb the radio operator, the doctor or the chef. Helicopters, medical care and food are the most important.
On board an oil rig, each piece of lifting equipment is color coded; this is an indication that it was tested safe for use in the last revision of the lifting equipment. Only items with the current color code should be used.
When working in the oil industry, please do not bring alcohol, illegal drugs, weapons (of any description) including knives, flammable items, lighters and matches (safety matches will be provided in the smoking room) when working on energy jobs.
If you work aboard an offshore platform, remove batteries from electrical equipment before checking your baggage. If you are going to be transported by helicopter, your mobile phone may be taken from you before you board the helicopter.
Various people working on board the oil rigs perform support roles such as catering and medical staff etc. The following is a summary of what to expect from doctors. Due to the physical size of the platforms, many of these types of features are self-charged and one must be able to make do with the facilities and resources in the end. In the case of doctors or physicians on board oil rigs, it may be necessary to treat patients suffering from a wide variety of ailments and illnesses. Problems can arise as many of the workers on board oil rig facilities may speak foreign languages, so it is critical that medical personnel be able to diagnose the problem quickly and effectively. Generally, medical staff will work one of two shifts, either day or night. Their role may also often include checking and stocking emergency supplies, testing and verifying that drinking water supplies are clean, as well as inspecting raw and cooked food in the kitchen. They are also usually responsible for conducting weekly first aid seminars for all workers aboard the oil rig.