Offshore Oil Rig Jobs are very lucrative but can be tough

Working on an offshore oil rig (or platform) is a difficult job, but even though you are living in the middle of the ocean, you may find yourself living in an accommodation style that meets 4 or 5 star hotel standards.

Many of the rig companies go ‘the extra mile’ to ensure that your time spent on-board is most enjoyable. For example, while you are on board the company will usually meet all boarding, food and laundry expenses, along with transfer and travelling costs.

There are as many offshore oil rig jobs available as there are oil rig recruiting companies. The range of employment opportunities include:

Toolpusher, Driller, Derrickman, Shakerhand or Mudman, Floormen or Roughnecks, Motorman, Storekeeper, Mechanic/Electrician, Assistant Driller, Crane Operator, Roustabouts, Cleaner/Painter, Sub Sea Engineer, Rig Mechanic, Ballast Controlman or Watchstander, Rig Electrician, Rig Welder, Barge Engineer, Captain and Chief Engineer, Safety Man and Rig Medic.

Most offshore oil rig jobs have a 14/21 day rotation that means you work for 14 days and have 21 days off. This is equivalent to you having roughly 3/5 of the year off on holiday.

In the offshore oil rig industry, many opportunities involve travelling to countries such as: Saudi Arabia, Nigeria, the United States, Kuwait, United Arab Emirates, Venezuela, Mexico, Russia, Norway, China, South Africa, Canada and the United Kingdom.

Typically salaries for drill deck workers (roustabouts and roughnecks) are approximately US $320 per day. Annual salaries work out to be approximately US $48,000.

More specialized jobs such as Drillers are likely to make around $57,000 per year, which Toolpushers, Drill Leaders and Supervisors are likely to earn about US $76,000 - $110,000 year.

Entry level positions generally make between US $50,000 - US $80,000 per year. Technical and professional positions will likely earn between US $70,000 - US $220,000 per annum. The website at http://www.OilRigJobs-SA.co.za features more information on getting jobs in this industry.

Life Offshore:

• You will be issued with safety clothing (PPE) such as safety boots, hard hat safety glasses and coveralls.

• Keep a good attitude and be focused on why you wanted to work offshore.

• There are smoking rooms at various places on a rig where safety matches will be supplied.

• For meals you take off your work gear and eat in the galley.

• You may have to work a night shift or two as an oil rig is a 24 hour operation.

• Don't upset the radio operator, medic or chef. Helicopters, medical attention and food are most important.

Aboard an oil rig every piece of lifting equipment has a colour code on it - this is an indication that it was tested as safe to use on the last lifting equipment check. Only items with the current colour code on them should be used.

When working in the petroleum industry, don't bring alcohol, illegal drugs, weapons (of any description) including knives, flammable items, lighters and matches (safety matches will be provided in the smokers room) when working on energy jobs.

If working aboard an offshore rig, remove batteries from electrical equipment before checking in your luggage. If you are to be transported by helicopter your mobile phone may be taken from you before you board the helicopter.

A number of people working aboard oil rigs work are in support roles such as catering crew and doctors, etc. The following is an outline of what may be expected for doctors or medics. Because of the physical size of rigs, many of these types of roles are sole charged and one must be able to make do with the facilities and resources at end. In the case of doctors or medics based aboard oil rigs, it may be necessary to treat patients suffering from a huge variety of ailments and illnesses. Issues can arise as a lot of the workers aboard oil rig installations may speak foreign languages, so it is critical for the medical personnel to be able to quickly and effectively diagnose the problem. Generally medical staff will work one of two shifts, either day or night. Their role can often also include checking and maintaining stocks of emergency supplies, testing and verifying drinking water supplies are clean, as well as inspecting both raw and cooked foods from the kitchen. They are also often responsible for conducting weekly first aid seminars for all workers aboard the oil rig.

Susan Statham has been working in the oil rig employment industry since 2004 and during this time has provided countless people with jobs, advice and assistance in the oil industry.