Considerations for Offshore Oil Rig Employment

Offshore oil rigs operate around the clock, and provide interesting, unconventional careers and lifestyles for many working in the industry. Offshore oil drilling operations provide rewarding employment opportunities for people with diverse backgrounds, from dishwashers to entry level roustabouts to experienced managers. Previous oil industry experience is not always a prerequisite for employment on an oil rig, though being in adequate physical shape to perform the labor is necessary. A physical exam must usually be passed prior to employment on an offshore platform.

For many offshore laborers, above average earnings and advancement opportunities make their positions attractive and fulfilling. People working on offshore platforms come from a wide range of employment backgrounds, and many find that they are able to earn higher wages working on offshore oil rigs than they could earn through other jobs onshore. The availability of continued training and advancement opportunities vary among different employers.


Employee benefits such as medical insurance, dental coverage and 401K programs also vary greatly among different companies. While some offshore employers do not provide such benefits, others will offer a comprehensive benefits package in addition to wages. In considering acceptance of an employment offer for an offshore position, ensure that you receive complete information about the benefits included in the offer and that the benefits are suited for your needs.

Though scheduling may vary among companies, it is common for offshore workers to spend about two weeks working shifts on an offshore platform, followed by about two weeks onshore to spend at their leisure. In addition to spending extended periods of time away from home, workers may also switch between night and day shifts while offshore. Many find the benefits of offshore labor to outweigh the demands, since extended working periods are followed by extended periods of time off to spend at their leisure.

The living conditions on most offshore platforms have significantly improved over the years and continue to improve with time. Offshore platforms have also made advances in the availability of activities for workers to do during their off shift times. Fitness centers, recreational games and computers with games and internet access may also be provided for employees in their off time.

Good candidates for offshore employment are capable of being away from home for possibly weeks at a time, working long hours and persisting through wide ranging weather conditions. For fitting individuals, offshore oil careers provide lucrative, rewarding careers and lifestyles.
Author: Bob Jent

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Offshore Oil Rig Jobs

Working offshore is not for everyone. Once the workers have excelled at the lower positions, they are usually promoted to higher positions depending on their performance. On the job training is also provided like job shadowing, mentoring and coaching.

Types of Jobs

There are many types of jobs available while working offshore in an oilrig. For instance, people are recruited in the control room, at the deck, for drilling, rig management, mechanical and electrical department, catering. Others are hired as rig welders, scaffolders, radio operators, medic, rig safety and training coordinator, mud engineer, painters.


Control room personnel include barge engineers who are in charge of the control room; control room operators and assistant CROs control the stability of the rigs and make liquid transfers.

On the deck, people are recruited as maintenance roustabout and foreman who looks after the deck area. Crane operators whose main duties includes crane operations.
Drill crew includes positions such as roughnecks, pumpman, dereckman and drillers. Tool pushers and offshore installation manager make up the rig management.
Tool pushers work in the rig offices and rig floors. Offshore installation managers are responsible for the entire rig.

Mechanical department hires motorman, mechanics and maintenance supervisors who are responsible for all mechanical operations.
Electrical department includes positions like electrician, electronic technician and maintenance supervisors who look after the repair of all electrical equipment.

Catering team is made up of the stewardess, cook and the camp boss who are in charge of the catering, laundry and cleaning.

Although the average age is 27 for offshore jobs, you can apply for coast guard or drilling contractor positions if you are less than 18. Many entry-level positions are available. No formal education is required at the lower positions. Higher education is required only at the higher levels. Oil industry is continuing to grow rapidly and hence a career in this industry is very prosperous and bright. It gives you an opportunity to work anywhere in the world in a work environment which has very high standards of safety. Besides, enjoying very high salaries, the other benefit that workers enjoy is working only for 14 days in a month. Major oil companies also provide medical and life insurance.
Author: Tony Jacowski

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Offshore Oil Rig Jobs and Employment

If you are interested in entering the oil industry then you need to be sure you have got what it takes to apply for these positions. If you have had little or no previous experience then you will need to work at an entry level job and work up. The easiest way to improve your chances are to work for an onshore oil rig company first or complete a Fire-fighter or basic offshore survival certificate. When you work at an onshore company you will be trained to use the equipment safely and learn how to oil rigs work. Onboard there will be classroom-based training as well as practical training. Over time you will be given the chance to move forward and apply for work that is more demanding and better paid. This amount may vary depending on your contract with the Oil Company. There are many people who work on an oilrig will into there 60’s! Provided you are in good health, physically able and pass the required medical certificate you are an ideal candidate for the oil rig industry.


To be successful in obtaining work, be sure you are physically strong and able, as this work can be very demanding. If you need to begin at the bottom and work your way up, then you will probably work as a roustabout or roughneck. When you apply for these jobs, be sure to mention any previous experience you may have had to anything relating to oil industry work. If the company considers you a good worker and competent, they may then offer you another job that is more difficult and demanding. If you want to work overseas then you can earn up US 220,000. Living offshore may be hard the first time but over time as you adjust you will be more comfortable.

There are a few general guidelines to living offshore: You may be required to work a nightshift, as an oilrig is a 24-hour operation. Be sure to not upset the chef, medic or radio operator, as you may need medical attention, food and helicopters. When you have your meal, take off your work outfit and eat in the galley. When you submit your CV to oil companies, make sure your CV stands out from the rest. Include a cover letter stating exactly what you hope to obtain.
There are safety issues to consider when working in the oil industry. When you arrive on an oil rig you will be issued with a hard hat and work goggles. These are usually required to be worn when working around dangerous areas.

by: Claire Calkin

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Can You Get a Job With an Offshore Oil Rigging Company?

When seeking employment within the offshore oil rig industry there are many things to consider. It is essential that an individual that desires this type of employment embody certain qualities. Before making the decision to apply for a job with an offshore oil rig it is important that one evaluate their own individual strengths and weaknesses. Most positions working on oil rig are very physically demanding. So, applicants for most available positions must be in excellent health and in above average physical condition. Be prepared to submit to an extensive physical during the hiring process, because of the nature of the job no companies will hire you with out requesting a physical. Oil rigs are also isolated, so the individuals that successfully work on them tend to be independent in nature and don't have an issue being away from their loved ones for extended periods of time.


However, accommodations on most oil rigs are excellent. Most oil rigs boast similar amenities to hotels, like cable, access to gym facilities and free meals that are rumored to be excellent. If you lack experience working in the field, you may want to consider applying for one of the many entry level positions offered aboard the oil rig your applying with. Companies tend to lean towards experienced applicants who have actually worked on an oil rig rather than in related fields. Some of the entry level positions one might consider include Deckhands, Roustabout, catering and general service staff. Taking work with an offshore rig in any position is a step in the right direction, because it gains you invaluable experience and provides numerous opportunities for advancement.

Jobs in the offshore oil industry are plentiful and many people earn a great living working them. Companies are constantly seeking both skilled and non-skilled workers to join their ranks.


Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Victor_Vargo

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Rig Workers Wanted For Oil Rig Jobs

Experience the thrill of working on an offshore oil rig. Oil rigs are in constant need of a crew because they usually operate 24 hours a day, 7 days per week. Crew members are also constantly rotating between working offshore and enjoying some well deserved rest onshore. Here is a quick look at the ultimate in offshore oil jobs.

There are many different offshore oil jobs that are essential to the smooth operation of an oil rig. These rig workers are all skilled in their various positions. If you have a skill, you may be able to practice it offshore as a rig worker.


Boat navigators -- They are responsible for the navigation of various ships such as barges, supply vessels and oil tankers.

Catering crew -- They are in charge of meal preparation and the kitchen of a rig.

Control room operators -- They operate and coordinate the operations in the control room.

Crew coordinators -- They coordinate the different activities of the crew members.

Helicopter pilots -- They are responsible for piloting helicopters flying between the offshore platform and the shore.

Machine control operators -- They control the operation of various machines on board an oil rig.

Maintenance technicians -- They are involved with maintenance activities.

Platform managers -- They are responsible for the successful management of an offshore platform.

Safety crew -- They coordinate and train crew members in safety techniques.

Offshore oil jobs are essential for the extraction of petroleum from fields located at the bottom of lakes, seas and oceans. This requires drillers, engineers, crane operators, mechanics, electricians and so forth. Even someone with little experience of the petroleum industry may apply for an entry-level job such as a roustabout.

Offshore oil jobs are generally hard work, but the wages are good. You can learn a lot about the oil industry by working on an oil rig. This can give you the solid foundation on which to build a successful career in the oil and gas industry.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Dan_Theron

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12 Common Oil Rig Jobs

Are you thinking about starting a career in the petroleum industry? Maybe you already have experience and want to further your career. Offshore oil rig jobs may be a good place to gain necessary experience and build your career.

Offshore oil rig jobs are physically and mentally straining, but they build character and practical experience. If you are willing to take some risks, the wages are good and the job challenging. Oil rigs operate every day, all day long. Whether you are a roustabout, redneck or the offshore oil platform manager, your job is important to the overall performance and safety of the rig.

There are quite a few offshore oil rig jobs that can be found on every platform around the world. It may be instructive to quickly review 12 of the common jobs needed.


1. Roustabouts -- An entry-level job. Guide crane loads on deck. Keep decks clean.
2. Painters -- In charge of regularly painting the oil rig.
3. Rig welders -- Maintenance welding and metalwork construction
4. Roughnecks -- Helps the driller with the equipment and drilling work.
5. Dereckman -- Operates the mud pumps and mud pump room.
6. Driller -- Operates the drilling machinery.
7. Cook -- He cooks.
8. Steward -- Does the cleaning, laundry and helps out in the kitchen.
9. Electrician -- Maintains electrical equipment and lights.
10. Electronic technicians -- Handles and repairs electronic equipment.
11. Tool pusher -- An experienced driller working on the rig floor.
12. Offshore installation manager -- The man in charge of the offshore oil rig.

These are just 12 of the most common offshore oil rig jobs available. There are more that may be vacant at this very moment. After all, the petroleum industry is big and it is global.


Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Dan_Theron

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