How to Find

Offshore Jobs
http://offshorejob.com

Copyright © 2011 Triop AB

 Table of Contents

CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION TO OFFSHORE JOBS 5

GLOBAL ENERGY OFFSHORE JOBS 6
COMMON OIL RIG ROLES 6
THE CHARM OF LIFE OFFSHORE 6
THE CHALLENGES OF WORKING OFFSHORE 6
FUTURE OF GLOBAL ENERGY OFFSHORE JOBS 7
OTHER TYPES OF OFFSHORE JOBS 7
CONCLUDING THOUGHTS 7

CHAPTER 2: TYPES OF OFFSHORE OIL RIGS 8

JACK-UP RIG 9
SEMI SUBMERSIBLE DRILLING RIG 9
DRILLSHIP 9
PLATFORM DRILL 10
SUMMING UP 10

CHAPTER 3 - JOB ROLES IN OFFSHORE DRILLING 11

THE TOOLPUSHER 12
THE DRILLING DEPARTMENT 13
MAINTENANCE DEPARTMENT 18
MARINE DEPARTMENT 20
OTHER POSITIONS 20
SUMMING UP 22

CHAPTER 4: FINDING A JOB 23

STUDY THE INDUSTRY 24
UNDERSTAND THE VARIETY OF OPPORTUNITIES 24
APPROACHES FOR NEW ENTRANTS 24
JOBS ON THE INTERNET 25
APPLYING TIPS 26
WHAT EMPLOYERS ARE LOOKING FOR 26
SUMMING UP 27

CHAPTER 5: LIFE OFFSHORE 29

WORK LIFE – WORKING WEEK AND SHIFT 30
TRANSPORT TO AND FROM THE RIG 30
FACILITIES PROVIDED OFFSHORE 31
SAFETY FIRST 32
CHALLENGES OF WORKING OFFSHORE 32
ADVANTAGES OF OFFSHORE WORKING 33
CONCLUDING THOUGHTS 33

CHAPTER 6 – OFFSHORE REGIONS 35

THE NORTH SEA 36
THE UNITED STATES 36
THE PERSIAN GULF 36
NEW FRONTIERS OF OIL EXPLORATION 37
SUMMING UP 39

CHAPTER 7 – TOP OFFSHORE DRILLING COMPANIES 40

TRANSOCEAN 41
DIAMOND OFFSHORE 41
NOBLE DRILLING 41
SEADRILL 42
ENSCO DRILLING 42
PRIDE INTERNATIONAL 43
STENA DRILLING 43
KCA DEUTAG DRILLING 43
PARKER DRILLING 44
SUMMING UP 44

CHAPTER 8 – SALARY AND PAY STRUCTURE 45

SALARY EXPECTATIONS 46
BENEFITS USUALLY PROVIDED BY DRILLING COMPANIES 47
OVERTIME EARNINGS 48
DETERMINANTS OF YOUR SALARY PACKAGE 48
SUMMING UP 48

CHAPTER 9: TIPS AND BEST PRACTICES 50

WHAT NOT TO BRING 51
WHAT TO BRING 51
STOCKING FOR TRADES 52
KEEP BUSY 52
STAY FIT 52
SETTLE ANY PERSONAL ISSUES BEFOREHAND 52
SUMMING UP 52

CHAPTER 10 – OTHER OFFSHORE JOBS 53

ORIGINATION OF OUTSOURCING 54
TYPES OF OFFSHORE OUTSOURCING 54
TYPES OF OUTSOURCING COMPANIES 55
ADVANTAGES OF AN OUTSOURCING JOB 56
DISADVANTAGES OF AN OUTSOURCING JOB 56
FUTURE OF OFFSHORE OUTSOURCING 56
SUMMING UP 57

CHAPTER 11 – CONCLUSION 58
A CAREER IN OIL EXPLORATION 59
TYPES OF DRILLING VESSELS 59
ROLES IN THE OFFSHORE DRILLING INDUSTRY 59
FINDING A JOB ON AN RIG CREW 60
THE OFFSHORE LIFE 60
OFFSHORE REGIONS 61
MAJOR OFFSHORE DRILLING COMPANIES 61
SALARY AND PAY STRUCTURE 61
OTHER OFFSHORE JOBS 61
Chapter 1: Introduction to
Offshore Jobs
The job market is a competitive place and as each industry gets saturated with an
experienced workforce, new industries start emerging. A prime example is offshore
jobs. Offshore jobs are commonly referred to as jobs that are not on land and neither
do they relate to cargo loading or unloading. They are usually in the middle of the
ocean and in most cases relate to global energy. Offshore jobs also relate to jobs that
have been shifted to other locations for economic, cost reduction or skill optimization
reasons.

Global Energy Offshore Jobs

This most common type of offshore job exists due to the worldwide demand for oil
and petroleum. As demand increases and supply falls, oil companies are constantly in
search of new sources of oil and many times they find this deep in the ocean bed of a
remote corner of the world. Drilling for oil is a massive effort and requires the
constant support and supervision of a highly specialized and trained staff. There are
also less specialized roles like that of cooks, housekeeping staff, painters, welders,
roughnecks and floor hands. All the roles involved in drilling for oil comprise of
global energy offshore jobs and are by far the most in demand.

Common Oil Rig Roles

The entry level, easiest to obtain oilrig role is the roustabout. It is a role that requires a
lot of heavy lifting, manual work, painting, sandblasting, loading, unloading and other
intense physical work. As you gain experience, you grow from roustabout to
roughneck. These are the individuals who are responsible for the smooth and effective
functioning of the drill. This involves raising it and lowering it as required when bits
have to be replaced and performing routine maintenance tasks. There are roles in the
middle of this spectrum as well as supporting roles, all of which are essential for the
seamless functioning of the rig.

The Charm of Life Offshore

One of the most common reasons why people take offshore jobs is the money.
Salaries can exceed USD 100,000 annually especially for trained, qualified and
experienced workers. On average workers can expect to earn an annual salary of USD
60,000, which is an excellent sum. There are other benefits like the camaraderie that
develops between workers that are living and working together for an extended
period.

Room and board on the rig is always part of the deal. You will have someone to
prepare your food, clean your room and take care of your laundry. For many the
opportunity to travel overseas holds a strong appeal and life on the open sea is an
exciting prospect. There are a range of job roles to choose from across different levels
and structure offering something for literally everyone. Finally most oilrig companies
are well-respected institutions and include a variety of benefits for their employees
including medical, dental and others.

The Challenges of Working Offshore

Perhaps the greatest drawback of working offshore is the time away from home. At
minimum you can expect to be away for 2 weeks at a stretch and in some overseas
rigs, it can continue for a month. You can’t leave early to have dinner with your wife,
transport to and from the rig is astronomically high. However considering that you
usually get as much time off as you work, your annual salary remunerates you for 6
months of work.
Another challenge is the working hours. Most shifts are 12 hours long and some
extend to 18 hours putting tremendous strain on your physical self. The work itself is
physical and manual in nature, not suited for a people preferring a sedentary lifestyle.
There is no privacy as people on a rig share everything with each other and it can get
tiresome to see the same faces at all times. Finally while room, board and food is
provided, the quarters are cramped and the food can get monotonous.

Future of Global Energy Offshore Jobs

The future of a career in oil rigs is secure. No matter how much focus is placed on
searching for alternative fuels, the worldwide demand for oil and gas is here to stay.
Oil companies are some of the wealthiest institutions in the world, making billions of
dollars in profits every year. Being part of this industry offers substantial potential.
Apart from the benefits of high salary, 6 months working and global exposure, there
is also a significant measure of challenge and complexity associated with the role.
The opportunities continue to mount as oil companies constantly examine newer ways
to extract oil cheaper from difficult locations. All in all it is an excellent career option
for someone just starting out or well ingrained in the industry.

Other Types of Offshore Jobs

The other extremely common type of offshore job relates to roles that have been
moved from expensive parts of the world to less developed countries where labor is
cheap and skill levels are high. Data processing, customer support and banking roles
are all examples of this type of offshore job and don’t require extensive training and
engineering qualifications. In most cases it requires a good command of English
coupled with strong computer skills. There is a recent trend of knowledge-based work
like analytics and research moving to such countries as well due to a large
concentration of related experience existing in these locations.

Concluding Thoughts
During the course of this book, you will gain a deep insight into the different types of
roles, challenges, perspectives, benefits, and other intricacies associated with the
exciting world of offshore employment. It is a virtual treasure trove of opportunities
designed for the employee looking to make the most of his working life doing
something fulfilling both physically and mentally. All aspects of an offshore career
will be covered in detail allowing you, the reader to make an informed decision as
you embark on this exciting new venture.

References:
http://oilrigjobsinfo.com/220/the-advantages-of-off-shore-oil-rig-employment/
http://www.offshorejobs.net/all-about-off-shore-jobs/
http://hubpages.com/hub/Offshore-Oil-Rig-Jobs--Types-and-Descriptions
http://offshorejobsreview.com/offshore-life/
http://oilrigjobsearch.com/oil-gas-jobs-and-rig-jobs-advantages-and-disadvantages/
http://www.offshorejobs.net/start-your-oil-and-gas-career-today/
Chapter 2: Types of
Offshore Oil Rigs
Before getting into the intricate details surrounding an offshore oil-drilling job, it
helps to understand the different types of rigs. Essentially there are four types of rigs
– jack-ups, semi-submersibles, drillships and platform rigs. During the course of this
chapter, you will gain an insight into each type of vessel and what it will be like
working on them.

Jack-Up Rig
Jack-up rigs are generally used in more shallow waters where deep water drilling is
not required. Since they are movable, they are frequently utilized by drilling
companies to assess the viability of a location before a more permanent solution is
implemented.

A jack-up rig consists of a hull supported by 3 legs below. The drilling set up is
located on top of the hull. The three legs pass from underneath the hull to the top and
are jacked up when necessary using a set of motors. When the rig is in place, the legs
are lowered until they reach the seabed. The hull is then jacked up along the legs until
it is about 60 to 70 feet above the water. At this point efforts are made to stabilize the
rig by allowing water into the preload tanks. After a day or two, when the technicians
are sure the rig is stable, work begins. To move a jack-up rig, first the hull is lowered
until it floats on the water. Then the legs are raised using the motors. The legs are
designed to pass through the hull up into the air, achieving a substantial height. Tugs
are attached the hull and it is towed to wherever it needs to go.

A Jack-up rig is relatively smaller than the other vessels and explained earlier is
generally used for temporary set-ups or where deep water drilling is not necessary.

Semi Submersible Drilling Rig

Semi submersibles are used by large drilling companies to assess the viability of a
location in deeper waters since unlike a jack-up rig; it is able to float on the water.
Very often, this vessel is used to conduct exploratory and extracting functions and if
the area turns out to have a substantial amount of oil, a drilling platform will be built.

A semi submersible is also called a floater. It consists of a barge or ship with 6 to 8

cylindrical legs beneath the hull. The drilling set up is located on top of the vessel. At
the base of the legs, pontoons and ballast tanks exist to help position and move the
barge as the need arises. When the vessel has to be positioned, the ballast tanks and
pontoons are filled with water to lower the vessel to the appropriate depth. Then using
dynamic positioning, anchors are lowered to keep the vessel in place for drilling
operation. Both the anchors and the ballast tanks play a vital role in keeping the vessel
stable, which is essential for smooth and effective drilling operations.

When the floater has to be moved, the water is emptied from the ballast tanks and
pontoons, the anchors are raised again using dynamic positioning and the vessel is
towed to its new location. Some of the more sophisticated semi submersibles are even
able to move by themselves with the help of thrusters. When the new location is
reached, once again the process begins to effectively position the rig.

Drillship
A drillship is a rig onboard a regular ship, complete with hull, pump rooms, bridge
and below deck rooms. The rig equipment is located on the hull and usually reaches
up to quite a height so that it can be lowered to extreme depths when required.
Whenever drilling has to take place, the drill ship is positioned with the help of its
anchors and stays stationary. When the ship has to move, using its own motors and
steam it can go to its new location.

The main benefit of a drillship is its versatility for movement. It needn’t be tugged
and towed to its new location. Since it is a ship by itself, it can move on its own.
Consequently the team on board a drillship will include mariners and related
personnel who are trained on how to navigate such a vessel. A drillship can be used
for ultra deep water drilling and sometimes can go even lower than semi
submersibles. Dynamic positioning systems and GPS technology is used to navigate
them to their required locations.

Platform Drill
Major oil companies invest huge sums of money on geological surveys to estimate the
quantum of oil present under the seabed. Once these surveys indicate a positive result,
semi-submersibles or drillships are sent to conduct the first few rounds of drilling. If
these prove to be fruitful and show excellent potential, a permanent structure may be
built to proceed with the drilling operations. This is called a platform drill.

A platform drill will not only extract the oil from the seabed but also pump it via
pipelines to an onshore destination. Alternatively, oil could be pumped into ‘export’
tankers, which then transport the oil to the shore

The main difference between a platform and the other vessels mentioned above is that
it cannot be moved. It is a permanent fixture on the ocean. It is also extremely stable
and secure since it is not depending on legs, ballasts or anchors to remain stationary.
Oil companies only resort to drilling platforms when they are absolutely certain that
the potential benefits of the oil well are excellent.

Summing Up
The four vessels described above are the most common types of offshore rigs and
most leading drilling companies have a mixed fleet containing at least 3 to 5 of each.
When you join the oil extraction industry, it is a good idea to try and gain experience
in each of the different types of vessels so that your expertise is diverse and your
skills become versatile.

Another important consideration is where you fit best into an oil rig’s crew and the
next chapter, which talks about the different roles on an oil rig, throws some light on
that.

References:
http://www.cleddau.com/oilrigjobs/jackup.html
http://www.cleddau.com/oilrigjobs/semisubmersible.html
http://www.cleddau.com/oilrigjobs/drillship.html
http://www.cleddau.com/oilrigjobs/platform.html
Chapter 3 - Job Roles in
Offshore Drilling
Of all the career choices associated with the term ‘Offshore’, definitely the most
common relates to the global energy industry, also referred to as oil rigs, offshore
drilling and the petroleum exploration industry. A career in this industry offers a wide
range of opportunities in terms of roles and salary expectations. It is an exciting area
in which to build your future and this chapter is devoted to keeping you abreast of all
the possible roles you could explore.

Working on an oil rig involves a variety of roles directly or indirectly related to

drilling for oil. Before embarking on this career choice, it is a good idea to understand
the different types of jobs that exist so that you can focus your efforts on an area that
best suits your interest and skill.

The roles on board a rig can be best understood with the help of the following
diagram. Most of these are explained below along with the average salary details.

The ToolPusher
The oil rig manager or toolpusher is the individual who supervises all aspects of the
rig, from the crew to the machinery. The entire team depends heavily on the oil rig
manager for their safety guidelines, tasks for the day, personnel issues, conflicts and
other concerns. In addition, the rig manager is the interface between the oil company
and the crew. He will be answerable in case of any delays, issues and disasters. On the
flip side he can also claim credit for any key achievements and accomplishments.

Most rig managers get their job after working their way up. They start out as
roustabouts and gradually progress up the food chain until they reach this level. Their
level of experience is substantial considering they have in all likelihood had a chance
to work in most of the functions on the rig. They are also on many occasions right in
the thick of things, performing manual labor functions as and when the work demands
it. That said, experience alone does not an effective rig manager make. He also has to
be an extremely capable leader with the ability to drive a team of individuals towards
a common goal.

Some of the roles of a rig manager are listed below:

 Overseeing and supporting the set up of an oil rig and the closure of it when it
is completed.
 Coordinating and scheduling between different rig crews.
 Supervision and adherence to all safety precautions and procedures.
 Ensuring that the rig and crew complies with all governmental, statutory and
individual company policies and procedures.
 Leading and motivating the rig workers and handling any personnel issues that
crop up.
 Planning, organizing and managing the day-to-day activities on the rig with
the help of his supporting team.

In order to become a rig manager, you need to gain a vast amount of oil rig
experience, display strong leadership potential as well as build your certifications.
Some of the training you would have to complete would be First Aid, Safety, Fall
Protection, Oil Field Boiler and others depending on the requirements of the
company. Most rig managers have been in the industry for a number of years and
depending on their experience and size of rig, can expect salaries starting from
$80,000 per year.

The Drilling Department

The Drilling Department takes care of the bread and butter of the rig – actually
drilling for oil. The roles in this department are very similar to the onshore drilling
roles since the tasks are essentially the same.

Roustabouts and Roughnecks

The entry-level position on an oil rig is that of a roustabout and as they get more
experienced and climb up the ladder become known as roughnecks. Most individuals
get their foot in the door through this type of role, which is considered by many as the
backbone of any successful oil rig. The job requires unskilled or semi skilled manual
labor and includes all the peripheral tasks that have to be undertaken so that the rest of
the team can focus on getting the oil out of the ocean bed smoothly.

Some of the tasks that roustabouts and roughnecks perform are listed below:
 Repair or service the machinery and drills
 Work on digging ditches, pouring concrete, preparing slabs and derricks using
different types of machinery.
 Ensure that the deck is always clear of any hazardous clutter and kept clean.
 Heavy lifting of machinery or material across different parts of the rig as
required.
 Maintain the equipment by scraping rust off deteriorated parts, applying a
fresh coat of paint and so on.
  Any other tasks that do not require specific skills to perform but are essential
for the smooth functioning of the drilling process.

On some rigs only roustabouts perform the above tasks. The roughnecks perform a
more specialized skill involving threading drill bits and connecting the steel tubes.
Most roughnecks begin with the roustabout job and then as they get more
experienced, are assigned this more skill-oriented role. From an employer perspective,
roughnecks and roustabouts are expected to be diligent and conscientious in their
work so that they can be trusted to take on more challenging work. From an employee
perspective, it is an opportunity to get onboard a rig and build your experience so that
you can progress from this entry level position to a better paying more responsible
job.

Most oil rigs have about 8 to 10 roughnecks or roustabouts, 2 being assigned to each
crew or shift. The salary could range anywhere from $33,000 to $45000 per year
depending on the company you are working for, with some companies paying even
more. In most cases benefits are also included in the salary package.

Oil Driller Jobs

An oil driller is assigned the responsibility of supervising the rig crews and ensuring
that every task is being performed accurately and efficiently. He in turn is supervised
by the tool pusher or rig manager. An effective oil driller who is good at his job will
be a good communicator, have strong attention to detail, be well abreast with
government and statutory regulations and have excellent organizational skills. He is in
effect a leader and should possess the skills expected of a strong leader.

Apart from overseeing the smooth functioning of the crew, the oil driller also has the
following other responsibilities:
 Supervise the rig crews and ensure that tasks are being performed as per the
specifications.
 Ensure that each member of the crew is observing the work attire and safety
regulations.
 Hold daily safety briefings and assign tasks and responsibilities for the day.
 Hold and enforce regular drills to promote the safety of all rig workers and the
machinery.
 Conduct periodic tests and assessment of the machinery performance and
record performance in the rig logs.
 Update the personnel and staff files with relevant details.
 Act as a mentor and supervisor for the new staff who join the rig.

To obtain the oil driller role, a variety of certifications have to be obtained particularly
in the area of safety precautions and first aid. Some employers also prefer a bachelor’s
degree in engineering. These educational qualification backed by a fair amount of
experience on the job propels oil drillers into more senior positions. Salaries at this
level usually amount to $17 to $25 per hour with an additional amount as a living
allowance.

Derrickhand Jobs
The derrickhand is responsible for the uppermost portion of the drill and takes care of
ensuring it is effectively lowered or raised from the drill hole. This process is called
tripping and occurs a number of times during the day to remove any broken parts or to
replace any parts of the equipment. About a quarter of the derrickhand’s time is spent
high up on the rig’s uppermost platform also called the monkey board. This location
is prone to strong winds and needs careful attention to safety to avoid fatal accidents.

The following are some of the key roles performed by the derrickhand:
 Raising and lowering the drill from or into the drill hole from the monkey
board. They play a vital role in guiding the pipe as it is rejoined to the pipe
string when lowered into the hole.
 Since tripping doesn’t happen throughout the day, the remaining 75% of the
derrickhand’s time is spent on other activities like working the mud system,
which includes circulating the mud.
 Thanks to the derrickhand’s strong experience on the rig and dexterity in his
function, he is often relied upon to assist the driller in his functions
 Finally as and when the requirement arises, the derrickhand oversees or
actually performs equipment maintenance functions on a case to case to basis.

The role of a derrickhand requires strong attention to detail, ability to work in a team,
dexterity and a fearlessness of heights. It pays about $37,000 a year and after gaining
sufficient experience in the function, good derrickhands can expect to get promoted to
driller positions.

Oil Rig Motorman Jobs

An oil rig functions with the help of a variety of machines all of which have to run
continuously and seamlessly in order to support the crew. The oil rig motorman’s job
is to keep all the machines running smoothly by oiling and lubricating all the relevant
parts and ensuring they are functioning as per their specifications.

Oil rigs use a variety of machines depending on either diesel or electricity to support
the extraction of oil. Equipment is used to lower and extract the drill from the drill
hole, another set of machinery is used to rotate the table that in turn rotates the drill
bit; and still more equipment is used to circulate the mud, which is used as drilling
fluid. If any of these machines were to malfunction or get damaged, it would severely
hamper the productivity of the crew. The oil rig motorman’s job is to ensure that this
never happens.

Apart from spending their time on the engines, the oil rig motorman also performs a
number of additional tasks, some of which are listed below:

 Train, mentor and oversee the more junior manual workers like the
roughnecks and roustabouts.
 Support the other rig workers in their roles as the demand arises.
 Maintain all the machinery by periodically lubricating it and servicing it.
 Examine certain machinery parts like the tongs, which are used when
connecting the spinning chain and the drill pipe.
 Ensure the stores are well stocked with replacement parts and bits. This
includes ordering replacements when required.
The oil rig motorman should have a strong interest and flair for mechanics. Once
again, attention to detail is vital as well as a positive team player attitude. Most
roughnecks are promoted to this role after completing a certain number of years of
experience and backing it up with a number of supporting certifications. It is very rare
for a new entrant to grab this type of job without having any previous oil rig
experience. The salary of this function ranges from $45,000 to $60,000 per year.

The Mud Engineer or Mud Man

For any drilling expedition, a vital component is the mud. It is composed of various
chemicals and other essential components that ensure that the drill is kept effectively
lubricated at all times, the hydrostatic pressure on the borehole wall is maintained
which in turn controls any possible influx of the reservoir fluids. Controlling the
chemical characteristics of the mud and keeping it constant is vital for the smooth
function of the drilling operation and that’s where the role of the Mud Engineer
comes in.

The mud engineer’s job responsibilities can be listed below:

 Before the drilling operation begins, the mud engineer will consult with the
geology expert and other references to prepare a ‘mud program’.
 This will contain a detailed plan on what the chemical components of the mud
should be at all times, how to keep its characteristics the same as different
surfaces are reached and deciding what should be added or removed to ensure
stability of the hole.
 As drilling progresses, the mud engineer will rely on a number of experts to
advise him on how the mud is changing. He will work with them to perform a
series of chemical and physical tests to validate forecasts and formulate action
plans.
 As the hole gets deeper, small rock particles begin to emerge which changes
the chemical composition of the mud. This has to be controlled with the help
of various additives.
 Ultimately on some occasions, the entire mud will have to be replaced and
once again this will be managed by the mud engineer.
 If at any time the stability of the borehole wall is at risk, cement is poured
inside which is often times supervised and managed by the mud engineer.
 The mud engineer maintains the equipment used to pump the mud so that it is
functioning, as it should at all times.

A mud engineer’s experience and knowledge is essential for the effective running of a
drill crew. He is usually expected to be a graduate with a degree in engineering or
chemistry. He would have also obtained an additional certificate from a ‘mud school’
to supplement his education. Prior to becoming a mud engineer, he would need at
least 10 years or more experience on an oil rig performing in roles such as
derrickhands or roughnecks before spending more time with senior mud engineers.

Mud engineers are provided a lot of support for their jobs including computer aids
and reference material so that all possible issues can be anticipated in advance. It is a
highly critical and technical function as any mistakes in this area can prove to be
extremely expensive. The salary is in the range of $72,000 per year but can differ
according to experience, companies and tasks expected.

Geologist

A critical role on any oil rig is that of the petroleum geologist. Apart from deciding
where to actually drill the hole, geologists are required on a rig crew to assist with the
drilling process. Since this chapter is focusing on roles within a rig crew, the role
description of the geologist will be limited to his functions on the rig crew.

Some of the key responsibilities of the geologist on a rig crew are listed below:
 The oil rig geologist spends most of his time working with the mud engineer
to analyze the composition of the mud through which the drill is passing and
anticipating any changes that may occur as the operation proceeds.
 This includes collecting various samples of rock, particles and under the
surface materials to fully understand how the sub surface levels are changing.
 The geologist will also examine the gasses that emerge from the borehole wall
to evaluate whether any hydrocarbons are present or due to appear.
 Ultimately all the information he gathers is analyzed and studied so that a
detailed report can be prepared outlining his opinion on the nature of the mud
and suggestions on how to ensure its characteristics are maintained according
to the mud composition plan.

An oil rig geologist is expected to have a graduate degree in geology and have built a
fair amount of experience in the petroleum industry. It could involve working on oil
rigs offshore or oil fields onshore. It is not a job for those looking for an air-
conditioned office in the center of a busy metropolis. Chances are you will be
positioned in sweltering or freezing conditions, exposed to the elements most of the
time, getting your hands dirty with all the materials that are normally associated with
an oil rig. The salary of course is commensurate with your education background and
experience. You can expect a starting salary of $80,000 to $100,000 per year and as
you gain experience, it could increase by up to 50%.

Company Man
The structure of an rig crew usually involves an oil company hiring a drilling
contractor to carry out the drilling operations. The rig crews are employees of the
drilling contractor so in order to ensure that the operation is carried out according to
the specifications, timelines and other goals, a company representative is assigned to
each rig crew and this individual is referred to as the company man.

Some of the primary responsibilities of the company man are provided below:
 Ensure and support all safety precautions and regulations on board the rig.
 Ensure that the operation is proceeding according to the set time lines, budget
and other goals.
 Provide any company support the rig crew might require for the drilling
operation or for any softer issues.
 Serve as the eyes and ears of the oil company and report back any
inconsistencies, concerns or discrepancies that may arise.
The company man is required to be around for all shifts and is responsible for the
rig’s performance throughout its shifts. He is usually expected to be a college
graduate and very often started out as the lowest position on a rig crew, building his
experience and knowledge until he obtained this full time senior position with the oil
company. A company man can progress to more senior positions like that of a floating
foreman or rig superintendent who would handle complex drill issues. It is a respected
and highly sought after position and commands a strong salary of $80,000 to
$120,000 per year.

Crane Operator

On any oil rig, there are hordes of supplies that have to be carried on and off the rig. It
could be materials like casting pipes or other equipment, essential for the smooth
running of the operation. It could also be the groceries and food items required to
sustain the crew for this extended period. These items are usually reached to the rig
via supply boats and cranes are used to transport them from the boats to the rig. A
crane operator is therefore an essential and vital component of any rig crew.

A crane operator is responsible for effectively maneuvering the crane so that heavy
equipment can be moved across tight spaces. As part of his function, he might also be
expected to keep the crane machinery in good working order, which could include
oiling, painting, lubricating and cleaning. He has a fair degree of responsibility over
other members of the crew. His role will include instructing the roustabouts on
various tasks and in all likelihood will have an assistant crane operator working with
him to help him with his responsibilities.

To get a job as a crane operator, it will be useful to get some experience operating a
crane. This could be on a rig, in which case you would start off as a roustabout and
then work towards becoming an assistant crane operator where you will build most of
your experience. Alternatively you can also gain crane-operating experience onshore
at regular construction or related sites. However it will definitely be more challenging
to get a rig crane operator job without prior rig experience.

A good crane operator is cool under pressure, has a sound knowledge of the
equipment he managers, is physically strong and healthy and is a team worker. He
should be able to lead, motivate and manage his team and have a close eye for detail.
He may be expected to undergo additional training to improve his knowledge about
the role. Typical salary for an assistant crane operator would be in the range of
$28000 to $65000 per year. Crane operators will make anything upwards of $65000
per year.

Maintenance Department
The maintenance department on board the rig keeps the rig running as it should at all
times. It may be a support function but without a strong and efficient maintenance
team, the rig would not be able to operate.

Storekeeper

On any rig there is an endless amount of supplies. Supplies for the rig, supplies for the
kitchen, supplies for the crew and so on. All this has to be effectively tracked and
inventoried to minimize unnecessary losses. This is where the role of the storekeeper
becomes relevant.

The storekeeper maintains the stock of supplies on board the rig. He or she is
responsible for ensuring that there is sufficient stock at all times, that it is effectively
tracked and monitored, that it is maintained in good working or usable condition and
that it is stored as per specifications. While the storekeeper is not ‘in the forefront’
kind of role, it is still a vital addition to the rig crew. The rig will just not be able to
operate, as it should if the storekeeper doesn’t do his job well.

A storekeeper should have good planning and organizing skills, a strong attention to
detail, ability to pick up the rig’s inventory tracking methodology and work in an
efficient manner. Annual salary is usually in the range of $45000.

Oil Rig Mechanics

The maintenance department of an oil rig usually employs a number of mechanics as

part of their crew to help with maintenance and servicing of equipment. They help to
ensure that all the machinery is functioning smoothly by inspecting the hydraulic
systems, motors and other machines, using a checklist. When something is not
working as it should, they are required to help resolve the issue and restore it back to
its original working condition. They are also responsible for working with the
storekeeper and ordering supplies as required by the technical personnel of the crew.

The hours of a rig mechanic are long and very often they may have to work extended
shifts as the need arises. They should be in excellent physical condition because on
many occasions, their work requires them to stand for a long time or crouch in a
cramped position.

However it is an excellent way to make good money using your skills. Even if you
have basic mechanic skills, you can get an entry-level job on a rig, which pays
$50,000 annually. If you are good at your work, you will soon grow and can opt for
some of the mainstream positions as described above.

Oil Rig Electricians

Just like the rig mechanics, the maintenance department on board an oil rig employs a
number of electricians to help with all the electric and electronic equipment. Oil rig
electricians are responsible for installing, servicing, maintaining, troubleshooting,
resolving and rectifying electrical machinery on board. They may be expected to
review, understand and interpret electrical diagrams and drawings to apply them for
rig operations. Ultimately their role is to support the maintenance department in any
electrical related task that arises.

The demands of the rig electrician are very similar to the rig mechanic. Long hours,
heavy lifting and extended shifts could apply but once again it is an excellent
opportunity to use your trade to make good money (annual salary is $55,000 to
$65,000). The scope for growth is substantial so many choose this line to get a foot in
the door and use it to widen their career prospects.
Marine Department
The marine department is required for those rigs, which are drill ships or semi-
submersibles, also called as floaters. The job of the marine department is the keep the
rig afloat.

Barge Engineer

The barge engineer is an important role on board a rig. He is responsible for the vessel
operation, running the control room and keeping the vessel and its inhabitants safe at
all times. The cargo, materials, equipment and supplies on board the vessel all come
under the responsibility of the barge engineer. In addition the barge engineer takes
care of the paperwork, administration, cost management, crew supervision and other
day-to-day activities on board the rig. Ultimately he ensures that all the work is
completed accurately and on time.

To be a barge engineer, you should have a good understanding of operating a sea

vessel and the safety precautions. You may require some experience as a master
merchant in the Navy backed by a degree in the same field. Depending on the
company you work for, previous rig experience may be expected as well.

The salary of a barge engineer ranges from $50,000 to $100,000 annually and on
average, barge engineers make $69,000 annually.

Ballast Control man

The ballast control man has to ensure that the rig is stable and safe prior to drilling.
He will be periodically expected to evaluate the stability of the rig and share reports
with the managing team. He is usually based in the ballast control room where the
relays that control the ballast valves are located. Seawater into and out of the rig is
controlled via these valves to manage the rig’s trim. Apart from this he is responsible
for the drill water and drinking water on board the rig. He is also referred to as a
watchstander. A ballast control man makes about $55,000 a year.

Other Positions
While the primary function of an oil rig is to drill for oil, there are a number of
supporting roles that are essential for the comfort, convenience and support of the rig
crew. While these do not all require a strong orientation toward mechanics or
engineering, they are nevertheless integral to the success of the expedition. In
addition, many individuals start out their careers in one of these supporting roles, just
to gain some experience of working on a rig. After a couple of shifts in such a
function, they are able to use their contacts to get into the mainstream roles. Some of
the supporting roles are:

Catering Roles

On an oil rig, good food ensures that staff are well fed, nourished and able to take on
the challenges of the day. When the food is tasty and well prepared it is also a
motivating factor for the crew. That’s why many oil companies today take great pains
to ensure that the catering function is well structured and running smoothly. If you
have an interest in catering and would like the added adventure of working on an oil
rig, this could be the career for you. It can also be inlet to generate some oil rig
experience if you’re hoping to get into a mainstream function. Some of the common
catering roles on a rig are:

 Camp Boss-Bears are the team overseeing the catering services. They will be
responsible for the kitchen crew, the service team and inventory and supply of
food. General salary for this level is about $ 45000 annually.

 Head Cook or Head Chef as the name suggests is the lead chef in the kitchen.
He decides the menu, orders the food and oversees his kitchen staff. When
faced with any concerns he talks to the Camp Boss. Head chefs make about $
45000 annually.

 Steward or Stewardess takes care of helping out in the kitchen, serving and
cleaning the eating area. They may also be responsible for cleaning the
workers’ rooms. Salaries at this level are about $30,000 annually.

 Bakers or Night Chefs are the team that take care of all the baking – bread or
otherwise – for the crew. It is not cost-effective to order fresh bread from the
mainland so it is usually baked onboard in the night by this team. This role is
considered quite essential for the rig and these workers make about $45000
annually. They are also responsible for feeding the night shift teams.

Subsea Engineer

The subsea engineer forms a part of the rig maintenance department and is
responsible for overseeing the rig’s subsea systems equipment. He will report to the
rig maintenance supervisor and has an assistant subsea engineer to help him in his
tasks. It is a critical role and requires a strong knowledge of the motion compensation
system as well as the Blow Out Preventer. The blow out preventer is an important
component of the rig because when effectively utilized it can protect the rig and the
crew from damage or loss of life.

A subsea engineer is usually someone who has completed a series of training courses
in the subject and will only get this job after a number of years of experience in the
function. If this is the role you are interested in, it is best to start out at an entry level
position and work towards obtaining an assistant subsea engineer role in which you
can build your experience. Annual salary is usually in the range of $60,000 to
$80,000.

Rig Safety Man or Medic

This position has become relevant over the last 10 years as rig safety came to the
forefront. Many companies preferred to have a trained and experienced medical
professional on board the rig to assist with any emergencies. This individual would
also have a role to play with respect to rig safety. To become a rig medic, you need
prior medical training and experience.
Summing Up
The offshore drilling industry has a great many roles and if you are someone inclined
towards blue-collar manual labor, it can present you with an excellent opportunity to
make good money doing what you love. Entry-level positions are aplenty and there is
an ever-growing demand for eager young men and women in the industry. It is a life
of adventure and excitement, one that many engineering and geology graduates
choose to pursue in an attempt to live an outdoor life while at the same time using
their education qualifications. So now that you are aware of all the different areas in
which you can find your niche, the next step is to learn the best ways of finding a job.

References:
http://www.jobmonkey.com/oilindustry/html/roughneck_and_roustabout_jobs.html
http://www.jobmonkey.com/oilindustry/html/oil_driller_jobs.html
http://www.jobmonkey.com/oilindustry/html/oil_derrickhand_jobs.html
http://www.jobmonkey.com/oilindustry/html/motorman_jobs.html
http://www.1-oil-job.com/motorman-job.html
http://www.roughneckchronicles.com/oiljobs/toolpusher.html
http://www.1-oil-job.com/oil-jobs-available.html
http://oilgasinformation.com/mud-engineer-job-on-offshore-oil-rigs
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mud_engineer
http://oilrigjobs.calvinmarketing.com/blog/what-is-a-geologists-salary-on-an-
offshoreexploratory-oil-rig/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Geologist
http://www.oil-rig-job.com/jobs-company-man.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Company_man
http://www.jobdescriptionsandduties.org/oil-rig-crane-operator.html
http://www.roughneckchronicles.com/oiljobs/craneoperator.html
http://www.oilrigsjobs.net/tag/salary/
http://www.oil-australia.com/jobs-storekeeper.html
http://ezinearticles.com/?Offshore-Catering-Positions-on-an-Oil-Rig&id=4558190
http://www.1-oil-job.com/oil-rig-mechanic-job.html
http://ezinearticles.com/?Oil-Rig-Mechanic-Jobs---What-They-Are-and-How-to-Get-
Hired&id=4090874
http://www.1-oil-job.com/rig-electrician-job.html
http://www.oil-rig-job.com/jobs-subsea-engineer.html
http://www.roughneckchronicles.com/oiljobs/bargeengineer.html
http://www.oil-australia.com/jobs-ballast-controlman-or-watchstander.html
http://offshoreguides.com/BOOK/09_positions_available.htm
Chapter 4: Finding a Job
Once you have decided that working on an oil rig is what you want to do, you need to
find the best possible employment opportunity. As more and more individuals seek
out this life of excitement and adventure, it is become more imperative than ever to
ensure you get the right job, from the right employer for the right price. This chapter
will offer a guideline into how to find the perfect offshore job.

Study the Industry

The first step towards finding the perfect offshore job is to thoroughly study the
industry. Apart from getting a close understanding of all its varied aspects and
intricacies, it also gives you an insight into what’s new, what skills you might have to
develop and what is in high demand. For example at present the newest and most
popular locations are on floating production and storage ships. These massive vessels
work really well in the oil exploration field resulting in many organizations choosing
to use them. As a result there is a vast increase in the number of career opportunities
on such ships.

Consequently, the first step towards finding the perfect offshore oil job is to get to
know the latest happenings in this exciting and innovative industry.

Understand the Variety of Opportunities

The next step is to appreciate the vast array of opportunities available to you. There
are literally hundreds of different roles within the offshore job spectrum, both directly
related and indirectly connected to the industry. Some roles require little or no
experience like the entry-level roustabout jobs; while others require specialized skills
and training like the roughnecks. Some roles require skills that are not connected to
drilling but are equally essential like culinary, housekeeping and medical support.

By appreciating the range of opportunities available, you can make an informed

decision as to what role is best suited for you. Perhaps you want to be involved in the
offshore way of life without any of the heavy lifting it entails. Alternatively perhaps,
you are keenly interested in the engineering and technical aspects and want to
supplement your resume with a suitable marine certification. Another common
practice is develop a few basic skills like welding, painting and drilling so that you
will get more easily acclimatized to your career.

Approaches for New Entrants

Unfortunately the easiest way to get an offshore job is to have had a previous offshore
job. It is an industry where references and previous experience play a vital role in
securing a position so if you have never served on an oil rig in some capacity; it’s an
uphill task. The good news is that there are alternative approaches and here are some
suggestions:

Use your Contacts

The most successful approach is to use your connections to anyone who has oil rig
experience to secure a job. Oil companies prefer recruiting people they know as it
protects them against the risks of an unknown resource. This is particularly true when
the industry is going through a slack period and is wary about who they recruit.
Secondly using internal referrals are a cheaper recruitment alternative as compared to
headhunters and online job portals. Finally it is a motivational tool for existing staff as
they get a chance to work with people they know.
Start at the Bottom and Work your Way Up
A number of offshore workers began their careers at the entry-level position and
worked their way up. They started as roustabouts who are essentially the offshore
version of laborer onshore. However roustabouts usually have relevant and fairly
technical skills like slinging, which can be learnt on the job but also in schools
focusing on this area. Most companies welcome new entrants as green hands or
maintenance roustabouts. This is a good start if you are ready to start on the lowest
rung of the ladder.

Using your Trade

If you have a specific trade, which you believe is relevant to the industry like an
electrician, you can use this to get in. However it is not very common to get a job
entirely relying on this experience. In most cases you would still need to be backed up
by strong references or have previous experience on a rig. It is far more convenient
for an oil rig company to employ an electrician with past experience on a rig than
someone who has never done this kind of work before.

Use a Supporting Role to Get a Foot in

Another option is to get a job in a supporting role totally unrelated to the actual
drilling process such as a catering assistant or housekeeping staff. This way you get to
build your contacts within a specific rig or ship and use this later to try to get the job
of your choice. You will still have to start at the entry level but you would now carry
a couple of references as well as show that you are accustomed to life offshore and
are committed to the career choice.

Obtain a Relevant Certification

Your chances of getting an offshore job improve exponentially if you obtain some
sort of certification like the Basic Offshore Survival & Firefighting course, which is
essential for jobs based out of certain countries like the UK. Also if you are a
graduate, employers are friendlier. You would probably have to also produce a
medical fitness certificate and a clean drug test, both at your own cost.

Jobs on the Internet

Most individuals find their offshore jobs on the Internet. All kinds of job vacancies
within the oil rig industry are published online providing the job hunter with a variety
of options to choose from. There are thousands of companies offering such positions
whether directly on an oil rig or indirectly by providing the supplies required by
drilling companies. If you have done your industry research well, you would be well
informed on some of the leading institutions, their reputations and would have also
formulated an opinion on where best you would like to work. Here are a few pitfalls
you may want to avoid:

1. Ensure that you have the requisite qualifications, certifications and experience
before you apply. Personnel departments don’t want to be bombarded with
resumes of people who don’t meet their requirements in any way. You can
actually end up getting blacklisted which will prevent any future prospects you
may have.
 2. Apply online if a choice is offered. Online applications are always more
efficient, easy to retrieve and track than mailed ones so if both alternatives are
presented to you, go for the Internet.

3. If you have any queries about the position, call the hiring organization and
clarify them. There is no point in supplying incorrect and inaccurate data just
because you don’t quite understand what is required. In addition, if your query
relates to the role specifically, then a quick call is even more essential. The
last thing you want is to be applying for something you aren’t that interested
in.

4. There are a number of Internet scams offering offshore jobs so look out for
these. Ensure that you correspond only with the known and established
websites and always bear in mind that any site asking you to spend money in
some way prior to securing a position is probably a con.

Applying Tips
Once you have decided to apply for a job, here are a few tips that can help you do
better on your application.

1. Take the time to understand and familiarize yourself with the jargons of the
industry. It shows that you are particularly interested in the role and a future
with this line of work. It will set you apart from other candidates who are also
applying for entry-level positions.

2. Ensure all contact information is accurate and that you are reachable once
your application goes out. A number of companies like to have telephonic
interviews and will not waste time repeatedly trying to reach you. In most
cases they will give you some notice before fixing the interview however on
some occasions it is an impromptu discussion. It makes sense then to mentally
collect your thoughts on some key questions as soon as you send your
application.

3. If you don’t get a confirmation that your application has been received, don’t
hesitate to follow up and obtain this confirmation. Many times emails get
missed and yours could be the unfortunate one. It also indicates to the
recruiting team how interested you are in the position.

4. Include a covering letter expressing why you have applied, how you learned
about the position and why you are keen to work for that particular company.
It should be crisp yet informative, indicating your professionalism, focus and
drive.

What Employers are looking for

Until now, the focus of this chapter has been to provide a guideline on how to find a
vacancy and apply for it. We will now examine what employers are looking for in
their potential oil rig employee. This will help in your application and interview
process as well as give you an insight into what such a job actually entails and
whether you are suited for it.
Medical Fitness
Working on an oil rig is tough physical work and if you are not 100% medically fit,
you will probably not get the job. You will need to produce a clean bill of health,
which includes detailed physical examination and a spinal X-ray. You will also have
to pass a drug test.

Age
The average age of most drill workers is 27 but you can start as young as 16 and work
until retirement. The minimum age for a drilling contractor is 18 but Coast Guard
endorsements expect a minimum age of 16.

Experience
As already covered earlier, employers prefer staff with relevant industry experience
and a couple of references from people within the industry. Not having experience
doesn’t prevent you from getting a job but being dishonest about it can permanently
hamper your career prospects. It is best to be open and honest about your profile and
avoid ‘jazzing’ up your skills; the truth will emerge sooner or later.

Teamwork and Reliability

Drill workers are team workers and most employers require their applicants to have a
strong sense of team responsibility. In addition, dependability is a second essential
feature. Failing to show up for a crew change or missing your slot at the heliport is the
easiest way to get fired so these characteristics will be closely examined during your
interview.

Interest and Ambition in the Offshore Way of Life

The offshore lifestyle is unique and different from more conventional roles. It means
that for weeks at a stretch you will not be with your family and have to spend your
days on a cramped ship or platform with a bunch of strangers. The space in your
living quarters is limited and the food is certainly not a culinary delight. The shift is
12 to 18 hours long and requires manual effort and labor. Most people get into the
industry knowing full well what it entails and loving its unique way of life. Employers
are keen to assess a candidate’s understanding and appreciation of its challenges.

Summing Up
Finding the perfect offshore job requires patience and perseverance particularly if you
are new to the industry. It requires careful research, planning and attention to detail so
that when opportunity knocks, you are able to grab hold of it with both hands. Once
you get a leg in, you will find yourself in a far easier position to improve your
prospects so use the tips provided wisely for best results. The next chapter, which
talks in detail about life offshore will also help in your application process.

References:
http://www.offshorejobs.net/how-to-discover-the-right-offshore-job-vacancies-for-
you/
http://www.cleddau.com/oilrigjobs/wheretostart.html
http://www.ehow.com/how_5667778_apply-offshore-oil-jobs.html
http://offshorejobs.page.tl/Offshore-Jobs-Information.htm
http://oilgasinformation.com/offshore-jobs-cover-letter
http://oilgasinformation.com/applying-tips-for-oil-gas-offshore-jobs
Chapter 5: Life Offshore
A major component of the decision to work offshore is understanding the charm and
challenges of offshore life. It is definitely not for everyone but for many, it is an
enjoyable and fulfilling existence. Prior to taking this enormous step and working on
an offshore rig, it is a good idea to familiarize yourself with what your life will be
like. This chapter seeks to provide an unbiased and comprehensive insight into what
you can expect if you were to begin working on an oil rig.

Work Life – Working Week and Shift

Drilling offshore by its very name implies that you will be working on a platform or
ship in the middle of an ocean. It means you have to live on the site for a specified
period and work a specific number of hours a day.

Number of Working Days

Oil rigs vary on their working day patterns but are consistent in providing the same
number of days off as days on. So essentially whatever you earn for the year
corresponds to 6 months of work on a rig. The schedule can vary from 14 days on and
14 days off, 21 days on and 21 days off or 28 days on and 28 days off. Very few
organizations expect their workers to work longer than a 28-day stretch however if the
replacement crew doesn’t arrive or the replacing worker fails to show up, extended
support may be expected.

There are no off days on the rig. You will be expected to work on all the days of your
schedule without any break. Similarly your time off is completely yours to enjoy. You
will not be asked to ‘drop by the office’ for a meeting; it’s literally impossible as the
office is in a remote location accessible only by helicopter or ship. At the same time,
rarely can you ask for an extension of your time off. The crew offshore needs to be
relieved and without you, at least one crewmember cannot be relieved. Unless there is
a dire emergency, you will not be given any impromptu or extended time off.

Working Hours
A typical shift on an oil rig is 12 hours long with a lunch break and 2 fifteen minute
coffee breaks. Your shift timings could vary from conventional schedules. A number
of companies take advantage of the 24-hour presence of workers and run two shifts
requiring half the team to work through the night and the remaining to work through
the day. Meals are provided at designated times depending on the shift schedules.
Smoking is permitted in most rigs but only in designated areas and only during your
breaks or non-working periods.

Transport To and From the Rig

Getting on and off the rig is probably the greatest bone of contention offshore workers
have with their career choice. Since the rig is located in the midst of a water body,
getting to and from it is only possible through ship or helicopter. In most cases
helicopter trips are arranged for transporting crews but very often the weather doesn’t
permit the safe movement of workers. In such cases, workers have to be transported
by ship, which can take longer and is less comfortable particularly when the weather
is bad.

One of the major expenses drilling companies incur is the transport of their workers to
and from the rig. This is why they rarely arrange for impromptu or unscheduled trips.
If you miss your helicopter, chances are you will not get another one requiring you to
remain on the rig until the next helicopter heads out which will probably be an entire
work shift later, at which point you will be expected to return to work.

On the flipside if you miss your pick up to the rig to relieve the existing crew, you
will probably lose your job. It is too expensive and complex to organize another trip
just for you and organizations have little tolerance for irresponsible workers. This
uncompromising approach is essential to maintain the morale of the crews that are
looking forward to their breaks and time with their families.

Facilities Provided Offshore

Most oil rigs offer similar facilities to their workers. It is acknowledged that the
offshore life is a challenging one so organizations pull out all the stops to make it as
comfortable as possible for their workers. They are now almost as comfortable as
hotels. In most oil rigs, everything is provided and workers just have to come with
their personal hygiene items like toothbrush, shaving kit and grooming supplies.

Accommodation
Rig workers are not expected to incur any expenses on the rig. All your needs will be
taken care of starting with your accommodation. Once you arrive on the rig, after the
safety orientation, you will be provided your room. The quarters will consist of a bed
with appropriate linen provided. Most cabins also include a TV, shower and toilet.
Satellite TV is provided so that during your non-shift period you can stay in touch
with your favorite movies or programs. You may have to share your room with
another worker depending on the accommodation policy. Free housekeeping services
are a given, every day your room and bathroom will be cleaned and serviced. Many
workers enjoy this aspect the most as they rarely enjoy such benefits back home.

Health Facilities
Most oil rigs provide well equipped gyms allowing their staff to stay fit and work out.
These gyms include aerobic equipment; weight training machines as well as free hand
weights. Other inclusions are sauna and steam facilities replicating onshore health
clubs to a large extent.

Tele-connectivity
In recent years tele-connectivity on drilling platforms have improved greatly. Most
rigs now boast of Internet facilities and low cost telephone services permitting rig
workers to stay in touch with their families and loved ones using all the conventional
means.

Recreation Facilities
Oil companies recognize that recreation facilities are essential to maintain the morale
of their troops who have to spend all their free time onboard. Many oil rigs have
superior recreation facilities like snooker, pool and billiards tables, TV lounges, music
rooms and even cinemas. There is usually a store onboard offering duty free personal
hygiene and any other supplies crew workers may need during their stay.

Food Onboard
Oil workers enjoy unlimited free food as long as they are onboard. A variety of cold
and hot meals are available for staff to enjoy. Oil companies take great effort in
providing nutritious and delicious meals to their workers who can only perform at
their best if they are well fed. However not all tastes can be satisfied so it common to
hear complaints about the food provided onboard.

Safety First
On drilling platforms and ships, the primary focus is always on safety. As soon as a
crew arrives onboard, they will first be given a safety briefing and provided their
protective gear. The start of every workday begins with a safety briefing along with
the schedule for the day. Smoking is restricted only to designated areas, usually in the
accommodation section of the rig. All pieces of equipment are repeatedly tested and
labeled with a color code indicating that it was recently checked. Crew workers are
expected to refrain from carrying certain articles like alcohol, matches and lighters
onboard. Safety measures have to be followed meticulously by all workers and any
compromise in this regard will not be tolerated.

Challenges of Working Offshore

Despite all the efforts made by oil companies to provide a comfortable life for their
workers on board, it is a life that comes with its fair share of challenges. Some of
these need to be fully understood and appreciated before taking on this lifestyle
commitment.

Living where you Work

Perhaps the greatest challenge is the fact that you live where you work. There is no
break from the monotony of the same face, the same environment for a long period
and water everywhere you look. Many people thrive on the workday ending and
heading back to their families but this is not possible on an oil rig. You remain right
there in the middle of an ocean with the same people you spent your workday with.

Weather conditions
The weather plays a vital role in your offshore life. Storms in the sea are common
causing the ship to rock and your stomach to turn. Depending on which part of the rig
you work, the temperature can be bitterly cold like at the higher levels or unbearably
hot, like in the power stations. The weather will also hamper your trips back home as
explained earlier in this chapter.

Time away from Family

Time away from loved ones is something that all rig workers have to tolerate. You
may miss major events in the lives of your family and unless there is a dire
emergency, you will not be provided an opportunity to head home. Despite getting an
extended period off, it is difficult for many to spend so much time away from their
families. Plus if this is your career choice, then you will have to reconcile yourself to
a lifetime of missed birthdays and school events.

Cramped living
No matter how comfortable your room may seem, it is still a cramped living
arrangement. For one, you will probably be sharing the space with someone you don’t
know too well or worse don’t like. Secondly there are no windows making the space
quite claustrophobic. Third, the actual size of the room and layout while efficient is
extremely small adding to the ‘living in a closet’ feeling. If you need your space, this
is definitely not the life for you.
Long work hours and days
Another factor to consider is your work hours and workdays. Working a 12-hour shift
is not easy for everyone, and even less so when the work is manual hard labor. It is a
grueling shift schedule whether onshore or off. In addition, you will have to work for
a minimum of 14 days at a stretch extended to 28 days on some rigs. Working day
after day without any break in between can be physically exhausting. If you are not
used to it, the first week of your time off will probably be spent recovering from this
exertion.

Advantages of Offshore Working

Now that you are well aware of the challenges, there are more than a few advantages
of working offshore. These can help overcome the drawbacks outlined above and
make it all seem worthwhile.

Range of Positions and Career Options

Getting a job on a rig doesn’t mean you will be performing one task for the rest of
your career. There is a wide range of positions on offer and the more experience you
accumulate the more opportunities are available. Your job can include deep sea
diving, operating the drilling machinery, serving as a mechanic and a number of other
roles. Your learning curve will always be steep and there is a great scope for growth
and career development.

Excellent Pay
Starting salaries for entry-level positions is USD 60K annually which is significantly
higher than similar roles onshore. For many this is enough to put up with all the
challenges of an offshore job. Plus your annual salary is for just six months of work a
year. Now that’s a bargain if ever there was one.

Zero Living Expenses

When you’re onboard a rig or ship, you incur zero expenses. Everything from your
stay, to food, to entertainment and telephone calls are all taken care of by the oil
company. The money you earn is entirely yours to spend and you enjoy a number of
tax breaks as well particularly if you’re working overseas.

International Travel
Many find the prospect of traveling to foreign locations one of the most exciting
components of an offshore career. Offshore oil rigs are located in a variety of places
including the North Sea, Canada, South Africa, Venezuela, Middle East and off the
coast of the US. Many workers never dreamed of visiting these places and offshore
career offers them exactly this opportunity.

Concluding Thoughts
Life offshore is different from an ordinary working environment and most people who
start off in this industry become lifers. Others find it unbearable and cannot put up
with its drawbacks for more than a single trip. It is important to reflect your personal
preferences and make an appropriate decision after fully understanding what such a
life demands. The next chapter which talks about offshore locations can also help in
deciding whether this is the career path for you.
References
http://offshorejobsreview.com/life-offshore/
http://www.divinglore.com/OffshoreLife.htm
http://www.deepwater.com/fw/main/Life-Offshore-230.html
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/business/2041404.stm
http://www.oil-rig-job.com/safety.html
http://www.staffhunt.org.uk/?option=com_content&view=article&id=34&Itemid=39
http://oilrigjobsnoexperience.net/helpful-article-about-oil-rig-jobs/
http://oilrigjobsinfo.com/220/the-advantages-of-off-shore-oil-rig-employment/
Chapter 6 – Offshore
Regions
Offshore drilling as the name suggests occurs in the middle of the ocean 100 to 200
miles off the coast of different countries. A career in offshore drilling is almost
immediately associated with world travel and visits to some of the most exciting and
exotic nations in the world. This chapter is devoted to elaborating on the most popular
offshore drilling locations in the world today along with an insight in what could be
the future regions of exploration.

The North Sea

The North Sea and surrounding regions have been associated with oil exploration
from as early as 1859. It really began gaining importance around 1973, when the oil
crisis stimulated many companies to put in the massive investment necessary for oil
extraction. It is a region associated with high production cost. However thanks to its
proximity to most European countries and their political stability, it continues to be a
profitable region for offshore drilling. It has also become one of the world’s most
prominent non-OPEC oil producing regions.

The United States

The US, specifically the areas off the coast of Texas, California and Louisiana all
account for a large portion of the word’s offshore oil. Oil fields in the seabed near
California have been producing between 35000 and 65000 barrels of oil a day,
making it an extremely lucrative and profitable location. Its proximity to the mainland
also enhances its appeal. The most well known oil fields in the region are The
Ellwoood Oil Field and the Dos Cuadras Field.

The Gulf of Mexico, which comprises the area off the coasts of Texas, Louisiana,
Alabama and Mississippi accounts for over 25% of the US oil production. The region
produces about 500 million barrels of oil each year and this is only expected to
increase as new sites within the area emerge. The most notable oil fields in the Gulf of
Mexico are the Atlantis Oil Field and the Tiber Oilfield. Interestingly the eastern
portion of the Gulf, the coast of Florida has never been known or considered to
contain oil reserves.

The Pacific Northwest and the East coast of the United States, specifically the regions
off the coast of Washington, Oregon and Alaska have also been known for their oil
producing properties. However they have turned out to be not as lucrative as the areas
just up the coast of Canada where oil production has been more successful.

The Great Lakes of the United States are also excellent reserves of crude oil however
so far only Michigan has permitted offshore oil drilling in their state. Canada on the
other hand has allowed for a substantial amount of oil exploration in their portion of
the Great Lakes making this an excellent offshore drilling location for job seekers.

The Persian Gulf

The Persian Gulf located in the heart of the Middle East accounts for the largest
concentration of crude oil reserves in the world. The Safaniya Oilfield located here is
generally accepted as the largest oil field in the world. As per assessments in 2002,
the middle east nations of Bahrain, Iran, Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the UAE,
all having rights to the Persian Gulf accounted for over two thirds of the world’s
crude oil reserves.
New Frontiers of Oil Exploration
Oil will continue to be the primary source of energy until 2035. Despite all efforts to
replace it with more fuel-efficient approaches and alternative fuels, demand for oil is
still expected to grow by 18% over the next 25 years. That said, the older oil fields are
depleting and there is a growing need to explore new frontiers. Most of those that
have been discovered are under the sea. In addition the quantum of oil produced from
under the sea is substantially more that the amount that gets generated from onshore
rigs. While onshore produces 10 barrels a day, offshore rigs produce 1000s of barrels
a day. All this makes offshore drilling an extremely lucrative industry with excellent
career prospects. Here are some of the newer frontiers that are quickly gaining
importance in today’s world.

Brazil

Originally Brazil was known as a biofuel producer thanks to the sugarcane ethanol,
which is used as fuel for most of its transportation service. However as late as 2007,
the discovery of the Tupi field about 200 miles off the coast of Rio in the Atlantic
Ocean changed all that. The field has now been renamed to Lula and is expected to
contain about 6.5 billion barrels of oil. Apart from the Lula field, it is estimated that
Brazil has another 36 billion barrels of oil located 2000 feet below sea level off its
coast and most of it is light and easy to refine.

However the challenge lies in the layer of salt that exists above the oil. The layer of
salt is severely thick and possesses a major set of challenges. Since the salt is
immediately above a layer of rock, it has caused the underlying rock to become
unstable. As a result, when drilling through it, the rock gets broken into smaller
pieces, which interfere with the circulating mud. All this can cause major drilling
disasters that can have monumental economic and environmental effects.

Oil exploration off the coast of Brazil is an eventuality however it is expected to be

delayed until the constraints and challenges are ironed out.

West Africa

Currently the most active newer offshore oil wells are off the coast of West Africa,
specifically Nigeria and Angola. Combined, the two regions have a proven reserve of
over 20 billion barrels of oil. Further the geological factors are extremely favorable.
The rock is young permitting easy extraction of up to 100,000 barrels a day. Drilling
experts claim that the only restraint is the size of the conduit bringing up the oil.

Other countries in the region have also revealed oil reserves off their coast. Ghana is
fast becoming a popular site with its Jubilee well, which is expected to hold
approximately 2 billion barrels of oil. Oil extraction from this region began in late
2010. Another find was discovered in March 2011 indicating that this could be the
area to watch out for in coming years.

The Sierra Leone Liberian basin is hot spot for oil exploration and experts hope that
the 700 mile stretch from the Jubilee well to this region will have similar properties
and billions of barrels of oil lying beneath. Finally Liberia recently signed a deal with
Chevron to conduct exploratory efforts on three different locations off its coast.
The only thing affecting oil production in the region appears to be political issues.
While Nigeria was historically Africa’s largest oil producer it lost its spot to Angola
due to the political unrest. Unfortunately Angola too has problems of its own relating
to oil production particularly due to political battles in the oil rich province of
Cabinda. The other countries also have similar political structures and might face
similar challenges in the future.

The Gulf of Mexico

While the Gulf of Mexico has always been known for its offshore oil, it finds a place
on this list because experts believe that there is a tremendous potential for more oil in
deeper and further from the coast. It is estimated that there are about 13 billion barrels
of unrecovered oil in the region in an area called as the Lower Tertiary. This area is
200 miles off the coast and stretches from Alabama to Mexico. It consists of probably
the oldest rock formation, approximately 60 million years old, and poses a unique set
of challenges to reach. When the formation is so old, it needs to be fractured before
oil can be extracted and this is not an easy process because of a number of reasons.
The primary concern is that no one has ever fractured rock in deep water before and
for this particular extraction; massive amounts of hydraulic horsepower will be
needed.

Given the recent oil extraction debacle, BP has not yet received approval to proceed
with exploring this Lower Tertiary region to which it currently holds rights. However
it is expected to proceed with approval in due course.

The Arctic Region

The Arctic region is known for its freezing temperatures, high winds, little or no
sunlight and never-ending whiteness. A little less known fact is the amount of oil
lying underneath it all. It is estimated that the 13% of the world’s undiscovered oil
and 30% of the world’s undiscovered natural gas lie in this region making it one of
the most exciting prospects for oil companies.

The interesting aspect about drilling in the Arctic is that the oil is not located in
deepwater. It is just 500 meters below the surface. However the conditions are
extremely harsh since it is all comprised of sea ice. In addition, environmental groups
strongly insist that given the region’s lack of accessibility, responding to disasters and
mishaps like oil spills can be impossible or extremely complex.

Totally 8 different nations share the rights to the Arctic region’s 30 million square
kilometers and each of them have different stands with respect to oil exploration. On
the Russian side of the Arctic, BP is in negotiations with the government to proceed
with their oil drilling plans however this got waylaid after the Gulf of Mexico mishap.
Negotiations have now been revived.

On the US side, Shell had obtained the rights to begin exploration but after a number
of protests and challenges were posed by Alaskan native and conservation groups
regarding clean air permits, Shell has deferred its drilling plans to 2012.
Norway on the other hand was proceeding full steam ahead until environmental
groups forced them to defer plans until 2013, after the next elections. However with
their reserves in the North Sea fast depleting, they are expected to move forward
sooner than the other countries.

One thing is certain about drilling in the Arctic. It is an eventuality given its massive
potential. A total of 90 billion barrels of oil is expected to lie underneath. However
given the strong resistance by so many nations and interest groups, many believe that
the only way it will ever progress is through deliberate and fruitful international
negotiations.

Summing Up
For many the charm of working offshore lies in the prospect of international travel.
Conversely most of the workers who exit the industry do so because they are so far
from home spending much of their time in the middle of the ocean. That said, it is an
irretrievable and unchangeable component of working in this industry so unless you
are willing to travel to these locations and work under the demanding conditions that
they impose, this is certainly not the career for you. On the flipside, many oil workers
today relish the opportunity to visit new and exciting locations, places they never
dreamed of visiting in their lifetimes. As oil exploration extends to new frontiers, the
prospect of visiting new continents and regions will always be one of the key reasons
for new and existing workers to serve in the oil drilling industry.

References:
http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/energy/2011/04/110418-future-of-offshore-
drilling/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Offshore_drilling
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/North_Sea#Oil_and_gas
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Offshore_oil_and_gas_in_the_United_States
Chapter 7 – Top Offshore
Drilling Companies
A large part of your success and future in the offshore drilling industry depends on the
company with which you work. There are a large number of drilling companies in the
world but some stand out as compared to others with respect to their work practices,
experience, technology and sheer size. Opinions differ on whether it is best to start
with a small company where theoretically you can learn more or with a large well
established company where you are sure your training and future is secure. As you
ponder over this decision, here are some of the most respected and top performing
offshore drilling companies in the industry.

Transocean
Transocean is the world’s largest drilling company. It is based in Switzerland and
specializes in some of the most challenging drilling environments including ultra deep
water and harsh environment drilling. Its commitment to new research and technology
has made it the first in a number of advancements including year-round drilling.
Known for having some of the most advanced rigs in the industry it is an excellent
place to start thanks to their well-structured on-the-job training program. They are
known to employ some of the most experienced and proficient rig technicians in the
industry, which has helped with their strong focus on training and career
advancement. They are known to be excellent paymasters with good benefits and
usually work shifts of 28 days on and 28 days off.

Diamond Offshore
Diamond Offshore is another leading oil exploration and extraction company and
provides drilling services to oil companies all over the world. It is originally based out
of Texas, with rigs in the North Sea and off the coast of Alaska. Currently the
company has offices in three locations – Texas, Brazil and Scotland and employs
approximately 5000 people all over the world. The company owns and operates all of
its offshore drilling rigs, which includes a variety of different vessels specifically 32
semi-submersibles or floaters, 13 jack-ups and 1 drillship.

Diamond Offshore is known to be an excellent employer offering its employees

competitive pay along with a strong benefits program. Some of the benefits they offer
is life and accidental death and dismemberment insurance, dependent life insurance,
short and long term disability insurance, medical dental and prescription drug
coverage to name a few. They are strong believers in rig-based on-the-job training
and offer a well-structured career development program across their fleet. In addition
to their salary all 3800 Diamond Offshore rig workers also receive a monthly travel
allowance.

Noble Drilling
Noble Drilling is one of the oldest drilling companies in the world, operating since
1921. The founders began with one rig and since then it has grown to its current
impressive size of 62 offshore drilling units. Recently the company celebrated its 88
birthday, a feat that few other drilling companies have been able to achieve.

Given its age and strong experience in the industry, Noble Drilling is an extremely
popular employer for rig workers all over the world. They have a presence in a
number of international locations including the Gulf of Mexico, Brazil, The North Sea
and Africa. In addition, they are known for their extremely advanced and modern
drilling equipment providing prospective employees the chance to widen their
knowledge and expertise with the latest technology. Their fleet of 62 units includes all
kinds of drilling vessels including floaters, jack ups and drill rigs so you have a
chance to work on whatever type of rig you like. The shift is usually 14 days off and
on for rigs off the US coast and 28 days on and off for international locations.

Noble Drilling usually holds periodic recruiting events where all interested candidates
can stop by for an interview. The details of these events are all provided on their
website. They also welcome online or in person submission of applications.

Seadrill
Seadrill first came into being when it acquired the Smedvic Drilling Company in
1915. Since then it has worked hard to be known as a global drilling contractor with a
presence in all the leading international regions like the North Sea, West Africa,
South East Asia and North and South America.

Seadrill is known for its cost-effective and efficient approach towards oil extraction
and operates a fleet of about 41 drilling units. They own all kinds of vessels including
semi-submersibles, drill ships, jack-up rigs and tender rigs. They have experience in
drilling through both harsh and benign environments, as well as shallow and deep
water. Essentially when you work at Seadrill, you get the chance to work in all types
of vessels, regions, environments and water depths, providing you with a holistic and
comprehensive learning opportunity.

Seadrill’s commitment to learning and training is quite evident from the number of
approaches they adopt. Apart from on-the-job rig training, they also offer their
workers development opportunities through theoretical lectures and e-learning portals
partly managed by their in-house training center called Seadrill Academy and partly
by individual company departments.

Ensco Drilling
Ensco is a leading offshore drilling company based out of Texas with a fleet of not
less than 51 rigs. Like the other companies described above they have all sorts of
drilling vessels including floaters, barge rigs and jack-up rigs. They are a dynamic
company and were named by Forbes Magazine as one of the ‘world’s fastest growing
companies’. They have a presence in all the major drilling locations worldwide
including the Middle East, Asia, Australia and of course the US. What sets them apart
is their range of ultra-deep water rigs, which go to depths of 8000 feet or more.
Working on such a rig gives its crew an excellent opportunity to learn many aspects
of this complex drilling exercise as well as provides exposure on how to manage its
challenges.

Ensco is known for providing its employees an extremely positive work environment
with a strong focus on safety and zero incidents. They have openly declared their
long-term growth focus and are looking for workers who are ready to make a
commitment for the long haul. They have a well-developed training program in which
they offer engineer and management trainee programs as well as a number of other
certifications. They keenly support intra company growth and progression so if you’re
looking to build your career in a reputed organization, Ensco could be the one for you.
Pride International
Pride International is another extremely well respected company based out Texas. It is
known in particular for its ‘high specification drilling solutions’, which makes it the
contractor of choice for a number of global oil companies all over the world. They
have a presence in over 15 countries with close to 25 drilling rigs. They largely use
drilling platforms for their work and at present are constructing a number of new drill
ships off the coast of Korea.

As employers they are known for their strong commitment to workforce safety,
development, training and progression. Their compensation and benefits program tops
most of the competitors and many who have worked there have good things to say
about their open and honest communication approach. They are also known to
encourage a comfortable and equal opportunity oriented work culture that attracts
many likeminded and hard working workers.

Ensco acquired Pride International on 31st May 2011 and currently any career
opportunities you hope to achieve in this organization will have to be routed via
Ensco. Ensco has been described in detail in the preceding section so combined; the
two make an excellent place to work.

Stena Drilling
Stena Drilling, based out of Sweden, is quickly gaining importance as one of the
world’s foremost independent drilling contractors. A wholly owned subsidiary of
Stena AB Gothenburg, it has grown over the past 20 years by acquiring well
established rig companies like Houlder Marine Drilling and Ben Line Steamers.
Currently they have a number of exciting operations based out of all the oil drilling
hotspots of the world including the US, North Sea, West Africa, the Mediterranean
and Australia. Thanks to its commitment to innovation, the company has become
known for some of the most cutting edge technology and rig conversions making
them a company to watch out for in the coming years.

As employers they believe in training and developing their rig workers so as to retain
the talent and expertise that gets generated. They have a strong mentorship program,
which works wonders in getting entry level and middle level workers up to date with
the latest technologies and trends in this exciting industry. They are known to be
competitive paymasters offering all benefits as per industry standards.

KCA Deutag Drilling

This company is primarily a drilling contractor but has diversified into providing
other services as well like rig management services, rig design and engineering
services. Working here allows you the opportunity to diversify out of offshore drilling
should you want to at some point in the future. They have a number of drilling
platforms, jack-up rigs as well as land rigs all over the world. They are based in
Scotland with offices in Germany, Russia, the Middle East and Norway. As a
company, they have been involved in offshore drilling for over 100 years with a
strong presence in a number of African countries like Oman, Libya and Nigeria. They
have experience working in harsh and benign climates and rig workers have the
opportunity to build their expertise in a variety of vessels, locations and water
conditions. They are a well-respected employer of choice with a strong orientation
towards customer satisfaction and employee development.
Parker Drilling
Parker Drilling is another well-known company in the rigging industry known for
both onshore and offshore rigs. Based out of Texas, they have a presence in all the
major drilling locations with a particular concentration in the US Gulf of Mexico and
Papua New Guinea. They have a 17-unit strong fleet consisting of barge rigs
primarily. In addition to oil drilling, they also have a subsidiary company, which deals
with drilling related rental equipment all over the US.

Parker Drilling offers competitive pay-packages and a host of benefits including

medical and dental coverage, life insurance, education reimbursement and travel
allowances. The good thing about working with Parker Drilling is that since it has
such a strong onshore as well as offshore presence, you can choose to build your
expertise in either option as your personal circumstances demand it. It is also easier to
get an entry level position on an onshore rig job so working with Parker will allow
you to get a foot in the door if you ultimately aspire to progress to offshore rigs.

Summing Up
The key to a lucrative career in this industry is learning. As long as your learning
curve continues to be a sharp upward slope, you will grow in your role. All the
companies described in this chapter provide excellent career development
opportunities. So write your CV well and ensure you clinch the job. However while
following up on prospective offers, beware that a number of recruitment related scams
have emerged in which unsolicited offers of employment were made to individuals
with forged documents. Typically following such offers, the candidates were asked to
pay a sum of money towards visas, processing fees and other charges. None of these
drilling companies make unsolicited offers, nor will they expect any payment from
employees before or during employment.

References:
http://www.ehow.com/list_6139215_top-10-drilling-companies.html
http://www.offshore-oil-rig-jobs.com/transocean.html
http://www.deepwater.com/fw/main/Career-Center-222.html
http://www.diamondoffshore.com/employment/employment_overview.php
http://www.diamondoffshore.com/employment/employment_benefits.php
http://www.offshore-oil-rig-jobs.com/diamond-offshore.html
http://www.offshore-oil-rig-jobs.com/noble-drilling.html
http://www.noblecorp.com/Career/CareerContact.asp
http://www.noblecorp.com/Career/Recruiting.asp
http://www.noblecorp.com/Career/Offshore.asp
http://www.offshore-oil-rig-jobs.com/seadrill.html
http://www.seadrill.com/careers/what_we_offer
http://www.enscous.com/Careers/default.aspx
http://www.offshore-oil-rig-jobs.com/ensco-drilling.html
http://www.offshore-oil-rig-jobs.com/pride-drilling.html
http://www.offshore-oil-rig-jobs.com/stena-drilling.html
http://www.parkerdrilling.com/careers.aspx
http://www.offshore-oil-rig-jobs.com/parker-drilling.html
Chapter 8 – Salary and
Pay Structure
Let’s be honest, despite all the talk of adventure, travel and an exciting life out on the
high seas, when it comes down to brass tacks, the main appeal of an offshore career is
the pay. Salaries offshore are substantially more than salaries of the same jobs
onshore. Plus you get paid per year for only six months of work, which holds an
irresistible appeal for a number of rig workers. This chapter is dedicated to providing
all the information you need on offshore drilling salaries, pay structure, benefits and
other relevant topics.

Salary Expectations
The different roles that exist on a rig crew have been discussed in detail in an earlier
section of this book along with the salary expectations of each level. It has been
represented below once again as a summary.

 Toolpusher: USD 80,000 to USD 135,000 annually

 Roustabouts: USD 33,000 to USD 45,000 annually
 Roughnecks: USD 33,000 to USD 45,000 annually
 Oil Driller: USD 17 to 25 per hour
 Derrickhand: USD 37,000 upwards annually
 Motorman: USD 45,000 to 60,000 annually
 Mud Man: USD 72,000 annually
 Geologist: USD 80,000 to USD 120,000 annually
 Company Man: USD 80,000 to USD 120,000 annually
 Crane Operator: USD 65000 upwards annually
 Storekeeper: USD 45000 annually.
 Rig Mechanic: USD 50,000 annually.
 Rig Mechanic: USD 55,000 – USD 65,000 annually.
 Barge Engineer: USD 69,000 annually.
 Ballast Control Man: USD 55,000 annually.
 Catering Roles:
o Camp Boss-Bears: USD 45000 annually.
o Head Cook or Head Chef: USD 45000 annually.
o Steward and stewardess: USD 30,000 annually.
o Bakers or Night Chefs: USD $45000 annually.
 Subsea Engineer: USD 60,000 to 80,000 annually.

At the very minimum you can expect a salary of USD 33,000 if you have zero
experience. With experience and skills development in more intricate roles, the
potential for growth and consequently salary increments is substantial making this an
extremely lucrative career opportunity.
Benefits Usually Provided by Drilling Companies
In addition to a competitive salary, drilling companies usually provide to their
employees a host of benefits designed to make their employment as lucrative and risk
free as possible. Some of the benefits usually covered by drilling companies are
provided below:

Life and Accidental Death and Dismemberment Insurance

This policy is usually two times annual salary and offers the immediate kin of the rig
worker some cash relief in case of accidental death or dismemberment on board the
rig. It is a form of acknowledgement that rig workers are employed in a fairly risky
profession so this policy aims to take some of the risk away for their families. Some
companies allow employees to opt for an additional amount up to 5 to 10 times their
salary but would require that the employees pay the additional premium.

Dependent Life Insurance

Another insurance policy frequently provided by Drilling Companies is Dependent

Life Insurance, which covers your spouse or your child. In the event of the demise of
your dependent, you will receive a sum of money to help with all the funeral
arrangements and burial expenses.

Short and Long Term Disability Insurance

Working on an oil rig can result in injury or disability which prevents the worker from
returning to the job for brief or extended period. This insurance policy protects the
worker and his family from the loss of income that would occur during this time
either wholly or partially.

Medical, Dental and Prescription Drug Coverage

Medical and dental care costs are huge overseas and most hospitals will not even
examine you unless you are covered by a health care insurance plan. All reputed oil-
drilling companies provide their employees excellent medical and dental coverage. In
most cases, they also cover any prescription drugs required by the worker or his
family.

Voluntary Vision Coverage and Safety Eyewear Coverage

Recognizing that rig workers may face injuries affecting their eyes during the course
of their work some drilling companies offer their employees the option to apply for
voluntary vision coverage through a network of service providers. Other companies
may extend prescription safety glasses at a very nominal rate to protect the vision of
their employees.

In additional to all these benefits, drilling companies very often offer a specialized set
of benefits to non US citizens who work with their organization in different parts of
the world.
Overtime Earnings
In addition to the salary and benefits provided by drilling companies, employees are
also entitled to overtime earnings in cases where they are expected to work longer
hours over extended shifts. Since working overtime is a fairly frequent and regular
expectation, workers can enjoy a substantial increment over their regular salary just
from compensation for extended hours working.

Determinants of Your Salary Package

A number of factors will determine your salary and benefits package so before you
choose an offshore drilling job, it is a good idea to research the following with respect
to your offer.

Experience

The more experience the more you are likely to make as a drill worker. This is an
industry where on the job knowledge and expertise is valued over all else so no matter
how qualified you are from a formal education perspective; experience is what counts
at the end of the day. In order to see growth in your salary package, you need to put in
the time. A general rule of thumb on your increment progress is provided below:

 0 to 1 year experience – entry level salary

 1 to 4 years experience – 46% increase
 5 to 9 years experience – 12.5% increase
 10 to 19 years experience – 16% increase
 Over 20 years experience – 10% increase

Size of the Drilling Company

The next factor is the size of the company you are working for. Studies have shown
that employees who work in larger companies, employing 200 people or more earn up
to 22% more than employees working in smaller companies.

Location of Service

Where you work plays a role in how much you will earn. Certain parts of the world
are known for lower pay packages and others for higher salaries. However if you are
working for a large company with a number of international sites, location may not be
as much a factor.

Summing Up
Most offshore drilling workers choose this industry because of the salary and benefits
it offers. It is a surefire way to get an income boost compared to what you would earn
in a similar role onshore. However apart from salary, there are other factors that make
a job sustainable and it is important to give each of these equal value before
embarking on this career choice. Some of the other topics covered in this book should
help you in your decision.

References:
http://www.ehow.com/info_7736568_average-salary-oil-drillers.html
http://www.ehow.com/info_7813050_much-oil-rig-jobs-pay.html
http://www.ehow.com/about_7529885_average-salary-offshore-drilling-men.html
http://www.diamondoffshore.com/employment/employment_benefits.php
Chapter 9: Tips and Best
Practices
Working on a rig is not an easy career choice. While it offers excellent pay, benefits
and other perks, it also entails long hours, grueling work and extended time away
from families. Some workers thrive in the environment from the start while others
take some time to get used to it. Others choose to walk away, unable to handle its
demands. However if you believe that this is an optimal career choice for you, here
are some quick tips and suggestions on how you can make it work for you from the
first day onboard.

What not to Bring

 You will not be able to bring any lighters, matches, and inflammable items on
board. The same goes for alcohol, illegal drugs and weapons. Your bags will
be checked once you arrive and these will be confiscated.

 You may be addicted to your Ipad or playing games on your laptop but it is
best to leave these ‘toys’ at home. Bags and belongings do not get the best
treatment on board the rig and can easily get damaged during transportation on
and off the vessel. If you need to use the computer periodically, most rigs have
recreational systems in the lounge and rig workers are free to use them as
necessary.

What to Bring
While drilling companies insist that all you need on board are your personal hygiene
items, here are a few suggestions on what might come in handy while on board.

 Firstly get 2 or three current newspapers. You rarely get a daily paper on
board and you will find this a hot commodity amongst your crewmembers. If
you keep one for your boss, you will be set for life.

 Carrying some work clothes that you can wear under your boiler suit is a good
idea. These garments will be washed everyday by the rig’s housekeeping team
and will keep you comfortable during your long hours of work.

 If you are a reader, then it’s a good idea to bring a few books, magazines and
other items to keep busy during your off periods. However most rigs do have a
good library as well if you want to rely on the items on board.

 It is mandatory to carry your passport as well as a copy of your latest medical

fitness certificate and offshore survival certificate.

 A pair of trainers or flip-flops come in handy during off-shift periods as these

is the chosen footwear for most rig workers.

 You may also carry a few pre-paid phone cards so that you can call home as
and when you need, however it is wise to check the policy on board your rig
before doing so.
Stocking for Trades
On board an oil rig, it is common practice to exchange chocolate bars and cans of
cokes for favors. So keep a few in stock just so that when the time comes, you don’t
have to go running to the store or vending machine.

Keep Busy
If growth and promotion is important to you, then you need to keep busy at all times.
If you have any slack period, rather than sitting around and chatting with your
colleague, pick up a tool and hammer something. Cleaning, wiping and lubricating are
always required so find your closest maintenance department worker and help.
Impressions are easily formed and difficult to change so ensure that during your shift
hours you are always working.

Stay Fit
Drilling companies are constantly on the look out for workers in top physical
condition. It is wise to ensure you stay fit and healthy throughout your stay on and off
the rig. As you get older this becomes even more relevant as younger, fitter workers
are always on hand to take over. Most rigs have a fitness center or gym on board
which you can use during your on-rig time. During your time off, it is wise to
prioritize exercise and healthy diet in order to boost your employment prospects.

Settle any Personal Issues Beforehand

Once you are onboard it is expensive to contact your families, lawyer or other
individuals to work on any personal issues. If you are married or in a relationship
ensure that your spouse or partner is totally comfortable with your career choice as
dealing with a troubled partner can put a major drain on your wallet.

Summing Up
Crewmembers on an oil rig become like family thanks to the extended time you spend
with each other. It is therefore a good idea not to burn any bridges while you’re on
board. Being well prepared on what to expect, what to bring and what not to bring can
help you focus on the job at hand without having to depend too much on your
colleagues.

References:

http://www.cleddau.com/oilrigjobs/tips.html
http://oilrigjobsearch.com/3-tips-for-people-who-want-to-work-oil-rig-jobs/
http://ezinearticles.com/?Oil-Drilling-Jobs---10-Tips-and-Warnings-For-Your-First-
Oil-Job&id=1214356
Chapter 10 – Other
Offshore Jobs
Offshore work is often associated with shifting certain roles and tasks from an
expensive region to another cheaper one for the benefit of cost saving and skills
concentration. It is also referred to as outsourcing and has become a lucrative career
option for individuals in less developed nations, where the cost of labor is lower for
the employers and cost of living is cheaper for the employees. Some companies
choose to hire third party service providers to perform these functions. In such cases,
the staff are recruited, trained and monitored by the third party company who supply
periodic bills to their client, the original company performing the work. There are
other approaches where the parent company sets up subsidiaries in these regions for
the sole purpose of outsourcing work to these locations. Here the parent company,
through the subsidiary employs the staff.

Origination of Outsourcing
In an effort to drive down costs, businesses began analyzing the areas that largest
contributed to their expenses. Labor cost turned out to be substantial thanks in large
part to the prevailing trends and government regulations in developed countries. It
emerged that the developing nations like India, Sri Lanka, Philippines and China
enjoyed a lower cost of living and consequently lower labor cost. Fortunately these
nations also had a strong group of workers who had computer skills, English language
skills and excellent work ethic. At the same time, advances in telecommunications
and the Internet took place. Suddenly transmitting data was remarkably simply and
cheap.

The combination was irresistible. Quality staff could be recruited for a fraction of the
cost and customers located in the US could be serviced from India. Pretty soon a
number of businesses having high dependence on their labor force began the process
of offshore outsourcing. Today it is a well-established industry with a number of
players in the fray ranging from large captive enterprises to extremely competitive
third party vendors.

Types of Offshore Outsourcing

At present there are four major types of work that is outsourced to other nations.
These are:
 Manufacturing
 Business processing
 Software
 Knowledge Processing

A number of different kinds of jobs can be outsourced. In fact as off-shoring of work

began to gain importance, companies everywhere began reviewing their existing set
up and coming up with innovative ways in which it could done elsewhere. The
Internet and other telecommunication advancements have also helped in the effort.

Manufacturing Jobs
As labor cost continues to be cheaper in offshore locations, most companies choose to
shift their manufacturing units to countries like China where the cost is substantially
less. By setting up the equipment, process flow, checks and tests, quality can be
maintained and since the location of the plant is overseas, products can be transported
easily to their new destinations.

Business Processing and Customer Service

Most companies have some functions that involve data processing. It could be
something as simple as payroll and salary processing or as complex as bank related
work. Any data processing work can theoretically be transferred overseas after
ensuring that adequate training and knowledge transfer takes place.

Customer service is another area where outsourcing has gained popularity. Since
English-speaking staff is easy to find in cheaper nations, it has become a common
practice to outsource call center operations to these countries.

Knowledge Processing

As more and more work began moving offshore, companies began to realize that even
their high-end knowledge centric roles like analytics, market research, financial
analysis and portfolio investment could be moved. Developing nations also had a
large segment of skilled and well-educated individuals who could easily take on such
responsibilities. As a result, a brand new set of roles have been moving offshore
obliterating the earlier assumption that only mundane repetitive tasks could be moved
offshore.

Software Development

Since the early 90’s it became evident that a strong concentration of software and
information technology skills existed in countries like India and surrounding nations.
Since then many businesses have chosen to source their software needs from such
nations and major international software companies have even set up branches of their
in these countries to cash in on the knowledge present here.

Types of Outsourcing Companies

In the outsourcing industry there are predominantly two types of companies. One is
the captive institution, which is a subsidiary of an international business and the other
is a third party vendor. Captive chains are usually set up for quality control purposes
and in some cases for data protection. HSBC, a leading global bank has a strong
captive outsourcing presence via its subsidiary HSBC Global Resourcing, employing
close to 40,000 people all over the world.

A number of companies want to outsource but do not want to invest in their own
captive subsidiary overseas. In such cases they work with a third party vendor.
Accenture, a world renowned consulting company is an excellent example of a third
party outsourcing company. Such enterprises offer a range of services from call center
to payroll processing to telesales and so on, depending on the needs of the client.

Work is always a little more competitive in a third party company rather than a
captive BPO. However the learning potential is exponentially higher since you get the
chance to work with different clients and processes. On the flipside, job security is
better in a captive BPO but there is a tendency to get stagnant in your role since the
client is always the same.

Advantages of an Outsourcing Job

There are a number of advantages associated with working in an outsourced role:

 You don’t need to be highly skilled to get a job. Entry-level positions are
available for individuals with minimal qualifications and zero experience.
Since this is an industry plagued with high attrition, jobs are always available.

 What makes outsourcing jobs so appealing is usually the pay. Companies are
prepared to offer excellent sums of money for jobs that require minimal skills.

 BPOs can only survive if the quality of service they provide is excellent. This
is why they devote huge sums of money towards training and developing their
staff. Once you get onboard, you can be sure that you will develop a number
of useful skills that you can utilize throughout your career.

 Most outsourcing companies are well-established entities with a robust career

progression chart. You can immediately see where you are headed and good
workers tend to grow really quickly, moving up 3 levels in as many years.

 When you work for an outsourcing company there is an excellent potential to

travel abroad during the process of knowledge transfer. Some individuals even
get the chance to work for an extended period at the host site and help with the
transition.

Disadvantages of an Outsourcing Job

Along with the perks come a few drawbacks and before embarking on this career
choice, it is a good idea to understand them.

 When work is sent offshore, it usually has to be performed at the same time as
it was done onshore. As a result, outsourcing roles are most often
accompanied by odd working hours. Employees supporting the US have to
work nights, which can be grueling and exhausting.

 The opportunity to make an impact on the future direction of the company is

limited since the host company is always located overseas. You will always be
in a supporting function and that can restrict your ability to make
groundbreaking changes in your industry.

Future of Offshore Outsourcing

In a recent survey on the outcome of outsourcing, 80% of the respondents claimed
that outsourcing had improved their competitive advantage in their market place. A
further 87% said that their internal processes had improved since they began
outsourcing and finally 77% said that their costs had substantially dropped since they
moved work offshore. All this reveals on simple truth. Offshore outsourcing is here to
stay. The question is where will it be.

Originally when offshore outsourcing began, India and China were the ideal
destinations - India because of its large population of English speaking people and
China for their computer skills. Both nations enjoyed a substantially lower labor cost
than the leading developed nations. However over time, while the skills in both
countries have continued to develop and strengthen, labor cost has increased. Many
have said that it is only a matter of time before the cost arbitrage that got outsourcing
started in the first place will cease to exist as normalization occurs.

That doesn’t mean that outsourcing will stop. It just means that newer cheaper
locations will be used. From an employment perspective, if you are willing to travel
then this career could be a long and lucrative one. Any company choosing to move
their work overseas would be thrilled if staff members wanted to move with the
process. Consequently, don’t assume that if outsourcing leaves the country in which
you are residing, you will lose out on your career. You will be encouraged if not
enticed into traveling with the process, a move that is usually beneficial for all
involved.

However this is a long way off. Current projections show that India, a country, which
currently employs 800,000 outsourcing employees, will increase this figure to 2
million jobs over the next five years. Things are certain to get better before they get
worse, so this is the time to jump on the bandwagon and build your experience.

Summing Up
A number of individuals in India and other parts of the world have built their careers
in this industry and enjoy lucrative pay packages, standard of living and other
benefits. As more and more work starts moving offshore, the respect associated with
this industry is only expected to widen. It is an excellent career choice and since it
requires very limited skills to get started, literally anyone can join and enjoy the
overnight success associated with this exciting industry.

References:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Offshore_outsourcing
http://www.ehow.com/info_8087622_types-jobs-outsourced.html
http://ezinearticles.com/?The-Future-of-Business-Processing-Outsourcing-
Industry&id=2467465
http://www.careerquips.blogspot.com/2008/07/advantages-disadvantages-of-working-
in.html
Chapter 11 – Conclusion
In the last 10 chapters a number of useful concepts, details and tips were shared about
life in the offshore drilling industry. The last chapter shed some light on another
emerging and popular career choice in the offshore outsourcing industry. Both
choices are lucrative with excellent growth prospects and can offer a long and
fulfilling career. Here is a quick summary of what has been covered in previous
chapters.

A Career in Oil Exploration

The primary focus of this book has been on oil exploration and specifically working
on an oil rig. The global dependence on oil and related products as the primary energy
source is expected to continue well into the foreseeable future. Oil companies
supported by national governments spend huge sums of money on geological surveys
and other exploratory efforts to find new locations of oil wells deep under the sea.
Technology to extract the oil is constantly being developed and the bigger rig
companies devote a large portion of their annual budgets on finding more efficient
and safer ways to drill for oil. Despite the mishaps that have occurred over the years,
this industry is here to stay which is excellent news for those who would like to make
it their career choice.

Types of Drilling Vessels

Working offshore implies that you will be working on some sort of sea vessel
employed in the drilling for oil. Currently there are four popular choices for this
activity, namely the jack-up drill, the semi-submersible, drilling ships and platform
drills.

Where the drilling operation is in shallower waters and the oil well’s potential is still
not fully known, a jack-up drill is the preferred choice as it relatively stable, can be
used in such conditions and is a movable non-permanent choice. In deep water
conditions where a movable rig is once again required, the best option is the semi-
submersible vessel which can be used to effectively extract oil in such conditions.
Both the jack-up rigs and semi submersibles need to be towed to their new locations.
A drillship offers the same benefits as the first two options but since it is a full-
fledged ship, it can move to its new location on its own steam and motors. Finally
where the oil well potential is strong and the conditions are favorable, oil companies
resort to building a permanent platform in the middle of the ocean. This involves
massive expenditure and will only be implemented when the return is assured.

As an oil rig worker, it is best to gain expertise in each of the vessels as you progress
through your career. This will make you a desirable choice for most employers.

Roles in the Offshore Drilling Industry

There are literally a variety of roles that you can choose from if you want to become
part of the offshore drilling industry. Some require little or no skills while others
require college degrees. Depending on your age and stage in life, personal ambition
and interest, you need to decide on which role would work best for you. The below
chart depicts what a rig crew essentially consists of.
Finding a Job on an Rig Crew
Once you have decided what role will suit you best, you can proceed to finding a job.
It is a good idea to research the industry first so that you know the latest trends and
potential sites. If you are a new entrant, you will have to work very hard to get a foot
in the door. Most drilling companies prefer to recruit workers with previous rig
experience so you will have to use a number of innovative approaches. Personal
contacts work well as does building your skills on an onshore rig. However in many
cases, drill workers start off on positions like catering and housekeeping to get rig
experience and then use their contacts to get a mainstream role.

When applying for a job, ensure you do it through the right channels. The Internet is a
popular source but can also be risky thanks to a number of scams. Check the
credentials of the agency or site that you are visiting and call the hiring company in
case of any doubts.

The Offshore Life

Before embarking on this career choice, it is wise to understand what offshore life is
like and whether it is a lifestyle that you could adapt to. It involves extended time
away from home in remote locations in the middle of an ocean and can put
tremendous strain on you if you are not prepared for it. That said a lot of workers get
addicted to this way of life for the rest of their careers. They relish the thought of 14
to 28 days of tough manual labor on board an oil rig with a bunch of like-minded
folks. They then look forward to the same 14 to 28 days off with their families and
enjoy the knowledge that their annual salary is for just 6 months of work. Drilling
companies on their part are mindful that the rig becomes a home away from home for
its crew and take great steps to make it as comfortable as possible for its inhabitants.
There are advantages and disadvantages associated with the offshore life and it is
definitely not for everyone. However once you familiarize yourself with its charms
and challenges, you can make an informed decision on whether it is the career choice
for you.

Offshore Regions
Life on an oil rig definitely includes travel of some sort. In the book we covered some
of the key regions in which drilling operations take place. Some areas are extremely
popular thanks to extensive geological investigation while others are yet to fully
develop their potential. The most well known drilling regions are the North Sea, The
Gulf of Mexico and the Persian Gulf. Here there are a number of rigging companies
each using different vessels and equipment at different specific locations to extract
oil. We also covered the regions that are expected to be the next hot ticket locations in
the coming years. These were West Africa, South America, the Arctic and some
unexplored areas of the Gulf of Mexico. As companies vie for the rights to certain
areas, one thing is for certain - the oil exploration industry is going to around for a
long time.

Major Offshore Drilling Companies

In the book we also covered some of the most well known and respected offshore
drilling companies to help prospective rig workers decide which companies they
would best like to work for. For those who are just entering the profession, a company
with a strong orientation towards training, learning and development is an ideal
choice as this is where you can grow and develop your skills. For those who are
experienced, a company with a strong R&D and technology development focus would
be suitable.

Salary and Pay Structure

Most individuals opting for a career in this industry are first attracted to the money.
Offshore rig workers make a substantial amount more than onshore employees doing
the same job and what’s more, they work fewer days a year. Most reputed companies
pay their workers extremely enviable packages and the benefits offered are also
superlative. However not everyone is paid the same across all companies. There are a
number of factors that will determine your specific pay package and it is wise to bear
these in mind while assessing your offer.

Other Offshore Jobs

Offshore does not always refer to working on site off the coast of the mainland.
Neither is drilling for oil always associated with offshore work. The term off-shoring
is also referred to as the movement of processing, operations and other computer
based work from more expensive locations to cheaper ones. The final chapter in this
book provides an overview of a career in Business Process Outsourcing or Process
Off-shoring.