Hours Worked and Off Time
The working hours may seem long with shifts of 12 hours being considered the norm, but it is also very common for most of the oil rig positions to work on a rotation basis with more time off than on. Many of the employees will experience a fourteen days on to twenty one days off rotation. Other positions will require working longer durations with less time off, but generally you can expect to have at least half your year off.
Entry Level Positions
The variety of entry level oil rig work that does not require any previous rig experience includes Roustabouts, Assistant Roustabouts, Painters, Materials man or woman, Medics and Scaffolders. The position of radio controller as well as some of the positions within the catering crew are also considered new start positions. You could also start your career onboard as a Mudman or a Welder and there are always new positions arising as the Safety Man.
With regards to the position where it is advisable to have worked on a rig before, there are various crews that include drilling crew, deck crew and engineering, mechanical and subsea crews. With such a huge variety in work requirements, there is a lot of scope for advancement.
Salary Expectations
The starting salary for a Roustabout or Assistant Roustabout is in the region of $300 a day. While this is not an extremely high pay for the physical challenges that the position entails, it is a very good salary for what is often referred to as unskilled labour. Many Roustabouts advance to the position of Roughneck within just a few short years and can then specialise in fields that pay substantially more. The position of Driller can expect to be paid up to $100,000 and professionals with relevant qualifications can earn anywhere up to $250,000.
Less Physical Rigging Jobs
For those interested in offshore oil rig work but are interested in a less physical position, you could consider working in the kitchens as part of the catering crew. The position of steward or stewardess is considered one of the less physical position onboard and requires no previous experience. You will be required to serve food, assist in the kitchen and also deal with laundry. Cooks and Kitchen bosses will require previous experience in food preparation with certification, but don't require previous oil rig work experience. The catering crew are also treated well by the other members of the crew as food is a very important aspect of living offshore.
Health and Safety
Safety and health are also very important and first aid training is provided to all crew on a regular basis. The offshore medic will be required to deal with a huge variety of different situations due to limited access to other medical assistance. There are always qualified first aiders onboard who will assist when required and are generally members of other crews. Throughout your employment offshore, you will have to remember the importance of the work environment and safety is the most important aspect. All crew are trained on equipment checking procedures and knowing which equipment is tested and ready for use.
While working offshore is challenging and is considered to be a dangerous profession, the rewards are in line with those dangers. Offshore oil rig jobs are sought after because of the high pay and extended off-time. Many of the crew instant that landing their first rigging jobs required knowing the recruitment strategies and getting their application in front of the right people. Once you have established yourself in the industry, you can advance quickly and earn a substantial amount of money with few qualifications.
How to get Started Offshore oil rig work is lucrative an challenging. As with many industries, it is not always easy to get your foot in the door. Understanding and being guided through the specific recruitment strategies will help you to achieve your aim of getting employed quickly. For access to over 1200 up to date contact details of recruiting companies as well as your own CV webpage hosted for free, which will ensure that you have your details in front of the right people, visit Oil Rig Jobs. For a more detailed look at the various positions and what they entail as well as salary expectations and required qualifications, visit our website Rigging Jobs.
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