What are the basic qualifications you’ll need to be considered a good candidate?

 

Health:

Your health and physical condition must be outstanding. You will be subjected to a thorough physical exam. This will include a spinal X-ray. You also need to answer all the questions truthfully. A drug screen test is compulsory. Age-wise you need to be at least 18 years old. The average age on an offshore rig is 28 years. Older persons with some experience can also apply

Experience:

If you are an expert in your field of work, your chances of getting a job on the rigs are very good. If, however, your skills do not match that of the offshore industry, it will not mean that you will not get a job. Keep in mind that there are many entry level positions (positions for people who do not have any experience whatsoever) available. These tasks are easily coped with. If you are honest, it will count favourably for you. Do not claim to have certain skills you do not have. Even if you did do minor welding jobs in your garage, it does not qualify you as a welder.

If you are an ex-member of any of the forces (especially the Navy), it will count in your favour. Force members are used to taking orders, executing discipline and know how to react in emergency situations.

Education:

Ninety nine percent of all entry level jobs do not need any formal training. If you have the ability, eagerness to do the job and the ability to learn quickly, it might count more in your favour than having years of education backing you. The positions higher up obviously require more of a formal level of education.

Dependability:

Are you a dependable type of person – being on time, leaving your post when you are due to etc., it will be in your favour, as a good worker isn’t worth anything if he/ she is not there to do the job. A sure way to get fired is not to show up for crew change.

Interest and Ambition:

The more interest you show in your work, albeit a tedious and boring job, will get you the timeous promotion you will deserve. The different types of work on an oil rig is very interesting and if you show ambition, it will be rewarded. Once you start moving around through the different job types on a rig, the next application will be so much easier. You basically need to work on a rig for 6 months before you will be regarded as “rig experienced”.

(IMPORTANT: Just keep in mind that we DO NOT represent any of the Oil Rigs or other Service Companies in the address lists, thus DO NOT send your CV to us - post them directly to the companies of your choice)

 

Working conditions:

Your homelife will be very disrupted. If you are married, be sure your spouse/partner  understands the implications BEFORE you apply for a job.

*All applicants are considered for all the posts without regard to race, colour, religion, sex, national origin, age, sexual orientation or marital status

*Be prepared to work 12 hour on/12 hour off shifts (with three breaks), 7 days a week with no holidays

You could be required to work overtime (even up to 24 hours). Working 100 hours a week is not uncommon.

*Your 28 day shift (or ”hitch”) might be made up of 14 days of day-shift and 14 days of night-shift.

*Offshore boats (and pipeline barges) which are engaged in offshore construction work, have been known to stay out until the project is finished, which can be any length of time. Thus be prepared to be asked to work overtime (even if it is the day you expected to go home), if there is a special need or project to be finished. Sometimes your “relief” does not show up for crew change, forcing you to remain on the rig until your replacement arrives.

*You will work in all weather conditions

*You will work in wet, dirty, hot, cold, muddy and noisy conditions

*People get hurt on rigs - black eyes, back injuries or even a finger that gets caught in something (ouch).

*On the very rare occasion, a rig can capsize. (We have to tell you this as it is no good telling you to be honest in your CV and we don’t tell you of the harsh realities). Rig work could be dangerous, thus do not day-dream. This job is not for the faint hearted.

*You might be required to work high up or in confined spaces. Fear/phobias of these places will NOT count in your favour

*The minimum age to apply is 18 years old. (In practise the workers are usually 21 and over). If you are over 28, you must have relevant experience in a certain direction.

*You must have a valid passport

*You must be able to speak and understand English

*You must have no criminal record

*Must be prepared to undergo training

*Smoking is permitted in designated areas. You will be fired on the spot if you are even caught with a match in your pocket, outside this area

*Alcohol and drugs are strictly forbidden on any rig - Don't even try!!!

*If you are caught fighting or even arguing with your fellow workers (or even worse, one of the seniors), you will be fired - yes, they can fire you for that! Should you have a problem with a fellow worker, solve it through the right channels. You MUST be able to get along with your fellow workers - remember everybody on the rig comes from all walks of life and from all over the world. You might share a room with a Pakistani, Nigerian, Frenchman etc. Rather talk to the guy, find out about his cultures, his country, try and learn his language, teach him your language, etc.

*A positive attitude will get you far on a rig and will lead to prompt promotions

*Telephones and e-mail are usually available on rigs and boats, but NEVER COUNT ON IT! Rigs in remote areas of the world or “under tow” have no communication for long time periods. Be sure your spouse is aware of the fact that he/she will not hear from you as often as wished.