So, what are the jobs available on an Oil rig?
Please note that most of the jobs on oil rigs are for males only, but certain companies do appoint females. First find out which companies follows this appointment procedure, before applying.
Roustabout (4 per crane) Derrickman
Roughneck Driller/ Asst. Driller
Toolpusher (The boss!!) Tourpusher (Asst. Toolpusher)
Mud Logger Medic/ Doctor
Production operator Maintenance Personnel
Diver Catering Staff
Geologists Reservoir Engineer
Drilling Engineer Petroleum Engineer
Bargemaster/ Ships Captain Safety Officer
Radio Operator Chief Engineer
Chief Electrician Subsea Engineer
Crane Driver Asst. Engineer
Asst. Electrician Floorman
Mate/ 1st Officer Campboss/ Catering Superintendant
Chief Mechanic Asst. Mechanic
Storeman Asst Storeman
Electronic Technician Motorman
Watch Stander Steward
Wiper Oiler
Seaman Painter/ Chipper
Carpenter Welder
Heli-deck Operators Trainee Crane Driver
Cook Bedroom hand (Cleaner)
Plus other posts
Many of these posts are entry-level (“no experience required”) posts, thus you have as good a chance of getting a job as anyone else.
Entry-level positions:
The first thing any interviewer will ask you is "Do you have previous offshore experience?". This is not a requirement, but it helps! Everybody is considered on his/her own merits. Once you have worked on a rig for six months, doors will start opening for you. I'll keep on repeating this statement - "BE PREPARED TO START AT THE BOTTOM", even though you're highly qualified in your trade. When applying for a post at a Drilling contractor, apply as roustabout or chipper/painter position. When applying for a post at a Catering company and even if you are a Cordon Bleu chef, apply as a galley hand, pot washer etc. When applying for a post at a Marine Services company, apply for the post of ordinary seaman (deckhand), wiper or oiler. What might also occur is that you apply for the roustabout job (because you're technically inclined), but the only post available is that of dish washer……TAKE IT!!! If you are prepared to accept this way of employment, it WILL pay off in the end. JUST GET ON THAT RIG!
What might now happen is that, although you are a qualified crane driver, you start as a roustabout (crane driver assistant) and will be asked to do (what you might think to be) the most absurd tasks. This is quite normal, as cranes, for example, on an offshore rig operates totally different to those on land.
Determine which job appeals to you and try to match your skills to a specific job on the rig. (NB. Do not apply for "any post" - they will think you are not serious) You must realise that some companies only appoint people that have previously worked on oil rigs - but luckily these companies are in the minority, THUS if you are not accepted, this could well be one of the reasons. Keep on trying at the other addresses. If you know someone that is already working on a rig, you are halfway there. It is true, that it's not always what you know, but WHO you know. All it takes is for this guy to put in a good word for you at the company's personnel department. Please, don't let this fact put you off. Not everybody knows someone on a rig. Just remember, to succeed you MUST be prepared to start at the bottom. If you are technically inclined, apply for the Roustabout job (it is the lowest position outside the accommodation). If you do not have any technical inclination, rather apply for a job as Bedroom hand, Galley assistant etc. Your probation period in one of these jobs is normally three months. In this time, look around at other jobs, ask around BUT don't be too pushy. In the meantime do the job you are in, well. People in other departments are watching you, thus, if a post should come up, you might be asked to join another team, even before your 3 month probation period is over.
(People with no rig experience are commonly known as "Greenhands" on a rig. For US$900 a week they can call me anything, mate!!).
If you should be called on for an interview, the chances of you being hired are about 99%. If they send you for a physical and pass it, you will be hired. Be sure to look presentable the first time you walk into the office - first impressions are lasting impressions. Have a haircut and shave. If you wear a beard, trim it neatly. Wear neat, casual clothes. Be alert, confident (but not boastful) and positive. Let me reiterate…do not turn down any reasonable offer.
This might sound silly (actually stupid)…. When called for an interview, pack (enough for 1 month) as if you are leaving for the rig, greet the wife and kids etc. These oil people don't like being told "I just have to pop home to pick up a couple of things". Telling them this, just sacrificed your only chance of getting that job, after all the trouble you went to.
On arriving on board for the first time, (and the company representative is not there), ask for any galley hand to show you where your room/cabin/bunk is. After you stowed your gear, try and find the toolpusher (he's the boss!!). Tell him who you are and that you are reporting for work. If he is busy…DO NOT bother him. Next thing to do is find and study the Station Bill (this will tell you what to do in case of an emergency). If you are going to rig in a helicopter, it should be a comfortable flight. Going by sea is another matter…Take a pillow and blanket with you. The blanket is a must as the boat is kept cold to prevent people from getting seasick. Ask the deckhands for Dramamine (motion sickness pills). Take a few! The boat ride can last from 4 to 14 hours and the swell can reach 2 to 3 metres….pretty rough going.
This is just a rough guide of what to take along to the rig…
* A large holdall or sports bag will do to carry your kit in. Confirm with your company for any size/weight restrictions.
* Passport and copies of your medical and survival certificates
* Jogger type shorts to wear under your overalls and good hiking quality socks (bring enough). As the winter months can be quite harsh, balaclavas and thermal underwear.
* Hard Hat. Check with rig operator whether they provide
* Steel Toe Boots. Check with rig operator whether they provide
* Gloves. Check with rig operator whether they provide
* Cover-Alls (also known as overalls). Check with rig operator whether they provide
* Life Vest. Check with rig operator whether they provide
* Tools - depending on your job. Check with the rig operator to make sure you have the right tools
* Off shift clothing: Nothing fancy. Jogger shorts, t-shirt and a hoodie is OK. Shoes: sport shoes/trainers, casual shoes with ankle support for outside the cabin. Gym kit. (Three changes of clothes).
* Toiletries: Shower gel or soap, shampoo, toothpaste, toothbrush and deodorant. Lip balm. Dramamine (Prevent seasickness)
* First Aid: There is a medic available on the rig should you require him/her. Take along Paracetamol and Vitamin D supplement. If you are on any regular prescription medicine, read this twice: Make sure the dates are current. Do not mix any medicine in the same container. YOUR name must be on the bottle/ pack. The prescription must be in your name and must be current. One prescription for each kind of medicine. You must carry the prescription on you. (Keep in mind that these guys that search you are not qualified doctors - pills to them, are drugs)
* Other items: A tablet or laptop for communicating with home and surfing the internet, padlock and keys for your locker, a battery operated alarm lock with batteries as many rigs do not allow phones. Enough reading material and cigarettes to last from one to three weeks
*Do not take any alcohol, firearms or drugs with - you WILL be searched!.