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.
Following,
is a list of most of the employment careers available on an Oil rig – many
of them even with brief job descriptions of what the post entails. Most of them are
self-explanatory. The list might give you a better indication of what position
to apply for. (This list is arranged alphabetically).
1st
Engineer
Responsible
for the daily maintenance and operations of the engineering and technical
aspects of the vessel, as directed by the Chief Engineer. Mainly responsible
of the Main Engine. Reports directly to the Chief Engineer. Requisites:
Certified as a licensed as a 1st Engineer. Extensive experience with minimum 3
to 5 years in subordinate positions on board ships.
2nd
Engineer
Responsible
for the daily maintenance and operations of the engineering and technical
aspects of the vessel as directed by the 1st Engineer. Mainly responsible of
the Boilers and Generators. Reports directly to the 1st Engineer. Requisites:
Certified as a licensed as
a 2nd Engineer. Extensive experience with minimum 2 to 5 years in subordinate
positions on board ships.
3rd
Engineer
Responsible
for the daily maintenance and operations of the engineering and technical
aspects of the vessel as directed by the 1st Engineer. Mainly responsible of
the Pumps and Oily Water Separators. Reports directly to the 1st Engineer. Requisites:
Certified as a licensed as
a 3rd Engineer. Extensive experience with minimum 1 to 3 years in subordinate
positions on board ships.
Airconditioning
Technician
Highly
skilled specialists specializing in the electrical, electronics, air
conditioning and refrigeration system operations of the vessel as directed by
the chief electronic technician. Reports directly to the Chief Engineer.
Requisites:
Certified and licensed by a recognized government body. Extensive experience,
with minimum 2-5 years in subordinate positions on board vessels. Graduate of
accredited maritime training school or facility with several years experience
in the engineering area of maritime shipping.
Able Bodied Seaman
(AB Seaman)
He
scrubs ships decks, coils and splices ropes, chips, rust, paints and does
other exterior maintenance.
Accounting
Staff
Administration
Staff
Application
Engineer
Assistant
Control
Room Operator (ACRO)
Certified seamen from Able to
Master Seamen are among the many Mariners on oilrigs, as a result of
legislation defining certain Rigs as ships. In the control room of
Semi-Submersibles the stability of the rig is controlled. Liquid transfers
like diesel and fresh water from supply boats to the rig storage tanks are
also controlled here. It is also the control area when the vessel is moving
location.
Assistant
Crane Operator
Is
an experienced Roustabout who is also qualified to operate the cranes and will
often be next in line for promotion to Crane Operator when such a position
arises.
Assistant
Engineers - Senior, 1st, 2nd, 3rd
Assistant
Driller
Has
many tasks to perform most vary depending on particular drilling operation
being carried out at the time. He is direct supervisor for the Derrickman,
Pumpman and
Roughnecks. (Also see ”Driller” below)
Assistant
Mechanic
Assistant
Subsea Engineers
Can
sometimes be promoted from Roughneck. More usually from a mechanical
background. (See "Subsea
Engineer" below)
Baker
/ Pastry Man
Bakery
staff is responsible for preparing and cooking of all bakery products as
directed by the baker supervisor. Maintains high standards as set forth by the
company. Works according to schedule made by the Pastry & Bakery
Supervisor and reports to the Chief Baker and Galley Supervisors. Helping him
are the Assistant Baker Trainees and Baker Utilities. Reports directly to the
Executive Chef. Requisites:
Culinary background of no
less than 2 years restaurant/hotel experience or prior experience in
subordinate position on board. Graduate from an accredited culinary school
preferable.
Ballast
Control Operator/Controlman
Barge
Engineer
Is
in charge of control room operations. He will often be a time served Master
Mariner from the Merchant Navy who has crossed over into the oil industry.
Responsible for stability of the rig, anchor handling operations during a rig
move, supply vessel operations and the like.
Barge
Supervisor
Blaster/Painter
Boiler
Campboss
In charge of the
catering department. Oversees the chefs and stewards/esses
Captain
/ Master
Carpenter
Responsible
for the general interior shipboard maintenance and repairs and for all
carpentry woodwork on board. Reports directly to the Chief Officer. Requisites:
Skilled carpenter
experienced in related background field and/or prior shipboard experience.
Entry level position for someone with carpentry skills.
Casing
Crew
Catering
Manager
Catering
Staff
In
charged of preparing foods and housekeeping. The will normally be employed by
a catering contractor.
Requisites:
Must
be at least 18 years old and highly motivated. High school Diploma or
equivalent.
Chef
/ Head Chef
Day
to day cooking duties, reports to the Camp Boss.
Chemical
Crew
Chief
Electrician
Chief
Engineer
Chief
Mate
Chief
Mechanic
He
is responsible of supervising and training the mechanic crew; mechanic grade
and mechanic help with maintenance and repairing of mechanical equipment.
Chief
Steward
Senior
steward in galley and oversees the other stewards.
Cleaner
/ Janitorial Utility
Is
responsible for the general cleanliness of the accommodation areas. Entry
level position.
Cleanout Crew
A
worker crew that removes sand and paraffin wells.
Communication
Crew
Company
Man/Woman
Is
the oil company's onboard representative. This person works for the oil
company instead of the drilling company who is manning the rig. On a drilling
rig an oil company employee works with the drilling company to supervise its
interests, helping the strategy for drilling the well.
Computer
Crew
Must
be skilled in certain computer programmes (whichever is required at the time
of employment).
Control
Room Operator (CRO)
Barge
Engineer's assistant and responsible on a daily basis for keeping the rig
afloat. He will also be involved with anchor running and retrieving operations
during rig move plus a whole load of paperwork besides, work permits etc.
Cook
/ Night Cook
Responsible
for preparing and cooking food. Cooking experience with ability to bake from
scratch. Requisites:
High School Diploma or
equivalent.
Crane
Operator
He
operates heavy cranes on the rig. He checks the crane is set up correctly and
is secure, and makes sure the weight to be lifted is correct for the crane. He
also checks the air, water and fuel gauges of the crane. Each rig has cranes
with big lifting capacity to unload supplies such as pipe, casing, specialized
equipment, etc.., which all are delivered to the rig by supply boats. This can
be a tricky task since sometimes the sea can be very rough and the supply
boats will be constantly moving due to the wave action. The crane operator is
also responsible for supplying the rig floor with everything needed and some
rigs he is also in charge of the roustabout crew. He does general maintenance
on the cranes and general painting and cleaning of the rig.
Requisites:
This position requires 3
to 5 years of experience in similar position and safety courses.
Deck
Utility
Basically
the same as a Floorhand.
Demolition Crew
Derrickhand/Derrickman
An
experienced motorhand may move into the position of Derrickhand. Derrickhand
work on a platform high above the rig floor. Their job is to guide the drill
pipe into and out the elevators and steady the pipe as a it is being connected
and disconnected. Derrickhands spend about 20% of their time on the derrick
platform. The rest of the time is spent maintaining the weight and viscosity
of the drilling fluid, ensuring that the drilling fluid equipment is operating
properly, preparing reports, inspecting the derrick, assisting the driller
with the maintenance and operation of the equipment, and training new crew
members. Is responsible for the maintenance and smooth operation of the mud
pumps and mud holding pits among other machines in the mud pump room. Also
assists the Roughnecks when very busy on drill floor and not required in the
pump room. This is the man who will climb the derrick, the tall drilling
tower, to assist racking drill pipe when it is being pulled out of the hole.
Diver
Works
underwater on various tasks. He inspects, builds and repairs structures using
underwater tools and equipment. He may also survey areas and search for
objects and carry tests for cracks on the log of rigs. Divers are responsible
for checking diving equipment and collecting diving equipment samples for
scientific purpose.
Doctor
Driller
After
the Drilling Manager, the driller has the next most senior position on the
rig. The driller duties include supervising the drilling crew and organizing
the jobs to be done during the daily tours as well as operating rig controls
and monitoring the drilling operations. The driller does record-keeping and
runs safety meetings as well as blow-out prevention (BOP) drills. Has a high
level of responsibility, and is in charge of everything happening on and above
the rig floor. He is the man that actually operates the drilling equipment,
making the hole in the seabed. Which is the reason the rig is there in the
first place. Requisites:
Must have 2-3 years
experience on a drilling rig and have completed the First Line Supervisors
Blowout Prevention Course and other related courses.
Drilling
Engineer
Drilling
Superintendent
Dynamic
Positioning Operator
Electrical
/ Electronic Supervisor
Electrical Engineer
Electrician
See
”Rig Electrician”
Electronic
Technician
Engine
Room Assistant
Engineer
Floor
Crew
The
workers on the drilling floor of a workover or drilling rig.
Entry
level position
Floor
Hand
Entry
level position for those who have had some training. Usually there are two
floorhands per crew. Duties include using tongs to connect and disconnect
drillpipe, equipment maintenance, assisting in laying casing after the well is
drilled, assisting other members of the crew as needed, and general
"housekeeping".
Food
& Beverage Manager
Gang
Pusher
Geologist
Geophysical
Engineer
Geotechnical
Engineer
GP
Repairman
Green
Hand
Is
the most junior position on the rig. Many of the duties include house keeping
and maintenance chores and observing and learning proper procedures in the day
to day operation of a service rig.
Entry
level position
Helicopter
Crew
Helicopter
Pilot: Studies and
prepares flight plans Checks equipment and the condition of the helicopter
Refuels and loads the helicopter Controls the helicopter on the ground and in
the air Studies information from flight instruments Writes reports and keeps a
flight log. Helicopter Maintenance Technician: Responsible of the maintenance,
servicing and repairing of helicopters. Regularly checks the engines and
frames of aircraft Regularly checks flight controls, landing gear and
propellers Regularly checks air-conditioning, hydraulic, fuel and engine
systems Repair or replaces any faulty systems or parts Maintains and services
ground equipment Examines aircraft before and after flights Keeps records of
repairs May researches and investigates recurring faults
Requisites:
Helicopter Pilot: Pilots
are required to have a minimum of 1,000 hours Pilot-in-Command time in
helicopters An FAA Commercial Helicopter certificate with a helicopter
instrument rating. Current FAA Class II medical Certificate is required.
Helicopter Maintenance Technician: FAA Airframe Power Plant License. Contract
Length: 6-12 months.
Housekeeper
See
“Cleaner”
Entry
level position
HVAC
Engineers
Hydraulic Crew
Inland
Deckhand
Instrument
Technician
Responsible
for calibration of measurement equipment, gauges, alarm panels etc.
Junior
Engineer
Kitchen
Utility / Foodhandlers
Washes
and peels vegetables and fruit, washes work tables and appliances, cleans
kitchen refuse containers, unpacks and stores supplies, sweeps and mops
floors, and assists cooks and kitchen staff. Entry
level position
Lab
Technician
Laundry
Stewards
Responsible
for washing and ironing of bedding, protective wear etc. Entry
level position
Leasehand
Unskilled
manual labour. Duties include: loading and unloading trucks, cleaning
buildings and equipment, and assisting other crew members as requested.
Entry
level position
Maintenance
Crew
Responsible
for keeping all the mechanical, electrical instruments and telecommunications
systems in good repair and running. Usually, they are craftsmen and
technicians who will have learned their trade and obtained experience onshore.
Maintenance
Engineer
Maintenance
Foreman
Responsible
for overseeing a Maintenance Roustabout Crew’s work.
Maintenance
Roustabout
Main
duties include general upkeep and cleaning of deck area of rig. Also painting.
Maintenance
Supervisor (Mechanical)
Must
have a sound mechanical background and oversees the whole maintenance crew's work.
Responsible
for the maintenance and repair of the diesel generators and all other mechanical
operations on the rig including the rig floor equipment. He carries out regular
maintenance on every machine on the rig. On
occasion they may have to work more than the normal 12 hour shift. He can be
called out at any time (during his time off) to fix a major problem. This,
however, is rare. There
will be times when he will have to work at heights, in a work basket, hoisted by
crane or air winch. Occasionally he might have to don a riding belt (harness)
and get hoisted by air winch.
Maintenance
Supervisor (Electrical)
Responsible
for the maintenance and repair of all the electrical equipment on board the rig,
right down to changing light bulbs. On the odd occasion, he may have to work
more than the normal 12 hour shift. He can be called out at any time during
their time off to fix a major problem. This rarely happens. There will be times
when he will have to work at heights, in a work basket, hoisted by crane or air
winch. Occasionally they may have to wear a riding belt (harness) and get
hoisted by air winch.
Maritime
Superintendant (Jack up Rigs)
Materialsman
See
”Storeman”
Mates
- Senior Mate, 2nd Mate, 3rd Mate
Mechanic
He
is a member of the engine room personnel. Directly responsible for the
operations and maintenance of all engines onboard, including the drilling
package.
Mechanical
Engineer
Medic
They
are rarely doctors, but have a high level of medical training. Some are former
nurses. On some smaller rigs they double up as a Rig Safety & Training Co-ordinator
(RSTC). They are responsible for the upkeep of the Sick Bay and the medical
stocks, issuing medicines like a pharmacist. Most rigs now carry out medical
checks on all employees every six months or so. Keeping of rig medical
records. The rig also has designated first aiders in every crew.
Metallurgical
Engineer
Motorman
The
crew member on a drilling rig who is responsible for the operations and
routine maintenance of the prime movers. The motorman can do minor repairs and
will do other duties when needed. Recommended course: Special Oilfield Boilers.
Motorhand
An
experienced floorhand may move into the position of Motorhand. Motorhands are
responsible for operating and maintaining the engines which power the drilling
equipment. There are usually three to four diesel engines and several
electrical engines on the drilling rig. Motor hands are also responsible for
helping to train floorhands and leasehands.
Mud
Engineer
Is
in charge of the drilling fluids being used. S/he will likely have a degree in
chemistry and will have a good knowledge of drilling procedures
Mud
Logger
Mud
loggers analyze the drilling fluids, or mud, that has circulated through the
well as it is drilled. Drilling fluid, or mud, is a mixture of chemicals that
is circulated down the well to maintain pressure and remove rock cuttings. Mud
Loggers are also known as hydrocarbon mud loggers and hydrocarbon data
analysts. They are typically contracted to work on oil and gas well drilling
rigs.
Mud
Logger Trainee
Nurse
Deals
with illnesses and injuries. Also controls the standard of water supply,
hygienic standards and the work of catering crew. Requisites:
Assists the Doctor in
seeing patients and is responsible for all clerical work and record keeping in
the hospital. Maintain medical records on crew. On call 24 hours a day for
walk-in and hospital care. Treatment to passengers and if required, to crew as
well. Reports directly to the Doctor.
Offshore
Const. Eng.(Project Manager)
Offshore
Installation Manager (OIM)
This
person is in overall charge of the rig. He has often worked his way up thought
the drill crew ranks so therefore knows exactly what needs to be done. Hence
sometimes called "Person In Charge" (PIC).
Offshore
Tug Mate
Assists
the Tug Master in towing ships in and out of harbours and though dangerous or
difficult waterways.
Oil
Spill and Environmental Crew
Oiler/Wiper
Trash
pick up in engine room, tool pick up, general cleaning and painting of engine
room. Reports directly to the Chief Engineer.
Entry
level position
Ordinary
Seaman
Entry
level position
OS
Seaman
Painter/Chipper
Given
his work by the Barge Engineer, the Painter is responsible for the rig
painting program. Like the Forth Road Bridge it is a never ending job. Often
working at heights with scaffolding safety harness and or work basket hoisted
by the crane. Usually builds his own scaffolding. May have an assistant,
especially if the rig does not have a Maintenance Roustabout squad.
Entry
level position
(but you must have a head for heights).
Paint
Foreman
Petroleum
Engineer
Pipe
Fitter
Daily
maintenance and cleaning of engines and mechanical equipment. Highly skilled
at instituting repairs using custom made and cut parts to exact
specifications. Reports directly to the 1st Engineer.
Requisites:
Extensive experience with
minimum 3 to 5 year in subordinate positions on board ships.
Pipehandling
Technician
Platform
Erection Crew
Plumber
Pneumatic
Crew
Production
Operator / Production Foreman
Project
Engineer
Pump
Mechanic
Pumpman (Assistant
Derrickman)
Assistant to the Dereckman in the mud pump room. Works on the drill
floor as a Roughneck, when required. Supervise pump rooms, cargo line, valve
arrangement and liquid cargo. Reports directly to Chief Engineer.
Requisites:
Certificates Required.
Extensive experience with minimum 3 to 5 year in subordinate positions on
board ships.
Radio
Operator
Modern
radio systems dictate the need for a GMDSS Radio Operator's Licence.
Responsible for onboard communications systems, helicopter logistics,
preparation of Personnel On Board lists, lifeboat and emergency muster lists,
T-Cards etc. Since the advent of modern radio the radio operator's job has
changed tremendously.
A
good modern Radio Operator will have excellent PC skills, good admin skills
and must be able to get along with people as the radio room will be the focal
point for most peoples communications in and out of the rig. They also get
landed with other administrative jobs that no-one else seems to have the time
for. He might also be find himself labelled as resident I.T. tutor / network
administrator.
Probably one of the easier jobs on the rig. Good money if you can
stand it. Bring plenty books. However, it is a vital job.
Rig
Electrician
Responsible
for the entire electrical system on board the vessel and supervises staff
under his command. Reports directly to the Chief Engineer. He is part of the
Maintenance Personnel. Requisites:
Certified as a licensed as
a Electrician. Extensive experience with minimum 2 to 5 year in subordinate
positions on board ships.
Rig
Engineer
Rig
Hand
Works
on all rig jobs. Involved in drilling oil or gas wells and casing wells with
pipe. All oil and gas well drilling workers must be able to lift items
weighing up to 25 kilograms. Must be able to work in all types of weather
conditions. Usually 12 hour shifts. Accommodation is usually in camps or
nearby towns.
Entry
level position.
Rig
Manager
Manage
crews at drilling and service rigs. Rig managers are responsible for making
sure daily operations run smoothly.
Rig
Mechanic
In
charged of all the maintenance and mechanical repairs.
Rig
Safety & Training Co-ordinator (RSTC)
Some say, this is a
well paid job for the amount of work involved. There
is a lot of responsibility. A job for someone who is a good communicator and
has good organisational and computer skills. You will also require full
knowledge of the offshore safety laws and company policies.
Rig
Welder
Operates
manual and semiautomatic welding equipment to weld ferrous metals. They are
permanently on one rig and carry out all day to day repairs and building of
new metalwork. They are always busy. When there is a big project often a squad
of welders are hired to finish the job quickly. These guys move from rig to
rig wherever their company has a contract. It’s fair to say that welders are
responsible for the majority of fires onboard drilling rigs
Rotary Wing Pilot
See
“Helicopter Crew”
Roughneck /
Floorman
A
promotion from Roustabout. Roughnecks carry out the manual of the drilling
operation under the direction of the Driller. Training is provided as the job
requires a high degree of teamwork, although it still involves hard physical
effort. Works on the rig floor in a team of three and is responsible for the
operation of equipment and machines as required by the particular operation
being carried out at that time by the driller. While drilling, one Roughneck
is present in the mud
process room at
all times. He takes mud weights and ensures shakers and other machines are
working properly. Requisites:
This position requires
experience and knowledge in the mechanical and welding field.
Roustabout
/ Asst. Driller
Main
duties include guiding the crane as loads are moved about the deck, supplying
equipment from the surface boats, producing wells service units to the rig
floor as requested and keeping pipe deck and main deck areas clean and tidy.
Will also assist Roughnecks on the drill floor when required. This usually
only happens when the Roughnecks are too busy to get a meal break. The
Roustabout will get his meal, then go to the drill floor allowing one
Roughneck to get his break. Then each Roughneck swaps out until everyone has
eaten. Roustabouts are often
members of the stretcher party.
Entry
level position.
Safety
& Training Officer
Safety
Crew
Sandblasting
Crew
Sanitory
Engineer
Scaffolders
Are
not usually tied to any one rig. They go to different installations depending
on where their company has work.
Second
Mate
Security
Personnel
Seismic
Crew
Service
Crew
Shipfitting
Crew
Stability
Technician
Steward
(Janitorial & Accomodation)
Assists in the kitchen, cleans the accommodation area and does the
laundry.
Entry
level position.
Storekeeper
Member
of the catering staff who maintains stocks and keeps records of supplies.
Entry
level position.
Storeman/Materialsman
A
crew member who maintains stocks and distributes equipment and parts on an
offshore platform. Responsible for the maintenance of the stores and stock
ordering and receiving. Must be computer literate. One drawback of this job is
that on smaller rigs with only one stores person they sometimes have to get up
at all hours to check the cargo coming off the boat. On many rigs, the store
is usually the place where the crew gets a freshly brewed cup of coffee!
Structural
Engineer
Structural
Mechanic
Sub
Sea Engineer
Is
responsible for the Blow Out Preventer (BOP) unit and the motion compensation
system of the rig among other duties.
Tankerman
Toolpusher
This
offshore oil rig employment position entails working in the rig offices and on
the rig floor. He is usually an experienced driller and also has
responsibilities on the main deck of the oil rig. The Drilling Rig Manager or
"Toolpusher", is the drilling company’s representative on the rig.
Keeping running efficiently is the main job of a toolpusher. That means
getting the hole drilled quickly and safety. The toolpusher also has to keep
costs down and the equipment in good repair. This person is called on 24 hours
a day. Requisites:
Must have 2-3 years
experience as a driller and have completed Second Line Supervisors Blowout
Prevention (BOP) Course and a course in Drilling Engineering and Drilling
Operations.
Tourpusher
Transportation
Foreman
Utility
Engineer
Warehouseman
See
”Storekeeper/Storeman”
Watchstander
Welder
See
”Rig Welder”
Typical Post Structure on an
Oil Rig
Salaries
on offshore oil rigs
This
is just a simple indication of what type of salary you could be earning:
*
Roustabouts
start at approximately US $300 per day
* Roughnecks
(drill deck workers) can earn up to US $355 per day.
* As a Driller
you are likely to make US $420 per day
*
Toolpushers
and drill leader positions, chief and supervisor positions are likely to
make US $75,000 - US $100,000 per year
* Entry
level positions
are likely to make US $50,000 - US $80,000 per year.
* Trades/
technical/ professional
are
likely to make $70,000-$220,000 per year.
If
you choose to work overseas your rate of pay may increase dramatically.
Entry-level
positions:
The
first thing any interviewer will ask you is "Do you have previous offshore
experience?". This is not a pre-requisite, but it helps! Everybody is considered on his/her
own merits. Once you have worked on a rig for six
months, you will be regarded as "rig
experienced" and doors will start
opening for you. I'll keep on repeating this statement - "BE PREPARED TO START AT THE BOTTOM", even
though you are highly qualified in your trade. When applying for a post
at a Drilling contractor, apply as Roustabout, Chipper/Painter, Laundry
Steward, or whatever entry-level 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's 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 accomodation). 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. During 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 three 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 test, 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, for example, wear a beard, trim it neatly. Wear neat, casual
clothes. Be alert, confident (but do not boast), positive and display a
friendly mannerism. Let me
reiterate…do not turn down any
reasonable offer.
This
might sound silly (actually stupid)…. but, when called for an interview, pack
(enough for 3 weeks to 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, you 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 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 momentarily 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
total different matter…for starters, 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
3 to 15 hours and the swell can reach 2 to 3 metres….pretty rough going.
Do
not take any alcohol, firearms or drugs with - you WILL be
searched!. What else NOT to take
will be:
*
Any
flammable items
*
Lighter(s)
*
Matches
(If you are a smoker, safety matches are available in the Smoko shack)
*
Knives
(or anything that can be regarded as a weapon)
If
on any regular prescription medicine, read
this twice:
*
Make sure the dates are current.
*
Do not mix any medicine in the same
vial (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 the same as drugs)
