What does it feel like to work on an oil rig?

If you’re considering offshore job on an oil rig, understanding all aspects of the job is essential for ensuring it’s the right career move for you. Working on an oil rig looks better today than it once did, thanks to developments in drilling technology, but the job is still physically demanding and potentially risky.

Before going forward let’s take a quick look at some fast facts of Oil Rig :

OIL RIG FAST FACTS

• There are around 1,470 offshore oil rigs around the world based on data from Statista, which means this role could take you anywhere from the UK to Australia or even the Gulf of Mexico or the South-East Asian fields.
• Oil rigs are commonly referred to as “floating cities”.
• At any one time you will find nearly 200 people living and working on a rig
• Mobile phones are often banned and phone signal is rare
• You’ll rarely find a window inside



How many hours will I work on an oil rig?

• Rigs are operational 24 hours a day, all year round.
• The standard working pattern is two weeks on, two weeks off or for some more high-level positions two weeks on, three weeks off.
• Many offshore jobs require shift patterns of 2 or 3 weeks on the rig / 2-3 weeks onshore, but the patterns can be longer.
What will my offshore place be like?
• Cabins are shared, usually 2-4 to a room, with bathrooms shared by cabins.
• All cooking is done for you by a canteen providing all meals and snacks
• All offshore rigs have good recreational facilities to keep on-board staff entertained when not on shift
• The rigs typically employ a cleaning staff to see to the living quarters.

How will I stay in touch with my family members if I have a job overseas?

Far out at sea, mobile phone signal is rare! However, larger oil rigs will have internet connections enabling Skype and other messaging services for continuous communication with those back home. There are also some great apps to help you stay in touch with your loved ones whilst on assignment.

What salary and benefits can I expect offshore?

It is no secret that oil rig workers stand to make an exciting paycheck, even in entry-level positions.
• Offshore jobs pay differently depending on your experience and role.
• Rig engineers can expect to be paid well due to a combination of the specialized expertise required and the risks associated with it.
• Graduate positions often start around £30,000 and the average wage is £65,000

Life is never dull on an oil rig

• Good recreational amenities to keep on-board staff entertained when not on shift.
• Small movie theatres and pool tables, to air hockey, video game consoles and large screen TVs are available.
• Wi-Fi
• Generally, alcohol and non-prescription drugs are completed banned but smoking is allowed in selected areas.
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