What is it like to work on an oil rig?

Answer 1

Depending on the position you have it could be anything from very demanding to relaxed, but usually always busy. Time spent on a rig can be anything from 3 months on/one month off, one month on/one month off, or anything somewhat similar depending on your job and company you work for. There are people from various companies and in different jobs on board a rig. One gets transferred to a rig by either boat or helicopter.

Safety rules are very strict and have to be followed to the tee for everyone's safety benefit!! At times you can find yourself working in the elements: cold, heat, rain, snow, strong winds. It is not a rare event to abandon a rig ahead of a severe storm where personnel will be taken back onshore.

There are usually no shops but great foods are prepared 4 times per day. Beverages and snacks can be found any time in the galley. There is usually one smoking room, a gym, Satellite TV, DVDs and games on board. Rooms are usually shared by anything from 2 to 6 people. The climate in the accommodation building is regulated and is quite welcoming. Rigs are kept very clean not only for our comfort but also for safety reasons. You will always make some friends on a rig. Telephones are always available to call home. On some rigs cameras and internet is not allowed. Lighters are banned and your medication controlled. You may take your own laptop for your entertainment.

Medical assistance is always available for anything from a headache to serious injuries where helicopter evacuations are in place. In the rare event of a serious rig incident, evacuation drills are in place and often drilled.

All-in-all, its a good place to meet some great people from different nationalities and also to gain loads of knowledge and experience which could be valuable to your future employment.