North Sea Offshore Career Guide
Offshore Career Guide - UK North Sea
Our guide for those interested in working offshore in the UK North Sea.
As there are a wide range of roles to pursue its difficult to know where to begin!
The phrase I hear all to often is;
'I want to work on the rigs because I've heard the money's good'.
Working offshore is by no means and easy job, safety is always the top priority. The offshore environment is a challenging and hostile place in which to work and those personnel who play their part in operating and maintaining it, are each highly skilled. All offshore workers must pass intensive training and are frequently assessed to maintain their qualifications and certificates. Okay, so now we've cleared that up, let's take a closer look at what we needed.
Two things which are essential to working offshore are:
A survival certificate for the Offshore environment.
A medical.
OFFSHORE SURVIVAL
The offshore survival certificate for UK waters is reffered to as a BOSIET.
(Basic Safety Offshore Induction and Emergency Training).
The B0SIET includes; Survival at Sea, Safety, First Aid and Hypothermia, Fire Prevention and Fire Fighting, Helicopter Safety and Escape.
BOSIET courses vary in length between providers - usually 2 to 3 days, and with the advent of e-learning some providers allow the theory parts to be completed via the internet. The cost of a basic course is around 600, plus any accommodation costs. Courses are very popular and there can be a waiting list of a couple of weeks - though gone are the days of a single provider for the UK. The "Offshore Survival Certificate" as the BOSIET is also commonly known, is only valid for 4 years, and a refresher (usually lasting a day) must be done before your old certificate expires otherwise the whole 3 day course must be repeated. There are no exceptions to this rule.
'Extras' can be requested when doing your survival which can be bolted on to the BOSIET. 'Additional Safety Training' is an example which counts for the Norwegian sector and which is essentially extra helicopter escape training.
Different countries across the world have differing requirements, some more stringent than the UK requirements described above, whereas others are frighteningly inadequate. For example a BOSIET course is not sufficient for working in the Norwegian sector of the North Sea. The Norwegian Oil Industry Association (OLF) course, is a 5 day affair and a lot more demanding than that required in the UK. Most offshore training companies in the UK run courses allowing you to work in other sectors. These are often run as additions to the BOSIET course.
THE MEDICAL
Every offshore worker must undergo and pass a medical examination which classifies them as medically fit to work in the offshore environment.
Different offshore authorities have different requirements. For UK waters only physicians who are approved by the United Kingdom Offshore Operators Association (UKOOA) Health Advisory Committee should carry out the examination and issue certificates.
The offshore medical certificate, as it is commonly known, is only valid for a limited time, and you need to renew it to continue working offshore. The frequency for renewal depends on the authority controlling the asset you are visiting and your age.
In UK waters all assets are controlled by UKOOA and they require renewals to be every 2 years. This rule is irrespective of age, and has been in effect from January 1st 2007.
The typical medical examination will entail a physical examination and you will be required to complete an extensive form on your medical history and lifestyle, e.g. exercise and alcohol consumption.
- Urine check (for protein and sugar)
- Height, weight and resultant Body Mass Index calculation
- Blood pressure and pulse
- Basic eye sight test including colour vision
- Capacity of Lungs check
-Test of Hearing
-The physical examination by a qualified doctor. Checking stature, breathing, reflexes, etc.
- The doctor will also discuss the form you filled in, and carry out any additional checks they think necessary.
An employer who is paying for your examination may request additional checks such as a drug test.
The Next Step
Don't rush out and get your offshore survival and medical just yet though. These alone will not guarantee you work. You now have to decide what kind of offshore career path you wish to follow. Perhaps you already have some skills you can build on. For example if you are an electrician, you could develop your skills to work in this field offshore. Or if you are a chef or a cook perhaps you would like to pursue this role offshore. There are a wide range of roles to research. Find out what skills are in demand at the moment, and where you would need to train to become qualified. Find out as much as you can about the industry. Perhaps you have a relative who works in the industry, or know a friend who knows of someone that does. Talk to them; ask them for their advice and how they got started. Research a discipline you are interested in, find out where you need to train and the costs involved in becoming qualified. Listed below are just a few of the many job categories to investigate further.
Engineering
Drilling
Piping
Marine/Diving/ROV
Technicians
N.D.T. & Rope access personnel
Specialized trades & Riggers
Health & Safety
Geologists & Geosciences
Working Offshore
Working on an oil rig offshore is very different from an onshore office. The days are long (12 hours), there are harsh weather conditions, (especially in the UK's North Sea) the remoteness, and transport by helicopter are not for everyone. It is certainly very different from the usual office workers nine to five and rush hour commute. Most people fins it a challenging but refreshing environment in which to work.
What To Expect
A lot depends on the installation. Whether it is a drilling rig, a production platform, or an FPSO (Floating Production Storage and Offloading vessel) they all differ. Some are large, some huge, others small. As a result, the facilities they offer all vary. However, a typical North Sea production platform will boast a core crew of 50-100 men and women. Living quarters are compact but comfortable, usually en-suite, with 2 or more to a cabin. Food is good and plentiful, although do not expect a beer with your meals - alcohol is strictly prohibited offshore.
Offshore crew usually work on a production platform for a period of two weeks before having a rest period onshore for two weeks - 2 weeks on 2 weeks off, though 2 weeks on and 3 weeks off is becoming increasingly common. Those in drilling and exploration can spend longer offshore. Offshore crew work 12 hours a day, including rest and meal breaks, and have 12 hours off. Off-shift, workers can choose to work out in the gym, watch a video or DVD or satellite TV, play snooker, play PC games, read or just hang out with their colleagues.
Downsides
It does have downsides. Living with work colleagues, means that an offshore worker has to be able to co-operate in a group. You have to get on with your cabin mates. Work disagreements need to be patched up quickly. Being away from home can also be a problem. Missing out on the kids' birthdays may be the least of your concerns; unfortunately prolonged absence from home can be a catalyst for divorce and family break up.
Restrictions
In addition to survival and medicals, there are a few other restrictions;
- The minimum age for working offshore in the UK sector is 18.
Some people have been denied travel because their breath smells of alcohol or they appear under the influence of drugs. Under no circumstances are you allowed to travel and drug and tests for alcohol do occur randomly at the departure desk.
- There is a limit to how long you can spend offshore in any one trip. Most operators have a 21 day limit on this. After 21 days you must be onshore for 7 days before travelling offshore again.
Our guide for those interested in working offshore in the UK North Sea.
As there are a wide range of roles to pursue its difficult to know where to begin!
The phrase I hear all to often is;
'I want to work on the rigs because I've heard the money's good'.
Working offshore is by no means and easy job, safety is always the top priority. The offshore environment is a challenging and hostile place in which to work and those personnel who play their part in operating and maintaining it, are each highly skilled. All offshore workers must pass intensive training and are frequently assessed to maintain their qualifications and certificates. Okay, so now we've cleared that up, let's take a closer look at what we needed.
Two things which are essential to working offshore are:
A survival certificate for the Offshore environment.
A medical.
OFFSHORE SURVIVAL
The offshore survival certificate for UK waters is reffered to as a BOSIET.
(Basic Safety Offshore Induction and Emergency Training).
The B0SIET includes; Survival at Sea, Safety, First Aid and Hypothermia, Fire Prevention and Fire Fighting, Helicopter Safety and Escape.
BOSIET courses vary in length between providers - usually 2 to 3 days, and with the advent of e-learning some providers allow the theory parts to be completed via the internet. The cost of a basic course is around 600, plus any accommodation costs. Courses are very popular and there can be a waiting list of a couple of weeks - though gone are the days of a single provider for the UK. The "Offshore Survival Certificate" as the BOSIET is also commonly known, is only valid for 4 years, and a refresher (usually lasting a day) must be done before your old certificate expires otherwise the whole 3 day course must be repeated. There are no exceptions to this rule.
'Extras' can be requested when doing your survival which can be bolted on to the BOSIET. 'Additional Safety Training' is an example which counts for the Norwegian sector and which is essentially extra helicopter escape training.
Different countries across the world have differing requirements, some more stringent than the UK requirements described above, whereas others are frighteningly inadequate. For example a BOSIET course is not sufficient for working in the Norwegian sector of the North Sea. The Norwegian Oil Industry Association (OLF) course, is a 5 day affair and a lot more demanding than that required in the UK. Most offshore training companies in the UK run courses allowing you to work in other sectors. These are often run as additions to the BOSIET course.
THE MEDICAL
Every offshore worker must undergo and pass a medical examination which classifies them as medically fit to work in the offshore environment.
Different offshore authorities have different requirements. For UK waters only physicians who are approved by the United Kingdom Offshore Operators Association (UKOOA) Health Advisory Committee should carry out the examination and issue certificates.
The offshore medical certificate, as it is commonly known, is only valid for a limited time, and you need to renew it to continue working offshore. The frequency for renewal depends on the authority controlling the asset you are visiting and your age.
In UK waters all assets are controlled by UKOOA and they require renewals to be every 2 years. This rule is irrespective of age, and has been in effect from January 1st 2007.
The typical medical examination will entail a physical examination and you will be required to complete an extensive form on your medical history and lifestyle, e.g. exercise and alcohol consumption.
- Urine check (for protein and sugar)
- Height, weight and resultant Body Mass Index calculation
- Blood pressure and pulse
- Basic eye sight test including colour vision
- Capacity of Lungs check
-Test of Hearing
-The physical examination by a qualified doctor. Checking stature, breathing, reflexes, etc.
- The doctor will also discuss the form you filled in, and carry out any additional checks they think necessary.
An employer who is paying for your examination may request additional checks such as a drug test.
The Next Step
Don't rush out and get your offshore survival and medical just yet though. These alone will not guarantee you work. You now have to decide what kind of offshore career path you wish to follow. Perhaps you already have some skills you can build on. For example if you are an electrician, you could develop your skills to work in this field offshore. Or if you are a chef or a cook perhaps you would like to pursue this role offshore. There are a wide range of roles to research. Find out what skills are in demand at the moment, and where you would need to train to become qualified. Find out as much as you can about the industry. Perhaps you have a relative who works in the industry, or know a friend who knows of someone that does. Talk to them; ask them for their advice and how they got started. Research a discipline you are interested in, find out where you need to train and the costs involved in becoming qualified. Listed below are just a few of the many job categories to investigate further.
Engineering
Drilling
Piping
Marine/Diving/ROV
Technicians
N.D.T. & Rope access personnel
Specialized trades & Riggers
Health & Safety
Geologists & Geosciences
Working Offshore
Working on an oil rig offshore is very different from an onshore office. The days are long (12 hours), there are harsh weather conditions, (especially in the UK's North Sea) the remoteness, and transport by helicopter are not for everyone. It is certainly very different from the usual office workers nine to five and rush hour commute. Most people fins it a challenging but refreshing environment in which to work.
What To Expect
A lot depends on the installation. Whether it is a drilling rig, a production platform, or an FPSO (Floating Production Storage and Offloading vessel) they all differ. Some are large, some huge, others small. As a result, the facilities they offer all vary. However, a typical North Sea production platform will boast a core crew of 50-100 men and women. Living quarters are compact but comfortable, usually en-suite, with 2 or more to a cabin. Food is good and plentiful, although do not expect a beer with your meals - alcohol is strictly prohibited offshore.
Offshore crew usually work on a production platform for a period of two weeks before having a rest period onshore for two weeks - 2 weeks on 2 weeks off, though 2 weeks on and 3 weeks off is becoming increasingly common. Those in drilling and exploration can spend longer offshore. Offshore crew work 12 hours a day, including rest and meal breaks, and have 12 hours off. Off-shift, workers can choose to work out in the gym, watch a video or DVD or satellite TV, play snooker, play PC games, read or just hang out with their colleagues.
Downsides
It does have downsides. Living with work colleagues, means that an offshore worker has to be able to co-operate in a group. You have to get on with your cabin mates. Work disagreements need to be patched up quickly. Being away from home can also be a problem. Missing out on the kids' birthdays may be the least of your concerns; unfortunately prolonged absence from home can be a catalyst for divorce and family break up.
Restrictions
In addition to survival and medicals, there are a few other restrictions;
- The minimum age for working offshore in the UK sector is 18.
Some people have been denied travel because their breath smells of alcohol or they appear under the influence of drugs. Under no circumstances are you allowed to travel and drug and tests for alcohol do occur randomly at the departure desk.
- There is a limit to how long you can spend offshore in any one trip. Most operators have a 21 day limit on this. After 21 days you must be onshore for 7 days before travelling offshore again.
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