North Sea - Offshore Career guide
If you are interested in working in the North Sea here is our useful guide.
As there are so many different positions to research and investigate it's tough to know where to start!
The phrase I hear all too often is;
'My uncle/friend/ earns a killing on the rigs, - I want a job offshore too'!
It's well paid for a reason! The North Sea is a challenging and hostile environment to work in, and the personnel required to operate an oil rig are each highly skilled. Each offshore worker has to pass rigorous training in order to qualify to work, and they are frequently assessed to maintain their certificates. Working offshore is in by no means an easy job, and safety is always a priority. Now we're clear on that let's take a look at the essentials.
There are two things that are needed to work offshore:
An offshore survival certificate.
A medical.
OFFSHORE SURVIVAL
The offshore survival certificate for UK waters is referred to as a BOSIET.
(Basic Safety Offshore Induction and Emergency Training).
The BOSIET includes; First Aid and Hypothermia, Survival at Sea, General Safety, Helicopter Safety and Escape, Fire Preventions and Fire Fighting.
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. BOSIET course are usually 2 to 3 days and vary in length between providers, some companies now allow the theory parts to be completed via the internet. The BOSIET is commonly known as the 'Offshore Survival Certificate' or 'Survival Ticket'. It is valid for four years, and refresher must be undertaken before your old certificate expires. Failing to do this means the whole 3 day course must be re-taken. There are apparently no exceptions to this rule. Cost of the basic course is around 600 GBP, plus accommodation costs.
There are "extras" that you can request, and pay for, when doing your survival, e.g. a little extra helicopter escape training bolted on to the BOSIET counts as "Additional Safety Training" for the Norwegian sector.
Some countries across the world have different requirements, some more stringent than those in the UK. One example; the BOSIET course is not enough to work in the North Sea Norwegian sector. 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.
At the examination you will be required to fill out an extensive form on your medical history. This will include your lifestyle, e.g. exercise, alcohol consumption etc. When this completed your will be examined physically.
- 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
-A Check on your lung capacity
-Test on 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.
If your employer is paying for your medical, they may request additional checks such as a drug tests or a blood test.
The Next Step
It's no use rushing out and getting your offshore survival and medical straight away however. These two pre-requisites alone will not guarantee you employment. You now have to research the various career paths on the rig. What is it you see yourself doing offshore? Do you have skills you could develop which could then be utilized? Perhaps your already qualified in a trade such as a cook or electrician, you could simply take the additional training and do this job offshore. There are a wide range of roles to investigate further. Do some research find out what skills are currently in demand, and the training involved in becoming qualified. Find out the cost involved, who runs the course, the body who oversees it. Below is a short list of the many job categories to research further.
Engineering
Drilling
Piping
Marine/Diving/ROV
Technicians
N.D.T. & Rope access personnel
Specialized trades & Riggers
Health & Safety
Geologists & Geosciences
Working Offshore
Working offshore on an oil platform is very different from working in an on shore office! Some find it a challenging but refreshing environment, quite different from the nine-to-five routine and the rush-hour commute. The long working day (12 hours), the harsh weather conditions, especially in the North Sea, the remoteness, and the reliance on helicopter travel do not suit everyone.
What To Expect
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. 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
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
You have to get on with your cabin mates. Work disagreements need to be patched up quickly. There are downsides. Living close together with you colleague's means you have to get on with everyone. Disagreements certainly need to be patched up quickly. Being away from your loved ones at home can also sometimes be a problem as can on occasion lead to divorce or break up.
Restrictions
There are a few other restrictions in addition to the survival and medical;
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.
If you are interested in working in the North Sea here is our useful guide.
As there are so many different positions to research and investigate it's tough to know where to start!
The phrase I hear all too often is;
'My uncle/friend/ earns a killing on the rigs, - I want a job offshore too'!
It's well paid for a reason! The North Sea is a challenging and hostile environment to work in, and the personnel required to operate an oil rig are each highly skilled. Each offshore worker has to pass rigorous training in order to qualify to work, and they are frequently assessed to maintain their certificates. Working offshore is in by no means an easy job, and safety is always a priority. Now we're clear on that let's take a look at the essentials.
There are two things that are needed to work offshore:
An offshore survival certificate.
A medical.
OFFSHORE SURVIVAL
The offshore survival certificate for UK waters is referred to as a BOSIET.
(Basic Safety Offshore Induction and Emergency Training).
The BOSIET includes; First Aid and Hypothermia, Survival at Sea, General Safety, Helicopter Safety and Escape, Fire Preventions and Fire Fighting.
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. BOSIET course are usually 2 to 3 days and vary in length between providers, some companies now allow the theory parts to be completed via the internet. The BOSIET is commonly known as the 'Offshore Survival Certificate' or 'Survival Ticket'. It is valid for four years, and refresher must be undertaken before your old certificate expires. Failing to do this means the whole 3 day course must be re-taken. There are apparently no exceptions to this rule. Cost of the basic course is around 600 GBP, plus accommodation costs.
There are "extras" that you can request, and pay for, when doing your survival, e.g. a little extra helicopter escape training bolted on to the BOSIET counts as "Additional Safety Training" for the Norwegian sector.
Some countries across the world have different requirements, some more stringent than those in the UK. One example; the BOSIET course is not enough to work in the North Sea Norwegian sector. 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.
At the examination you will be required to fill out an extensive form on your medical history. This will include your lifestyle, e.g. exercise, alcohol consumption etc. When this completed your will be examined physically.
- 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
-A Check on your lung capacity
-Test on 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.
If your employer is paying for your medical, they may request additional checks such as a drug tests or a blood test.
The Next Step
It's no use rushing out and getting your offshore survival and medical straight away however. These two pre-requisites alone will not guarantee you employment. You now have to research the various career paths on the rig. What is it you see yourself doing offshore? Do you have skills you could develop which could then be utilized? Perhaps your already qualified in a trade such as a cook or electrician, you could simply take the additional training and do this job offshore. There are a wide range of roles to investigate further. Do some research find out what skills are currently in demand, and the training involved in becoming qualified. Find out the cost involved, who runs the course, the body who oversees it. Below is a short list of the many job categories to research further.
Engineering
Drilling
Piping
Marine/Diving/ROV
Technicians
N.D.T. & Rope access personnel
Specialized trades & Riggers
Health & Safety
Geologists & Geosciences
Working Offshore
Working offshore on an oil platform is very different from working in an on shore office! Some find it a challenging but refreshing environment, quite different from the nine-to-five routine and the rush-hour commute. The long working day (12 hours), the harsh weather conditions, especially in the North Sea, the remoteness, and the reliance on helicopter travel do not suit everyone.
What To Expect
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. 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
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
You have to get on with your cabin mates. Work disagreements need to be patched up quickly. There are downsides. Living close together with you colleague's means you have to get on with everyone. Disagreements certainly need to be patched up quickly. Being away from your loved ones at home can also sometimes be a problem as can on occasion lead to divorce or break up.
Restrictions
There are a few other restrictions in addition to the survival and medical;
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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