What qualifications do you need to work on the oil rigs?
The range of jobs on oil rigs, skilled and professional, are
vast.
I would say that mechanical, electrical or engineering types of
certificates, diplomas and degrees justify most positions on oil
rigs. These would cover jobs such as: Supervisors, managers,
mechanical and electrical engineers, drillers, tool-pushers and
roughnecks, fitters, welders and boilermakers, mechanical
maintenance personnel, riggers, diesel mechanics, rig mechanics,
compressor technicians, crane operators, etc. There are also
roustabouts or deckhands which are usually skilled or semiskilled
personnel and function as cleaners, assistants and general tasks on
a rig.
Qualifications in Oil and Petrochemical areas account for many
positions on an oil rig for operators and subsurface engineers.
Geological qualifications also account for some oil rig positions
like mud engineers and mud loggers. As safety and environmental
protection is a huge responsibility on oil rigs, qualifications in
that area could get you a job on an oil rig. Deep water scuba
divers are also employed by oil rigs, although this career is not
advised for too many years as it takes its toll on the human body.
Doctors and paramedics are important and can be found on any large
rig. If its a small manned platform, the doctor will only be a
short trip away by boat. Personnel with IT diplomas are found on
rigs too.
There are also the chefs and cooking and catering type
certification is required. Cleaners that keep the living quarters,
offices, galley and bathrooms clean, wash the washing, empty and
sort garbage also make up an important part of the rig personnel.
Without them, no one would want to work there.
Oil rigs mostly seek personnel already experienced in offshore
work or trained specifically for offshore operations. The reason
for this is because of the busy and schedule and hazardous
environment on rigs. It makes it hard to look after inexperienced
people, but this is not always the case. You have to start
somewhere.. Experience is crucial though. Needless to say, oil
companies are extremely good at QHSE (Quality, Health, Safety,
Environment) management and incident prevention these days.
If you are interested in working in an oil rig and want to know
the qualifications needed to do so, there are some to factor in.
Depending on the type of job, you may need a college degree. Some
labor jobs you do not need any kind of skills and can be
trained.
