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[O57]Offshore Oil Rig Employment

by Mickey Horn, Mic

We have the capacity to locate oil deep below the ocean floor. Sometimes very large oil reserves are found very deep in the ocean bed. To get to the oil and use it, huge drilling rigs are built to provide a platform for drills to be fixed to. The drills can drill through rock on the sea floor and give us access to huge oil reserves. The platform can house workers, machinery and drills needed to drill oil and natural gas wells into the ocean floor.

Oil platforms can be located far out in the ocean. The capability of drilling in deeper and deeper waters is becoming more and more feasible every day. Currently, we can access oil reservoirs about five miles down from the ocean’s surface. Helicopters carry workers to and from the oil platform. Cranes lift and lower supplies from ships to the platform. The drill is made of thirty-three foot long pipes pieced together to get to the depth of the ocean floor. A drill bit is located at the end of the pipes. All of the drilling equipment is housed in a steel tower known as the derrick. Most oil platforms are equipped with fireproof life boats and living quarters with fireproof walls for its workers. Since fires and explosions are not unheard of on oil rigs, workers are sometimes housed in floating living quarters away from the rig itself.

Oil rigs have to be built to be extremely tough. They must be able to withstand super high winds and a continuous pounding of waves. Engineers monitor and repair all parts of the oil rig night and day. They check for cracks and parts that may have been weakened, especially after storms or a hurricane. Any parts that become rusty or loose could mean disaster. The safety of all the workers is in their hands. They make sure that any excess gas that cannot be used is burned off to reduce the amount of explosion risk around and under the oil platform. Fireboats are always nearby, ready to extinguish any fires that may erupt, with thousands of gallons of water per minute.

Life on an oil platform can be tough for workers. They are exposed to high winds, dangerous conditions and harsh weather. The work itself can be extremely hard, physically, and mentally can be tough because workers are usually required to live on the rig for weeks at a time. Roustabouts are workers that keep everything running smoothly around the drilling area. Roughnecks are more highly trained to work the drill itself. Roughnecks add pipe to the drill when needed and make repairs as they go. People work on the rig night and day to keep things running smoothly and safely.

All oil rigs have a team of highly skilled divers permanently on call. Divers are responsible to the erection of the rig during production. They are then responsible for monitoring all of the underwater components of the oil platform. They are required to make repairs to pipes, cables and the underlying structures of the rig.

If you are interested in entering the oil industry then you need to be sure you have got what it takes to apply for these positions. There are a few aspects that need to be taken into consideration when you are thinking about joining this industry. If you have had little or no previous experience then you will need to work at an entry level job and work up. The easiest way to improve your chances are to work for an onshore oil rig company first or complete a Fire-fighter or basic offshore survival certificate. This training is not required but may increase your chances of getting the job you want. When you work at an onshore company you will be trained to use the equipment safely and learn how to oil rigs work. Onboard there will be classroom-based training as well as practical training. Over time you will be given the chance to move forward and apply for work that is more demanding and better paid. Starting off at an entry-level job you can expect a salary of US 50,000 a year and upwards. This amount may vary depending on your contract with the Oil Company. Do not be put off if you may think you are too old. There are many people who work on an oilrig will into there 60's! Provided you are in good health, physically able and pass the required medical certificate you are an ideal candidate for the oil rig industry.

To be successful in obtaining work, be sure you are physically strong and able, as this work can be very demanding. If you know someone who works within the industry, ask them to put a word in for you as the company is more likely to hire someone who has a good reference from someone who already works there. If you need to begin at the bottom and work your way up, then you will probably work as a roustabout or roughneck. When you apply for these jobs, be sure to mention any previous experience you may have had to anything relating to oil industry work. This could include trade experiences. If the company considers you a good worker and competent, they may then offer you another job that is more difficult and demanding. Salaries start of at US 50,000 a year or US $300 a day and work up to US 100,000 a year. If you want to work overseas then you can earn up US 220,000. Living offshore may be hard the first time but over time as you adjust you will be more comfortable.

There are a few general guidelines to living offshore: You may be required to work a nightshift, as an oilrig is a 24-hour operation. Be sure to not upset the chef, medic or radio operator, as you may need medical attention, food and helicopters. When you have your meal, take off your work outfit and eat in the galley. When you submit your CV to oil companies, make sure your CV stands out from the rest. You can do this by using coloured paper and strong font. Make sure there are no spelling mistakes, as this may not seem to important at least they know you have taken time to prepare a good CV. Ensure the writing is easy to read and if you can type it out on a computer and print it out. Include a cover letter stating exactly what you hope to obtain.

There are safety issues to consider when working in the oil industry. When you arrive on an oil rig you will be issued with a hard hat and work goggles. These are usually required to be worn when working around dangerous areas. There are a few general guidelines to living offshore: You may be required to work a nightshift, as an oilrig is a 24-hour operation. Be sure to not upset the chef, medic or radio operator, as you may need medical attention, food and helicopters. When you have your meal, take off your work outfit and eat in the galley.

Article Source : Science Fair Research Paper

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Both Mickey Horn & Claire Calkin are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.

Mickey Horn has sinced written about articles on various topics from Research and Science, Education and Research and Science. About the Author: Mickey Horn is the Executive VP of Investor Relations of .. Mickey Horn's top article generates over 1300 views. to your Favourites.

Claire Calkin has sinced written about articles on various topics from Home Management, Finances and Home Management. . Claire Calkin's top article generates over 246000 views. to your Favourites.