If you’re looking for a job, you might see an offshore career popping up. There are tons of offshore jobs, such as installing wind farms, working on an oil rig or doing tests on a research vessel. Does it seem exciting to you to work offshore, far away from the mainland, with only the ocean around you? Then there are a few things you should probably know about! In this article we talk about some of the things you need to know before you send in your resume!
1. You need to follow a rigorous training course before you can work
If you’ve never worked offshore before, you can’t apply and expect to be standing on an oil rig the next month without any preparation. It is, after all, a harsh environment you have to be ready for! For one, offshore operations tend to look for people that already have qualifications, mostly in engineering and manufacturing related fields. Of course, you can also apply to – for instance – be the cook for an oil drilling platform! Getting the company to hire you, is only one step in the process. Because of the working conditions, accidents can happen. That’s why all employees must follow at least a basic offshore training course. There are tons of offshore training courses, that teach how to save someone who fell overboard or needs first aid. If you work in the offshore wind industry, you’ll need to follow a GWO course for instance.
2. No drinks, no drugs and (almost) no smoking
Do you drink a cold beer after a long day of work every day? Or do you have to smoke right away when you get stressed? Then offshore working might not be something you’d enjoy. Alcohol and non-prescription drugs are strictly off limits and you can also expect randomised drug tests throughout your stay on a boat or platform. Furthermore, smoking is very controlled – you can only smoke in designated areas and you can’t have your own lighter; that’s too big of a risk if you for instance work on an oil platform!
3. Get ready to work long hours
One of the reasons you have to follow a course or courses before you can work in the offshore industry, is because the working conditions are hardcore. The work in the offshore industry goes on 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and the work pressure is high. You can expect 12-hour shifts, that can either be day or night shifts. Also if it’s your first job offshore, you’ll have to prove you’re reliable. That means there’s a big possibility you’ll start off doing the worst jobs.
Does working offshore still seem like something you’d enjoy? Then we recommend you to go for it! Good luck!
