What qualifications do you need to work on the oil rigs?

Answer 1

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.

Answer 2

First of all make a "strong" CV very detailed, then you can send it to all the companies that are involved in oil and gas but don't forget to personalize your CV for jobs that you really want. When writing the details of your CV go onto the net and look at other jobs and see what they mention as the requirements for the job. You might be missing jobs because you aren't mentioning a certain type of machinery. When you bulk apply for work, it can be spotted a mile away and your CV can be easily discarded. There is many websites for employment in the oil industry where you'll find many opportunities.

Rather join a website that specializes in your sector. If you join a massive network your CV can be lost in the masses.

There are many kinds of jobs on the rigs, from roughneck to wireline hand to mudlogger. Determine what your strengths are, manual labor, technical, etc.

Be drug free. All companies now test pre and post employment. Look in the areas of the Marcellus shale in Pennsylvania where a lot of new drilling is going on for natural gas. Most of the oil rig jobs are on land rigs now, as the offshore work has slowed down.
To get work on a oil rig you have to go apply for a position on a oil rig cabin, maybe even an official oil rig camp site will help you with your career.

Answer 3

You need General operators Certificate(GOC) and most places also basic safety training and HUET.(Helicopter Underwater Escape Training) Some companies also require a meterological course since you will be acting as control tower for the helicopters.

Source: Me, a radio operator.

Answer 4

If you are looking to get hired on at an oil rig company, you will first have to submit an application. Be sure to include a copy of your current resume, and any experience that you may have that is relevant to the job position.

Answer 5

It would depend on the level or grade you desire to work. An average labourer would need nothing more than a basic school education.