Working on Oil Rigs and Platforms
Education Needed
Working on an oil rig is pretty much working on a facility that is constantly at sea. The education requirements for a position, depends on the job that the person is doing. There are safety positions that require extensive training on safety procedures as well as engineers that require a college degree as well. There are also medics that require medical training and captains who need their license to run the ship itself.
Positions
There are numerous positions found on an oil rig and platform. There are many jobs needed to ensure that the production of the rig runs smoothly and safely. Some of the jobs are:
- Floor men
- Drillers and their assistants
- Roustabouts
- Crane operators
- Rig mechanics
- Barge engineers
- Electricians and welders
- Captains
- Medics
- Geologists
- Security
- Safety managers
- Other specialty jobs
Areas
There are many areas in the world that employ workers for an oil rig and platform. The United States is in the list of the main five countries to produce resources from an oil rig.
Locations
There are many locations on the rig and platform including sleeping quarters, mess hall and drilling sites.
Salary
Salaries in the industry depend on the job being performed and how much knowledge and education is needed for the job. Entry level positions can earn an average of $60,000 a year while specialists earn an average of over $100,000 a year.
Contract Types
The contract types normally consist of being 14 days on the job then 21 days off. The means an employee will only work 2 weeks every 5 weeks.
Work Conditions
Work conditions on a rig are just like being on an overlarge boat. There can be windy conditions as well as large storms. Employees are on call 24/7 while at sea because of this.
Working Time
While on the rig working times are a lot longer than most jobs. It involves more extensive hours.
Where the best place to Work
It is good to not only look at pay but the rig and the people you are working for when looking for employment. The operation of the rig depends on the cooperation and the team working together.
How Pay Works with Taxes and Social Security
Employees on a rig draw a pay check just like all other employment and taxes as well as other subtractions from the country they are working from will be subtracted.
Job Risks
There are many job risks and just like any other construction job there are safety requirements to working on a rig including hard hats and protective gear.
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