Working in Decommissioning Services
Decommissioning services are part of the overall employment areas of oil rig maintenance and share many characteristics with other aspects of the industry. As with other branches of employment, qualified staff are trained in a wide variety of skills ranging from specialist marine engineering to general design and planning.
Roles within decommissioning services are understandably classed as operational roles within the industry. Some operatives choose to work on decommissioning alongside more general tasks, even being involved in the entire lifespan of a rig from its original erection through the drilling phase and ultimately taking it down again. Such experience can be highly beneficial, as such individuals are knowledgeable of any special characteristics of a particular rig and can put this knowledge to use when the time comes for abandonment.
Alternatively, workers can choose to specialise in decommissioning. There are most certainly enough roles for those who choose to do so, as all drilling and service companies are constantly seeking additional qualified staff to bolster their workforce.
One of the most common roles for specialists is that of operations coordinator. Such a role exemplifies the reasons for decommissioning services being a career within itself, as suitable individuals are expected to demonstrate first class knowledge of rigs and the mechanical and scientific thought processes behind them, together with possessing a range of other skills.
A truly thorough operations coordinator will be willing to work in both an office and at the rig itself. They may well be called upon to compose and submit the initial work tender, particularly when working for a contractor who does not have full control over the drilling project. This requires a good understanding not only of the process, but also the costs involved and general budget management. Most financial aspects of the project will fall within their remit as part of this responsibility, including choosing and paying for rented equipment and composing invoices for completed work.
A good operations coordinator working within decommissioning services will also be a skilled people manager, as they will often be responsible for both assigning and managing the workforce required for the decommissioning project. They must ensure that suitable manpower is available for all stages of the project and their responsibilities then continue into monitoring staff performance, particularly when linked to timescales within the project plan.
As soon as all of the groundwork is in place, they may then choose to fully involve themselves in the decommissioning services process, visiting the rig and making suggestions on practical elements. Some choose to act more in an administrative support capacity, remaining in the office. Either way, the role involves significant administrative work as budgets and milestones must continue to be monitored for the duration of the project.
Looking for Oil Rig Jobs
A lot of people are out of work at the moment because of the state of the economy. This is something that is affecting people all over the world and not just in the UK. However, the oil industry seems to be staying strong throughout and for that reason many people are wondering about how they can go about getting oil rig jobs. Working on the oil rigs has many benefits such as attractive remuneration and plenty of time off. And if you are hardworking, fit and young then you should be able to find work on an oil rig.
How to Get Started
There are a number of entry level positions available on the oil rigs, which is great news for those without any experience. Land based oil rigs might be somewhere to start looking first of all because there are a number of general labourer positions available. These positions are known as roustabouts and after about six months of doing this job well, it may be possible to get promoted to roughneck. The roughneck is still required to do plenty of manual labour but will probably be in charge of a number of roustabouts. The roughneck may also be required to assist the drillers or derrickhands. Those who are prepared to work hard could work their way up through the ranks when it comes to oil rig jobs.
While you may not find a university degree very helpful when looking for oil rig jobs, those with diplomas or certificates as a mechanic or electrician for example, could get work in these areas on the rigs. There are also positions on board the oil rigs for cooks and cleaners so these are other oil rig jobs that you might be interested in. There will also be a need for a medic on board at all times considering how dangerous it can be in this line of work.
Other Requirements
It is important that you learn about maritime law and how this will affect you when looking for oil rig jobs. You will also be required to pass certain safety exams before you are permitted to work on the oil rigs. You may also be required to have a number of vaccinations. In the UK you will have to take a firefighting course as well as an offshore survival course.
Hard work and a good attitude could be your best friends when trying to find oil rig jobs. If you are prepared to put in the work, then you really could see your career flourish on the rigs.