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Everything you need to know to kickstart your oil rig career
An oil rig is a manned structure designed for land or offshore drilling operations. The term 'oil rig worker' refers to an employee stationed on either type of platform, carrying out a variety of vital tasks related to safe oil extraction. Most workers follow a schedule that involves working for 14 to 21 consecutive days before taking a break. In addition to their wages, many offshore oil rig workers receive food, accommodation, and sometimes even travel expenses. The most challenging part of the process might be landing your first job on an oil rig, as hiring managers often prefer candidates with prior experience. Here’s what you need to know about becoming an oil rig worker.
Requirements for Working on an Oil Rig
To work on an oil rig, you must be at least 18 years old, physically fit, and ready to handle long shifts during extended stays on the rig. Depending on your country, certifications like Basic Offshore Safety Instruction and Emergency Training (BOSIET) or Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) will be necessary.
Key Steps
Ensure you meet the essential qualifications to work on most oil rigs. The requirements are as follows:
- You must be at least 18 years old.
- You should be in excellent physical health, and mental fitness is equally important. A physical examination is required before hiring.
- You must be a non-smoker and able to refrain from alcohol during your 14 to 21-day work shifts.
- You must be willing to adapt to the unique schedule of an oil rig worker, including working night shifts and extended periods without weekends off.
Acquire mechanical experience. Many roles on oil rigs require mechanical expertise. You could also explore training in other trades such as electrical work, cooking, medicine, or engineering to enhance your value as part of the oil rig's auxiliary team.
Reach out to friends, family, or acquaintances who are oil rig workers. If you don’t have direct connections, ask around. Establishing these connections will help you gain insight into the work environment and provide you with valuable industry contacts.
- If you have no personal contacts in the industry, search online on industry forums. These can offer useful details on top employers, less desirable ones, and current job openings. However, be cautious, as online discussions may include complaints or biased opinions.
Study the oil industry. Enroll in a community college course, take an online class, or simply visit your local library to explore books on oil drilling, oil workers, and the latest regulations in the petroleum sector.
- Demonstrating a genuine interest in the petroleum industry to potential employers will set you apart. Familiarity with key topics will show you’re not a complete beginner. You can also engage with your oil rig contacts to learn about critical subjects or employers to research further.
Look for job openings in newspapers and online. Visit major job boards like Monster, CareerBuilder, and Indeed to find current listings for oil rig positions. Make sure you meet all the required qualifications for the role you’re interested in.
- Common job titles for oil rig roles include: Derrickman, Safety Officer, Driller, Assistant Driller, Subsea Engineer, Storekeeper, Crane Operator, Mechanic/Electrician, Rig Welder, Barge Engineer, Rig Medic, Toolpusher, or Mudman. Labor-intensive positions on oil rigs are often referred to as "roustabouts."
Look for job listings in newspapers and through industry connections. Focus on finding entry-level positions that offer on-the-job training to help you get started.
Prepare your resume and cover letter. Include all relevant jobs where your skills could be applied to work on an oil rig. Emphasize any roles where you’ve worked as a laborer, mechanic, or electrician.
- A cover letter should be a brief paragraph to one page in length, detailing why your background makes you a great candidate for the job.
- Your resume should be about 1 page long, but it can extend to 2 pages if needed. Highlight your qualifications and any recognition you've received for being a quick learner, team player, or reliable employee. Tailor your resume for each application and adjust it based on the specific job requirements.
Submit multiple job applications. Apply for several positions at once, as competition for entry-level roles can be intense.
Obtain a Basic Offshore Safety Instruction and Emergency Training (BOSIET) certification. This is required for working in countries like the UK, Netherlands, or Denmark. You may also want to get certified in Helicopter Underwater Escape Training.
- Search for these courses at marine safety academies or schools. Many coastal colleges in the UK and the United States offer marine safety programs.
Apply for a Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) if you intend to work in the US offshore oil industry. Visit twicprogram.tsa.dhs.gov to begin your application process. You’ll need to go to a TWIC enrollment center to submit your application.
- As part of the application, you’ll need to provide fingerprints, personal information, identification documents, and a photograph. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) will review your information and send the approved TWIC to the enrollment center.
Essential Items You'll Need
- Excellent physical and mental health
- Industry connections with oil rig workers
- Books covering the petroleum sector
- Access to newspapers
- Online job listings
- Your resume
- Your cover letter
- Fingerprints
- Valid forms of identification
- TWIC application
- BOSIET certification
