Table of Contents
Introduction
In todays topic lets discuss on Life On North Sea Oil Rig. Happy Reading Folks π.
North Sea is the global hot spot for some of the most challenging oil and gas operations. Life on the north sea oil rig is very adventurous and thrilling often filled with long shifts, unpredictable weather and great camaraderie among crew members.
In this informative article we will talk about all the day to day activities of offshore workers – Covering their work routines, their living conditions, the safety measures that have available on the oil rig. And we will also discuss how oil rig jobs are rewarding.
North Sea Oil Rig is located in the north sea which borders the United Kingdom, Norway, Denmark, Germany, Netherlands & Belgium. These rigs are mainly situated in the UK and Norwegian water where significant amount of oil and gas exists.
Here are some of the major oil fields present in the North Sea are :
- Brent & Forties oil fields [ These belong UK sector ]
- Ekofisk & Troll oil fields [ These belong to Norwegian sector ]
The Work Schedule : Long Work Hour & Rotational Shifts
The most important aspect of working on the North Sea Oil Rig is its rotational work schedule. So most of the workers on the oil rig follow a 2 week continuous work followed by a 2 week continuous off i.e. is 2 week on and 2 week off work schedule.
Typically each shift is about 12 hours long. These tough and grueling shifts require workers and their officers to remain on the rig for weeks together before going on the breaks onshore.
The work nature varies by role. Here are some of the positions on the oil rig include :
Drillers & Roustabouts – Drillers at the people who handle the drilling operations on the oil rig, while roustabouts are the people who handle the general tasks on the oil rig.
Technical Engineers – They and manage and oversee the mechanical operations and technical operations on the oil rig.
Safety Officers – The safety officers always ensure compliance with safety regulations and precautions.
Catering Staff – They provide nutritious food and other room keeping services to the oil rig staff.
Living Conditions On The North Sea Oil Rig
Despite being far from shore, the oil rigs are designed to provide the workers a reasonable level of comfort. All the oil rigs have built in cabins with beds, the oil rigs are equipped with shared recreational areas and dining facilities that serve hot meals 24 x 7.
The oil rigs have gyms, wireless internet facility and movie rooms which help workers to relax after a long shift. However the space is limited, the cabins provided are on shared basis and free movement is restricted due to safety protocols.
The biggest challenge for all the workers and officers is being far from their families for long and extended periods, which actually makes them mentally resilient.
Safety : The Biggest Priority On The North Sea Oil Rig
Given the tough and hazardous nature of the job, safety and security are the biggest priority on the North Sea Oil Rig. Safety and Security are the top most priority across all the oil rigs in the world.
Workers, officers and Engineers undergo extensive training such as fire fighting, first aid and emergency evacuation procedures. Regular safety drills are conducted to that everyone is prepared to face any potential risks like gas leaks, fire breakout and extreme weather conditions. The crew is ever ready to face and battle any potential risk.
Oil rig medics are always present 24*7 to provide medical assistance incase of emergency.
Other safety measures include –
Personal Protective Equipment – Crew always use fire resistant clothing, helmet, masks and gloves.
Zero Tolerance Policy – Strict rules are enforced on the oil rig surroundings, use of alcohol are prohibited. All in all strict policies are enforced to maintain safety and security.
Helicopter Survival Training – Since the crew travel by helicopter to the oil rig, they are given special training on how to secure themselves and others and escape incase of emergency landing.
Challenges Faced In Offshore Life
Working on the North Sea Oil Rig is not for the weak hearted, the crew, officers and other supporting crew must be tough and resilient. Some of the key challenges faced on daily basis are –
Harsh & Extreme Weather Conditions – The North Sea is very well known for its unpredictable and extreme weather conditions making daily operations and other activities on the oil rig tough.
Mental & Physical Demands – The job requires high levels of physical and mental stamina and strength. This job also demands crew to work in high pressure environments.
Family Isolation – Although the crew working on the oil rigs are mentally tough they sometimes struggle with being away from family, loved ones and friends.
Despite of all these challenges the crew are very well compensated with high salaries which is much higher than the onshore jobs.
Rewards : High Salaries & Career Growth
Since the oil rig crew handle tough situations of the offshore life, the rewards and compensations are equally rewarding and significant. Salaries vary depending on the experience and the job roles. Even entry level job positions for roustabouts can earn about 30,000 Β£ – 40,000 Β£ per annum, while experienced drillers and engineers make about 60,000 Β£ – 10,00,000 Β£ per annum.
In addition to this – oil and gas industry offer excellent and lucrative career growth opportunities. The crew often start with entry level jobs to gradually rise in ranks to reach technical and managerial role. The companies also offer training and development programs to its employees.
Conclusion
Life on the North Sea Oil Rig is challenging and unique that requires physical endurance, mental toughness. While the nature of work is very demanding but it is equally financially rewarding which makes it more attractive.
If you are considering a offshore career or just curious about oil and gas industry or trying to understand the life on oil rigs and its operations, understanding the realities of the oil rigs can offer deep insights and a fascinating glimpse into the ever evolving sector of the global economy.
Folks, would you consider working on the North Sea Oil Rig ? Please share you thought !!!
If you want to read more about Petrol Spy, click on the following link – Petrol Spy
To read more about North Sea Oil History – North Sea Oil History
Folks, if you have liked our article or have gained some knowledge by reading our article, please consider sharing this article with friends and family & do check our other articles too.
Happy Reading Folks π Felices lecturas amigos π
ENERGYCADEMY – www.energycademy.com
