Offshore Roustabout and Roughneck Jobs

Roustabouts

The Roustabout job is the most common entry level occupation for an oil rig’s marine section. Most new hires in the Drilling and Marine Sections start out as Roustabouts. A Roustabout is typically an inexperienced worker who works as a trainee or helper for those in more senior positions. This position is comparable to the Able-bodied Seaman on board a ship. The Roustabout will assist with a variety of work, typically unskilled , which might include maintenance, cleaning rust removal, painting, or learning to direct the huge cranes on board.

After working in an offshore Roustabout position, people typically take one of two paths – to the drill floor, as a Roughneck, or to the Cranes, as an Crane Operator Trainee. He will start in either capacity by serving as relief during meal and coffee breaks, and then be given progressively greater responsibility.

Roughnecks

A Roughneck ( Floorhand ) is the entry level position on an offshore rig’s Drilling section. This is the guy who handles the drilling pipes, connecting them as they drill deeper with huge hydraulic clamps. This is the physically most demanding job of the entire drill crew – one can work hard labor 12 hours straight during a drill operation. Offshore, it is easiest to get a job as a Roustabout first, and many experienced roughnecks will take Roustabout jobs offshore just to prove themselves, and learn the ropes offshore – things are a bit different out in the middle of the ocean.

Wages

Wages for entry-level Roustabouts and Roughnecks run from 50 to 60k

Getting a Roustabout Job Offshore

If you don’t have previous offshore experience, your chances are improved if you have any kind of technical work background. This can include experience as a welder, fitter, engineer, electrician, technician or mechanic. If it is possible, the best way to land an offshore Roustabout job is to apply in person – there are many unadvertised Entry-level jobs offshore. Obviously, the person whose face is in the office asking for work every week or two is going to stand out above all the other applicants.

If visiting the employment offices of offshore drilling contractors isn’t possible for you, then the next best thing is to ensure that your Resume, C\V and Cover Letter are specific to the offshore industry, and to the job you are applying for. We recommend the services of Rigworker and Oil Jobs Guide if you wish to facilitate the process and improve the odds. Thousands have had success when they chose to utilize the Resume \ CV submittal service from Rigworker or The Oil and Gas Jobs Resource Kit. Both charge a nominal fee for their services, $40 – $60, but they are honest, legitimate companies, and their services have been tested multiple times, with a job offer (or several) being the standard result. While they make no guarantees of getting hired, they do guarantee your satisfaction with their services, and you will get far more for the small investment than anywhere else on the internet.

To be avoided are programs that charge hundreds of dollars for the same thing.

Offshore \ Oil Rig Roustabout \ Roughneck Training Programs – Greenhand Courses

There are several training programs available designed to prepare applicants without offshore or oil industry experience for a Roustabout position. Offshore, the Roustabout position is the most common entry level job in the oil rig’s marine section. Working as a Roustabout requires one to be physically fit and capable of performing strenuous manual labor, in all weather conditions. Those without experience are termed greenhands. The term originates from the custom on some rigs to make inexperienced employees wear a green hat so that they may be distinguished to the other employees as being new, so allowances can be made for the greenhand not being aware of all the regulations and requirements specific to offshore work.

Maritime Drilling Schools Unlimited

Floorman ( Roughneck ) training. This school offers a 20 day program taught in Nova Scotia, Canada. The 20 day course of instruction in Pre Employment Floorman (Roughneck) Training will consist of drilling programs, hands-on rig training, and industry safety programs. Life skills and job readiness will also be included during the program. This program is available for Americans. The Floorman course costs $ 3.750.00 Canadian, plus $250.00 for books and a $200.00 registration fee. Accommodations, if required, are $600.00.

Métis Nation BC (MNBC)

Pre-Employment Floorman (Roughneck) training. Probably the best program available – you will find work after completing this program. This Pre-Employment Floorman (Roughneck) Training Program will provide students with a comprehensive training program that is tailored specifically for the drilling industry. Students will learn how to safely operate and maintain drilling equipment and the job functions that are relevant to drill floor and deck crew operations. Students will also learn the skills of a Roustabout and Lease hand with a high emphasis on Oilrig safety. Training is located in Red Deer, Alberta, Canada. All-inclusive cost for the course is Canadian $ 8,650 including meals and accommodation for 24 days.

Atlantic Petroleum Training College

Floorhand / Roughneck training. Training is hands-on and takes place on a working onshore drilling oil rig in Nova Scotia. They offer a certificate program in oilfield training. This program provides an opportunity for unskilled individuals to take advantage of quality hands-on training to begin a successful career in the oil and gas industry. This program provides the knowledge and skills to work safely and productively as part of an oilrig team. In addition to the core program, mandatory H2S Alive and 2-day Standard First Aid with Level A are given. Potential earnings for an individual starting in this dynamic industry can exceed $60,000 per year.

For those seeking oil rig work either offshore or onshore, opportunities continue to grow, even with the economic slowdown. Half of the current workforce in the oil and gas industry is retiring in the next 10 years. This is creating a huge labor shortage for the energy companies and drilling contractors, and a huge opportunity for those seeking jobs offshore and onshore. There has never been a better time for either experienced or entry-level workers to find an oil rig job or offshore job.

This growing workforce shortage is creating a groundswell of opportunity for a variety of jobs offshore. Drilling and Catering crews are always in demand, but there is also an urgent need and openings for the following jobs: Crane Operators, Riggers, Welders and Underwater Welders (or welders who would like to train for underwater welding), Electricians, Scaffolders and Mechanics. Offshore employment (as well as onshore) is expected to accelerate in 2009 as the economy begins turning around.

Riggers

A rigger is defined as: “anyone who attaches or detaches lifting equipment to loads or lifting devices” on fixed offshore platforms. This is the next step up from the offshore Roustabout position. Offshore rigging jobs lead immediately into the Crane Operator position.

Crane Operator

The Crane Operator is responsible for all crane operations on board the rig. He is

foreman for the Roustabouts whom he supervises during loading and discharging

of supplies from the supply boats and during transfer of equipment on board the

rig. The Crane Operator must hold an Offshore Crane Operator Certificate and

have experience working as a Roustabout and Rigger.

Offshore Crane Operators and Rigger Training

• Offshore Crane Operator courses and Rigging Courses

http://www.astpl.com/training_courses.html

• Crane Operator’s Certificate Program – Canada, 26 weeks. Offers both offshore and land based mobile crane operation training and certification

http://www.cna.nl.ca/ProgramsCourses/program-details.asp?cProgCode=389

• UK and US Offshore Crane Operator training centre (Sparrows 1-3)
• OPITO approved Rigger courses with certificates.

http://www.sparrowsoffshore.com/Courses_Offered.html

Offshore Crane Operators and Rigger Wages

Note: Actual salaries depends on Crane Operator certificate level and years experience.

• North Sea Crane Operators 14 days on / 14 days off - US $ 5.000 per month.
• Nigeria Offshore Crane Operators – $400\day

Riggers and Crane Operators Offshore Job Finding Assistance

For those without offshore industry experience, your odds are going to dramatically increase if you utilize a professional service to assist in the job hunt. Many have had success when they chose to utilize the Resume \ CV submittal service from Rigworker or The Oil and Gas Jobs Resource Kit. Both charge a nominal fee for their services, $40 – $60, but they are honest, legitimate companies, and their services have been tested multiple times, with a job offer (or several) being the standard result. While they make no guarantees of getting hired, they do guarantee your satisfaction with their services, and you will get far more for the small investment than anywhere else on the internet.

Offshore Technical, Electrical and Mechanical Jobs

Chief Electrician

The Chief Electrician ($85,500) is responsible for the repair and maintenance of the electrical equipment on the rig, even including tasks like changing light bulbs. Requirements of the job include on occasion working a 12-hour shift and being hoisted into the air at heights. Has a general salary of US $85,500. Ideal for someone with a background in mechanics and /or electrical.

Electrician

The Electrician ($74,000) is responsible for maintaining and inspecting all electrical systems and related equipment on board the rig. New installations and modifications of

existing ones are also carried out by the Electrician. He must be an Industrial

Electrician or a Certified Electrician.

Electronic Technician

The Electronic Technician ($65,000) is responsible for assisting the Electricain in maintaining and inspecting all electrical systems and related equipment on board the rig. He will also assist the Electrician with new installations and modifications of existing ones.

Scaffolding

Scaffolders ($60,000); are not usually tied to any one rig. They go to different installations depending on where their company has work.

Mechanic

The Mechanic ($72,000) has the responsibility to carry out the maintenance and inspections of the mechanical equipment and systems on board the rig. To obtain the position of a Mechanic, some years’ working experience as a Motorman is preferred.

Motorman \ Assistant Mechanic

The Motorman \ Assistant Mechanic ($57,500 – $65,000) assists the Mechanic in his daily work. To qualify for the position as a Motorman, the applicant must be a Certified Fitter or Mechanic or hold a corresponding education.

Materialsman (Storeman)

The Materialsman ($60,000) is responsible for maintaining the rig’s stock of spare parts at the specified level. He also ensures that all stock items are properly stored and

labeled and that all certificates are present. Responsible for the maintenance of the stores and stock ordering and receiving. Must be computer literate. One drawback of this comfortable job is that on smaller rigs with only one storeperson they sometimes have to get up at all hours to check the cargo coming off the boat.

Job Finding Assistance for Electrical, Mechanical, Scaffolding and Materialsman Jobs Offshore

For those without offshore industry experience, your odds are going to dramatically increase if you utilize a professional service to assist in the job hunt. Many have had success when they chose to utilize the Resume \ CV submittal service from Rigworker and

The Oil and Gas Jobs Resource Kit . Both charge a nominal fee for their services, $40 – $60, but they are honest, legitimate companies, and their services have been tested multiple times, with a job offer (or several) being the standard result. While they make no guarantees of getting hired, they do guarantee your satisfaction with their services, and you will get far more for the small investment than anywhere else on the internet.

Offshore Welding \ Underwater Offshore Welder Jobs

Welder

The Welder ($62,000) is responsible for carrying out repairs and modifications in accordance with the Maintenance Supervisor’s instructions. His work also includes maintenance and service of all welding equipment. An education as Certified Welder is required for this position. There above water welders, and underwater welders. The above water welders fall into two categories. First are the rig welders. They are permanently on one rig and carry out all day to day repairs and building of new metalwork. They are always busy. Then there are the roving welders. When there is a big project often a squad of roving welders are hired to finish the job quickly. These guys move from rig to rig wherever their company has a contract.

Underwater Welder

Underwater welders earn considerably more; $80,000 is the low end, and day rates can approach $900-$1000. For a guide on how to start a career as an underwater welder, see http://www.aws.org/education/plunge.html . For advice on choosing a good underwater welding school, read the following article: http://www.ehow.com/how_4449877_find-underwater-welding-schools.html

There is a lot of underwater welding work available, and more coming on line in the very near future. In particular, there is going to be a lot of work in the North Sea. The North Sea is a mature oil field, and many rigs and other structures will be decommissioned starting now, and going on until 2015. Much of the work will be performed by underwater welders.

Required Skills and Qualifications

From the Commercial Diving Academy:

“The skills and qualifications suggested for entering the field of underwater welding are generally recognized as an experienced welder-diver with commercial diving skills. This means you should be familiar with the use of specialized commercial diving equipment, have an understanding of diving physiology, safety, rigging, the underwater environment and communication. You should also be proficient in weld setup and preparation skills such as those tasks typically assigned to a fitter or rigger, such as materials alignment and materials preparation including beveling, stripping of concrete, fitting a steel patch or repair plate. In addition, you will have to certify to a required underwater weld procedure.”

Underwater Welder-Diver Training and Certification

Listed here are a few of the better diving and underwater welding training centers. It is to great advantage for experienced divers to acquire additional training as underwater welders and welding inspectors.

• US diver welding training school in Houston with courses for commercial divers, underwater welding and burning.

http://www.oceancorp.com/udtinfo.shtml

• Training for NDT welding inspectors ( level 2 ).

http://www.oceancorp.com/ndtinfo.shtml

• Underwater welding school ( US ) with option for International welding certification and non-destructive testing levels I & II from UK.

http://commercialdivingacademy.com/sub/resources.htm

• Air / Mixed Gas Commercial Diver course ( US – Jacksonville, FL ), 16 weeks (720 hrs), total cost USD 17.400 (about USD 24/hr). Including NDT underwater levels I & II

https://elyksecurity.com/commercialdivingacademycom/sub/apply.asp

• List of commercial diver training schools

http://www.divercertification.com/training/

• Onshore /Offshore API, AWS, and NDT training schedule for year 2009 (requires Adobe Acrobat)

http://www.cutechgroup.com/Brochures/Training Schedule.pdf

• Worldwide list of Welding Inspection and NDT courses ( UK ) – certification ( CSWIP ) http://www.twitraining.com/world/courses/index.jsp?coursecode=WTC19

• UK diving school with underwater cutting and welding courses, AWS or BS certification. http://www.interdive.co.uk/diving-courses.asp

• UK national commercial diving school with courses for commercial air and mixed gas divers, ROV pilots / technicians, and Assistant Life Support Technicians. CSWIP 3.1U Non Destructive Testing course for divers with a minimum qualification of HSE Surface Supplied or equivalent, 2 weeks.

http://www.theunderwatercentre.co.uk/courses.asp

• Offshore wet welding diving courses at The Underwater Centre, Freemantle – Australia. ADAS [ ADAS Part 1, 2, and 3 ] certification up to Dive Supervisor. The training centre can assist in finding employment after successful training.

http://www.tucf.com.au/divingcareers.html

Wages for Offshore Underwater Welding

Note: Actual salaries depends on project location and years of experience. Underwater welders are typically paid by the project. Salary depends on the skill set needed for each specific project. Once you have a portfolio of completed projects the amount you can charge increases dramatically

• Underwater welder – Gulf of Mexico, US $80,000 \ year.
• CSWIP 3.2 Inspection Divers – Gulf of Thailand, USD 450 per day.
• Underwater welder-diver – Offshore Australia, USD 870 per day.

Welders and Underwater Welders Offshore Job Finding Assistance

For those without offshore industry experience, your odds are going to dramatically increase if you utilize a professional service to assist in the job hunt. Many have had success when they chose to utilize the Resume \ CV submittal service from Rigworker or The Oil and Gas Jobs Resource Kit . Both charge a nominal fee for their services, $40 – $60, but they are honest, legitimate companies, and their services have been tested multiple times, with a job offer (or several) being the standard result. While they make no guarantees of getting hired, they do guarantee your satisfaction with their services, and you will get far more for the small investment than anywhere else on the internet.

For those seeking oil rig work either offshore or on land, opportunities continue to grow, even with the economic slowdown. Half of the current workforce in the oil and gas industry is retiring in the next 10 years. This is creating a huge labor shortage for the energy companies and drilling contractors, and a huge opportunity for those seeking jobs offshore and on land. There has never been a better time for either experienced or entry-level workers to find an oil rig job or offshore job.

This growing workforce shortage is creating a groundswell of opportunity for catering personnel who would like to find an offshore catering job. Offshore catering employment in 2009 – 2010 is expected to accelerate as the economy begins turning around. While all job categories are experiencing vacancies and shortages, the opportunities are particularly good for offshore cooking jobs and other catering personnel.

There are many openings for a variety of offshore oil field catering positions, including Chefs, cooks, assistant cooks, night bakers, galley hands, stewards and stewardesses, housekeeping and cleaning staff. Offshore catering is typically contracted out and managed by catering and food service companies. The catering contractor is responsible for all food service, to include meals, snacks, and special Holiday requirements. Additionally, the offshore catering service manages the cleaning and upkeep of the kitchen and chow hall, as well as the recreational \ common areas and sleeping quarters. The following jobs are in high demand and available now.

Offshore Catering Jobs, Duties and Wages

Camp Boss

The Camp Boss is responsible for running the catering department. He oversees the chefs, cooks, night bakers, stewards, and housekeepers. The rig crew work long, hard hours, and an important part of running the operation is ensuring they have adequate energy and good morale. Ensuring that the kitchen puts out great tasting and nutritious food is what the Camp Boss does every day. He is assisted in this responsibility with a small crew of Chefs, Cooks, Night Bakers, Galley Hands and Stewards \ Stewardesses. Four to Six main courses are prepared and served every 24 hours, split into 12 hour shifts, so that both shifts get good meals. The Camp Boss also manages the Stewards and Stewardesses, ensuring that the rig’s recreation areas, downtime areas and, living quarters are kept clean, and the laundry completed.

Chef \ Head Cook

For the Chef or Lead Cook position, while previous offshore experience isn’t a requirement, previous cooking experience is. The quality of offshore food preparation is often comparable to the fare one would receive in the nicer Hotels and Restaurants; the food is good, nutritious, and there is lots of it. The Chef plays an important role in keeping morale high among the drilling crews; looking forward to a good meal goes a long way in maintaining job satisfaction. Therefore, for the Chef position, the catering contractor will wish to look at resumes of those with fine dining and Chef or Sous Chef experience; experience managing a kitchen is a must. This is not an entry-level cooking position, one is expected to have a proven record of preparing quality food. However, those with less experience will be considered for the Galley Hand or Assistant Cook or Sous Chef position. Salaries run from the mid 60s – 70s, depending on the rig, the catering service company one is working for, and experience

Night Baker

This is a very important position on the rig. All bread onboard is baked by the night baker, as well as pastries, muffins and desserts. On smaller rigs, this may be rolled up with the Assistant Cook \ Sous Chef as one job; on larger rigs, the positions will be two separate jobs. Offshore Night Baker wages will run from the 50s to 60s.

Assistant Cook

Most people with experience seeking an offshore cooking job will start here. The Assistant Cook will work the night shift. This is a great position in which to obtain one’s first offshore job. The Assistant Cook will prepare meals according to the recipes and directions of the Chef or Lead Cook. If you do a good job, and prove capable of running the kitchen in the Chef’s absence, you can move into a Lead Cook or Chef’s position fairly quickly. Offshore Assistant Cook wages \ salary will range from the mid 50s to mid 60s.

Galley Hand

If you have worked as a dishwasher or busboy in a Hotel or Restaurant for any decent amount of time, you can qualify of an Offshore Galley Hand job. This is a great way to get a foot in the door for those wishing to progress up to Chef or Head Cook – as on the mainland, many Offshore Chefs have gotten their start in the industry by starting at the bottom and working their way up. Offshore Galley Hand wages \ salary will range from the mid 40s to mid 50s.

Cleaning \ Housekeeping Staff

Generally speaking, anyone with mainland experience in a janitorial or housekeeping position, especially in industrial facilities or hotels, can qualify for an offshore job in the same capacity. It is not uncommon for people wanting to break into the industry to accept a cleaning or housekeeping job, get to know people, and then, when the opportunity arises, advancing into a position of greater responsibility. This could be a supply room job, a roustabout job, or moving up the ladder to become a maintenance supervisor. It is quite common for people to start in this sort of position and then make a career in the offshore oil industry, moving in whatever direction they choose. A great way to get the proverbial foot in the door. Offshore Janitorial and Cleaning \ Housekeeping wages \ salary will range from the mid 40s to mid 50s.

Steward

The Steward \ Stewardess position is essentially a combination of Galley Hand and Janitorial \ Housekeeping responsibilities. On small rigs, these jobs may be rolled into one, and that would be the role of Steward. Offshore Steward \ Stewardess wages \ salary will range from the mid 40s to mid 50s.

Getting Hired for Offshore Catering Jobs and Offshore Cooking Jobs

For those without industry experience, it has been proven that the fastest way to get hired is to utilize the Resume \ CB submittal service from Rigworker or The Oil and Gas Jobs Resource Kit. Both do charge a nominal fee for their services, $40 – $60, but they are honest, legitimate companies, and their services have been tested multiple times, with a job offer (or several) being the standard result. While they make no guarantees of getting hired, they do guarantee your satisfaction with their services, and you will get far more for the small investment than anywhere else on the internet. Rigworker and The Oil and Gas Jobs Resource Kit are trusted, well known companies, and the firms they send your Resume \ CV too are well aware of this. Replies from the hiring companies will be sent directly to you. This is quite cost effective, as your Resume \ CV will first be reviewed to ensure it meets industry-specific standards ( a $60.00 value in itself, as this is the standard price from Resume companies simply to review your resume). They will then submit your Resume \ CV to well over 1000 companies – another $60.00 value in itself.