Offering an exciting, unique career opportunity, working on oil rigs is a dream that many engineers have. Not only are these structures a vital part of modern manufacturing processes and resource collection – they provide well-paid jobs, secure pensions and a host of benefits. With so many engineers keen to apply for positions on these rigs, it’s clear that the positions available are hugely popular within the field and in this article, we’ll be exploring the ins and outs of oil rigs, recruitment procedures and whether the practice is being embraced or left behind by different countries and businesses.
What is an Oil Rig?
These huge, often metal structures can be spotted in the far distance at sea, with varying sizes but all serving one particular purpose – to source oil from deep below the depths of the ocean. Using state-of-the-art equipment and advanced technologies, these constructs typically provide direct access to underground oil deposits, which are then harvested through sturdy pipes and then transported to the surface, where the oil can be stored and relocated with ships and vessels.
The process can be quite dangerous and this is why oil rig engineers are highly sought after, with many turning to services including OilandGasJobSearch for help with applying for positions, or finding suitable candidates.
Is Working on an Oil Rig Dangerous?
It can be and this is why those that are present as engineers need to undergo extensive training to ensure that they are properly prepared for any dangers that may arise, as well as knowing how to manage the variety of equipment and machinery that is used on a day-to-day basis. Even with the risks associated with working on an oil rig, many engineers find themselves pulled in the direction of these structures because they offer the opportunity to receive a very good salary, a host of benefits, and coverage just in case anything should ever go wrong.
Accidents on oil rigs do take place, but they are very uncommon as the entire structure must undergo extensive checks and maintenance on a frequent basis, and so the most common type of accident that takes place is down to human error. This is why training is so important.
What is an Oil Rig Like to Live On?
Most employees will be required to stay on the oil rig as they work, and this can vary from a matter of weeks, to several months at a time – and sometimes even longer. The vast majority of oil rigs are well-equipped to look after their employees, with dedicated bunk beds that can be for individuals, or used by two people whereby one uses it while their colleague works, and then they switch as their shifts change.
There are wash and water facilities, storage facilities and on more modern rigs, options to connect to Wi-Fi so that when not on shift, the engineer can call their family, keep in touch with the outside world, and feel a little more at home in their surroundings. Common amenities such as televisions and so on are typically present as it can be important for employees to feel as comfortable as possible to keep morale high.
Applying for a Job as an Oil Rig Engineer
From working on the equipment, to maintaining the facilities, engineers are a vital part of the general running of an oil rig. Applying for a job can be fairly straightforward and one of the best ways to do so is by using the link mentioned above, where an applicant can find a wide selection of jobs available. One thing to keep in mind is that oil rigs are constructed off-land and in the ocean, with transport provided to and from the rig and then connective flights can be caught to return home, or travel to work.
Due to the nature of the career, no engineers will travel daily and they’ll usually have a structured schedule to follow, I.e. visiting their rig and remaining there for a few months, and then returning back home using the above transportation method (rig to ship, ship to land, land to plane, plane to home airport). Some engineers can be away from home for months at a time, and for those that prefer to stay at work, there are also career options whereby they can remain on the rig in a more permanent manner.
Not all positions will provide the same wages or benefits and so it’s advisable to get to know a little bit more about the company offering the job and checking the description properly. One of the most appealing things about oil rigs is that the vast majority of them will be far away from an engineer’s home – meaning that even if the flight takes a little longer, it may be worth it to enjoy a better annual salary and benefits, than trying to stay closer and saving a few hours in travel time.
How Common Are Oil Rigs?
Even with so many companies turning to greener, more environmentally-friendly alternatives to crude oil, the reality is that the world still relies on this resource and would stop being able to function without it. As a result, more oil rigs are being constructed than are being abandoned. This means that for engineers looking for positions on these types of constructs, they should be able to find reliable work well into the future, with no signs of rigs losing their demand anytime soon.
Furthermore, as more countries take on contracts with oil suppliers, they are finding themselves keen to build new rigs and so more and more job openings are becoming available as time goes by. With that being said, positions are applied for as soon as they come up and so putting a name forward for a role as soon as possible can be very important. To avoid missing out and disappointment, most engineers will aim to apply for a position within a week of the posting becoming available and if accepted, an interview process will usually take place before a decision is made. This is the ideal opportunity for the engineer to showcase their skillset, represent themselves as a well-trained, highly-educated specialist, and demonstrate that they have the knowledge and expertise to handle the job as efficiently as possible.
