NDT Guidance

[anez247]

Hello Guys.

I am an Engineering Graduate. I will like to get suggestions & as much detailed information as possible regarding the NDT career & industry.

A mate of my in the US previously told me of this NDT earlier in the year, how good it was and the pay as well, being on almost $85k in his first 11months. I dont expect this to be attainable in the UK at the moment or maybe I might be wrong.

I have saved up over the months and was thinking of doing MPI & DPI all to level II, then later UT or RAD. I already have BOSIET,MIST, Norwegian Chute, UKOOA & Norwegian Medicals. BUT PLS am not asking about just the Offshore NDT career,am looking at it Generally.

How possible is it for me to be an Integrity/ Inspection/ QA/QC Engineer in the long term?

I will like to get much information regarding the following pls:

1. What are my chance that I could be hired for the 6months I need to get the experience needed to be certified.

2. Are the jobs available mostly on Ad-hoc/ Project basis or full time positions with companies

3. Will I be paid during this work experience period , If so what is the range per hour..will it be the minimum wage ( 6.19)

4. When certified like how much does the person earn per hour...(range)

5. Is it worth it to invest such money in this career?

Any information you could give will be much appreciated.

[Djdan]

Whats your degree in? Its very unlikely that you would get taken on straight away offshore. Treid and tested way would be to get a job in a on shore company. I work at RWG, our clean line operators get put through there NDT tickets at Talon. May i suggest you do a bit more research into whats involved and the offshore industry as a whole before contacting employers.

[anez247]

Thanks Djdan for your comment, Like I said in my post..am not looking at just Offshore nor Onshore. Idont have any preference to any. I just need some insights on NDT from the guys already in that line

[Djdan]

Do you know what it involves

[anez247]

If I did I wouldn't be asking for information regarding it.

[Gareth135R]

Not only will you need NDT quals but a Rope Access ticket too.

For work, contact the likes of CAN, Stork, Salamis, Oceaneering and Trac.

[anez247]

Thanks Gareth, I have heard so much about the importance of Rope Access to the Recruitment firms, I kinda feel a bit scared or reluctant to dangling on ropes.

Nevertheless if its the only hurdle to cross, I would chin up and do it.

Do you happen to know the rates for a new starter?

[Polrules]

For offshore you will need rope access - if you don't like heights this will not be for you.

MPI/DPI while required are not enough to get work, you would need your UT & ECI to get anywhere. Can't recall how the NDT tickets work but for ropes you need to log certain hours to progress from level 1>2>3. The above though only applies if you want to start you career as an NDT tech - this may not be applicable for you.

I'm in the NDT side of the offshore business, started as a graduate & worked my way up over the last 12 years, a good degree (even a good honours degree like mine) doesn't really count for much. Yes you have to have one but your attitude & how well you interview will have just as much say in matters. Do plenty research before you apply or attend an interview.

Look to see if anyone (CAN, RBG, Stork, Oceaneering etc) are taking on 'graduate engineers', 'technical assistants' or similar.

[Polrules]

Gareth135R said:

Not only will you need NDT quals but a Rope Access ticket too.

For work, contact the likes of CAN, Stork, Salamis, Oceaneering and Trac.

G, is that you?

You should be working....

[Gareth135R]

Polrules said:

G, is that you?

You should be working....

Hastings mode:
"G, get to work..."

[anez247]

Thanks Polrules, I want to do the MPI & DPI both to PCN Level II then next do the either UT or RAD.

When you started 12 yrs ago, how long did it take you to get your first job? and possibly on what rate did you start on.

Lastly, I heard this industry comes with lots of travelling which is ideal for me .

[Polrules]

I started as a 'graduate engineer' with OiS (who are now Oceaneering) pretty much straight from university. Despite what you might hear, starting at the bottom like this you will not be well paid, I was on <£20k to begin with.

Offshore (as an NDT tech) can be a different story, but depends on how much time you can spend away from home. Obviously the more tickets you can acquire, the better rate you can command.

Realistically you will need a good few years offshore, perhaps nearer 10 before consideration as an OIE, even then only if you have proven yourself in some tough situations.

You will travel a lot, but it's not glamorous. Depending on who you work for you'll get a mobilisation allowance, but you might even find yourself sharing a hotel room with another offshore worker as most hotels get busy, especially when the platforms are shutdown.

[Polrules]

Gareth135R said:

Polrules said:

G, is that you?

You should be working....

Hastings mode:
"G, get to work..."

[anez247]

Is there any possibility to work as an NDT Tech offshore without Rope Access certs?

When you started as a graduate engineer, did you put yourself through the NDT Certs or where you sponsored by Oceaneering?

Thanks for your comments so far, I do appreciate your effort.

Edited by anez247 on Tuesday 3rd September 13:19

[Gareth135R]

anez247 said:

Is there any possibility to work as an NDT Tech offshore without Rope Access certs?

When you started as a graduate engineer, did you put yourself through the NDT Certs or where you sponsored by Oceaneering?

Thanks for your comments so far, I do appreciate your effort.

Edited by anez247 on Tuesday 3rd September 13:19

Your ropes ticket will cost you circa £700
Talon could sort you out with everything.

http://www.talonndt.co.uk/

Don't think you could spend a few months getting these certs and you will walk straight into a job. Don't want to seem like I'm pissing on your chips but you need to hope someone is willing to take on someone green. Industry is very busy and there's lots of decent qualified guys out there with experience.

I do think as a NDT tech you will struggle without a ropes ticket.
For what it's worth, I think it's an excellent career to get into.

[anez247]

Thanks Gareth, I think I prefer if I could get as much Candid opinions and information as possible the better for me , so I could be better prepared and get abreast with the possible reality.

I plan to do the courses at TWI since I live in London or probably Argyll Ruane. heard they are both good.

[Polrules]

anez247 said:

Is there any possibility to work as an NDT Tech offshore without Rope Access certs?

When you started as a graduate engineer, did you put yourself through the NDT Certs or where you sponsored by Oceaneering?

Thanks for your comments so far, I do appreciate your effort.

Edited by anez247 on Tuesday 3rd September 13:19

As Gareth has said, offshore NDT tech without rope access is pretty useless. I certainly wouldn't employ one!

At the time, Oceaneering paid for my ECI & UT training. But as I never used them in anger (my job was based onshore) they expired.

[anez247]

Thanks Polrules, do you happen to know what is the height range of operation for IRATA level 1 holders or does every level operate at same height but with different complexity?

As it stands, I think I will have to go for the rope access after the courses.

[Polrules]

Height range will be the same for all - as a rope access tech offshore you will be expected to reach any and all parts of the platform. From climbing up the vent stack or flare boom to abseiling down the legs. Fear of heights or water will make this 'difficult'. I'll try & post some pictures tomorrow to give you an idea.

[Polrules]

Height range will be the same for all - as a rope access tech offshore you will be expected to reach any and all parts of the platform. From climbing up the vent stack or flare boom to abseiling down the legs. Fear of heights or water will make this 'difficult'. I'll try & post some pictures tomorrow to give you an idea.