Merchant navy to drilling industry transition

[Bootneck80]

Hi all, probably an age old question and I'm sure there will be some eye rolling and grinning from the offshore sweats amongst you, but I've hit a wall and would really, really appreciate some guidance from you chaps.

Long story short, I left the Marines in 2010, spent about 4k on courses and managed to get myself a start on anchor handling tugs and multicat vessels, courses were the usual MCA quals; 4 basic STCW's ENG 1 etc, Ship security officer, and Navigational watch rating certificate and a few more.

After four years around the world ( Nigeria to Denmark and back) I've really no room to move up from my current deck position (AB). About a year ago I decided to go for a transition to the offshore drilling industry.
After 6 months and another 3k spent on courses; BOSIET, MIST, Slinger/Banksman and the associated medicals I began applying to agencies and service companies.

I realised it was a nails industry to break into but I thought ( perhaps naively) and was led to believe my offshore and military experience would stand me in good stead. But I'm still no further ahead, I've never even had a reply from a single company and when I've called the (usually) lady on the end of the line tells me, my offshore experience counts for nothing as its not in the drilling sector.

Getting a bit downhearted a year on, so just interested to hear from lads whove broken in to the industry from the bottom rung, and also guys who are in the industry, in HR etc with pointers etc, such as wether or not to turn up on companies doorsteps with my CV ( would I call in advance?) or would they class that as necky.

Just needing morale lifted and a general heads up. Many thank you pleases to anyone who can help or advise. Thanks lads/lasses

[Kiltie]

You seem very focused on drilling.

Have you considered construction?

Perhaps a gander at the websites of; Subsea7, Technip, Bibby Offshore and DOF might give you somenew ideas.

Good luck.

[Bootneck80]

Kiltie said:

You seem very focused on drilling.

Have you considered construction?

Perhaps a gander at the websites of; Subsea7, Technip, Bibby Offshore and DOF might give you somenew ideas.

Good luck.

Hi, firstly thanks for the company list, always appreciated.

My drilling focus is mainly my next goal of becoming a roughneck, with a view to climbing the ladder that way. It just seems it would be a good fit for a guy like me. I've got about 5 years of good graft left in my back (farming and 5 years in the marines got the best years!) and if I did go to Bibby etc surely I'd be in the same position I am now?

I just want some room to grow and shine, promotion is nil on my current job, unless you want to actually captain the vessels.
I know if I could get a start, or even to interview I'd make myself an asset.

Can I ask if your in the industry or your background?

Thanks again

[RG63AMG]

The oil industry is as you have found very hard to get in to now,

All you can do is keep sending the c/vs and calling, If I were you I would stick to ships, what about cal mac?

[Bootneck80]

creationracing said:

You'll find some employers are less inclined to recruit ex-forces people than others, it all depends on the company. It does sound discriminatory but some companies actively look for them too - it depends on whether or not the recruit needs to follow orders to the letter and nothing else or if they're going to be stuck out somewhere relying on their own initiative.

(This is not my opinion - this is from an HR specialist I know).

I do know however that Transocean have recently recruited one or two greenhand drillers who are ex-army. If you've not tried them already, give them a go. And keep trying. But you've got it nailed on, it's drilling experience they're after, so you'll be starting from the same point as Joe Bloggs off the street who's seen Armageddon and decides he wants to be an oil driller. You can but try.

Good luck!

Thanks, yeah I know where your coming from on that account. Seemingly British companies are less inclined to hire ex forces, whereas American firms seem to actively seek ex forces out. Liking the Armageddon snipe haha, you know it's funny, but I actually went merchant navy assuming it would be a good base for experience, but I might as well have stuck at the anti piracy!!

Yeah like I say, I'm not expecting a free lunch, just didn't realise the transition would be such a tough one, or that the last four years might as well have been spent selling time shares!

Yes I suppose the key is perseverance, I can't complain, I'm on a three by three rotation and seeing the world, which I have to be grateful for. There's many in this economic climate who can't find work at all.

Thanks for replying

[dingg]

get yourself to aberdeen and knock on doors - keep knocking on doors
make a bit of a pest of yourself - you will get hired

they get LOADS of calls everyday , being there ready to go will make a difference.

Forces people fit in well in most cases (some nuggets about as well though lol)

good luck

[Bootneck80]

dingg said:

get yourself to aberdeen and knock on doors - keep knocking on doors
make a bit of a pest of yourself - you will get hired

they get LOADS of calls everyday , being there ready to go will make a difference.

Forces people fit in well in most cases (some nuggets about as well though lol)

good luck

Hi thanks,

Yeah I thought that maybe the way to go, not sure where the line is between keen persistance and criminal trespass lies haha but I'm only in Kirkcaldy so think ill make the trip up next leave rotation.

Is calling first etiquette or would you suggest going in cold?

I'm in no way suggesting that forces lads are all good eggs, I'm well aware for instance lads I've lined up with interviews with my company, who didn't even bother turning up, and when I questioned why they'd made me look stupid, got back 'soz mate, got a better offer' not to mention guys thinking that civvy street owes them a crust for their service.

Really appreciate your comment, confirms what I thought was the best course of action. I've actually started to consider going in as a galley hand pot washer or laundry staff as a foot in, but I'm not sure if that would nail me to the cross as far as a career move goes.

[dingg]

You should get a job as roustie - with your experience on boats , drill crew are quite transient in nature , its just a matter of 'right place right time'

you'll get there in the end - I wouldn't contemplate catering route if I was you tbh , unless you want to be making beds and scrubbing toilets for a long time

[Bootneck80]

dingg said:

You should get a job as roustie - with your experience on boats , drill crew are quite transient in nature , its just a matter of 'right place right time'

you'll get there in the end - I wouldn't contemplate catering route if I was you tbh , unless you want to be making beds and scrubbing toilets for a long time

Cheers again for your input, guess just gotta keep at it before the unused tickets run out. Yeah I realise the transient nature, one of the reasons I'm not attempting going the rope access rigger route (more tickets with a time limit and log books to fill) I just want more promotional prospects and I've heard as a keen relatively switched on Roustie there is a good path to follow.

Would HR dept reps see me if I turn up or is it a case of handing my résumé to the reception is another quandary, I'm all to aware of the right place right time scenario. I just seem to be sowing seeds on concrete right now ha

[skatty]

creationracing said:

Send me your resume - obviously I can't promise anything but I'll at least make sure it gets beyond a reception desk and onto someone actually in HR.

Fire it over to

Hi there would it be cheeky if, my son also sent his CV to you to forward to someone in HR?

Cheer's Davie...............

Edited by skatty on Sunday 19th January 16:47

[Bootneck80]

Need to delete that qoute skatty.

Creation mate, that's the kind of help I've been looking for. Your a good egg. You ever need anything sorted out or help that I can give its yours, wether mailing you my documents comes of anything or not.

Obviously there's some sensitive stuff on my C.V from my military days, but I'm sure you'll know what I mean when you see it, and make sure it's not left outside a mosque etc haha.

Again,top bloke. Will mail it over tonight after work. No rush on your behalf bud.

Edited by Bootneck80 on Sunday 19th January 17:38

[skatty]

Thank's for that creation, Email deleted,and an Email from Ryan on it's way, he's being trying to get a start for nine months now, and starting to get a bit downhearted with it all..

Cheer's Davie....

[Bootneck80]

creationracing said:

Bootneck80 said:

Creation mate, that's the kind of help I've been looking for. Your a good egg mate. You ever need anything sorted out or help that I can give its yours, wether mailing you my documents comes of anything or not.

Obviously there's some sensitive stuff on my C.V from my military days, but I'm sure you'll know what I mean when you see it, and make sure it's not left outside a mosque etc haha.

Again,top bloke. Will mail it over tonight after work. No rush on your behalf bud.

Don't be daft matey, in fact I'm looking forward to receiving it and reading the interesting bits!

Well I don't forget people who do me a good turn. and I do mean that.

Ha, it's all massively exaggerated, I'd be better off getting a start as an author of Andy mcbks style literature! Will send over a few references and testimonials to though, so your aware I'm not a Walter Mitty ha