Getting started working offshore/rigs

[BigRichi]

Looking for some advice from anybody who does something similar.

I'm a bit frustrated with work just now and looking to change direction and get into something that interests me rather than just a job.

I am currently 31 and throughout most of my life I've had various different office/sales jobs.

However my real passion is working with my hands/engineering type work. When I was 23/24 I started an engineering cadetship for the merchant navy and loved it, however, approximately a year into the course my girlfriend fell pregnant, and I left the course to find a full time job so could pay for everything that comes along with a baby.

I'd like to get into something similar again but I cant really afford to go back to full time education and somebody had mentioned that may be options working offshore on rigs which dont require loads of qualifications and may be a foot in the door so to speak.

Looking for info about what steps I'd take or advice on how to best go about it.
If its a career that somebody can get into without formal qualifications or am I just dreaming??

[mybrainhurts]

BigRichi said:

However my real passion is working with my hands

I know someone who spends half his life in Singapore, now shore based after many years on platforms.

He says his proudest boast is that he came through it with all his fingers still attached and in working order...

[mazdajason]

Where abouts is it you stay OP?
I ask as a lot of the offshore stuff is done in the NE of scotland (aberdeen) and it would obviously help if you were close to there.
You might get in with little qualifications but i think you would find it very hard as there are a hell of a lot of people in or trying to get in to the oil industry in the same boat as you. At the same time a BOSIET course in in teh region of £500 and unless you get sponsored by a company you will have to pay for that yourself as its a prerequisite for working offshore.
Have a look on some O&G website - Wood group, Aker, oilcareers.co.uk and you will find out a bit more info.
Good luck

[matthewg]

mazdajason said:

At the same time a BOSIET course in in teh region of £500 and unless you get sponsored by a company you will have to pay for that yourself as its a prerequisite for working offshore.

This.

Might be worth noting that medicals, hotels, travel, others and the cost of the course should see you well over £1000.

[mazdajason]

Yes and all those things as well, then if you wanted/ needed to work in Norway you will have to do additional helicopter training.

[matthewg]

and this might be a good idea if you want to be part of a drilling crew

http://www.markscott.co.uk/?p=63

[GSP]

I think luck gets you working offshore more than anything else. Ask anyone doing it how they managed it and unless it runs in the family then it's normally down to persistence and luck.

When I renewed my Offshore Survival a month or so ago out of the 18 or so on the course only 2 of already working in the industry. The rest were chefs, bricklayers etc that were out of work and convinced doing the course would see them earning £500 a day straight away.

My retraing/refresher this year have consisted of;

OPITO 4 day BOSIET
3 day Advanced height rescue
3 day first aid at work
Offshore medical
Vessel transfer training

That consist of probably £5k+ And is the minimum requirement for my job. The most frustrating thing is the training is garbage and given by 65+ old men who don't give a st. I'm glad I dont py it myself.

To top it off last time I was sick for a fortnight after using the Blackpool marine college mouldy rebreathers when doing my bosiet.