Offshore Oil Rig Work

[counrikke]

Hi there. I have done a little bit of research, but I really just don't know where to apply for such jobs as a rustabout or roughneck on an offshore oil rig? I understand that there are a large contingent of offshore workers residing in Thailand when they aren't working and thought maybe here would be a good place to ask! Cheers

[stander]

I think you will find that the majority of offshore oil & gas workers in Thailand are not necessarily roustabouts or roughnecks.

Most of them will be skilled in the exploration, production/operation, maintenance, construction, hook-up, and commissioning and start-up fields.

They work onshore and offshore in locations worldwide and rotation can vary depending on location.

As for how to get a foothold into the industry, I would say you would need to have a skill and be trained before you would stand a chance.

[counrikke]

That was my belief, that many would be skilled and have been in the industry for some time.

Rustabout and Roughneck positions are unskilled, so I was hoping that maybe someone had some experience with those positions.

I think I will have to just personally email the companies directly. Now to find out which companies do the oil rigs, haha..

[Fatdog]

That was my belief, that many would be skilled and have been in the industry for some time.

Rustabout and Roughneck positions are unskilled, so I was hoping that maybe someone had some experience with those positions.

I think I will have to just personally email the companies directly. Now to find out which companies do the oil rigs, haha..

To get a job as roustabout or roughneck you will have to be applying to companies in your home country. These jobs are not readily available in other countries, as they are usually filled by local labour.

It is not easy to break into offshore employment, but it is possible. It does help if you know somebody already working offshore to put a word in for you.

Do a search for drilling contractors or offshore employment agencies in your home country and send your CV to as many of them as you can.

Also they will be more interested in you if you have mechanical or electrical back ground. It also helps if you have offshore certification and medical. However these certificates are expensive and only last so long.

Another thing that is a factor is age.

It is not easy but it is not impossible to find these jobs in your home country, but forget a roustabout or roughneck job in any other country other than your own.

Send me a PM and depending where you are from I may have some contact details that may help.

FD

[GuestHouse]

If you want to get into the O&G business you'd be far better advised to look at onshore work in the places people are less willing to go - Saudi Arabia, Nigeria, Libya, the former Russian States.

But as has been suggested above the skills that are required are specialities rather than general labour.

The reason I suggest the above locations is because there is far less competition for jobs that come up and far more chance of getting your foot on the ladder.

[NanLaew]

What is your education, work experience, skill set, specialties and age?

Oh yes, nationality helps too.

[counrikke]

I am Australian and I'm 19 years of age, so I'm only young. But I don't have any directly related experience having only studied IT and having worked in Customer service.

But If I can't secure such a position I can always start to make the right moves in order to secure it later as I'm not that old either.

Cheers

[GuestHouse]

I am Australian and I'm 19 years of age, so I'm only young. But I don't have any directly related experience having only studied IT and having worked in Customer service.

But If I can't secure such a position I can always start to make the right moves in order to secure it later as I'm not that old either.

Cheers

On the basis of this I'd suggest you consider taking a course in Construction Planning - Oracle PrimaVera and try to get some experience in using this. You might consider taking the course and then asking for an internship with one of the main Oil and Gas Contract Companies - you may need to consider a low rate of pay or even a zero pay rate to get through the door.

I've worked in O&G for almost 30 years, started on such an internship and while my specialisation is not Project Planning, I note this is the area where there are opportunities for young computer literate people and an area that pays relatively high salaries. You don't need the harder to come by technical skills but if you have a methodical logical mind and computer skills there are real opportunities there.

Good planners are like rocking horse sh1t and they earn very good money. So don't knock the idea of an internship as a way in.

[Tonto21]

Sure you can do it, but you’re going to need three things; Certification in your chosen career, experience and a whole lot of persistence. Heed what you’ve been told in the replies and follow up all leads.

Good luck counrikike

[stander]

With your experience in IT, I agree with Guesthouse, PrimaVera or controls, (DCS) training courses would be a good start.

http://education.oracle.com/pls/web_prod-plq-dad/db_pages.getpage?page_id=3&p_org_id=15947〈=US

http://www.honeywell.com/sites/portal?smap=honeywell_fi_en&page=honeywell-process-solutions3&theme=T6&catID=C49B8D978-4369-410E-25C8-B5A7EEC6DE0B&id=HA6548D7C-136B-73C6-9609-F5B1A6FE87E3&sel=12&sel2=1

Edited December 30, 2010 by stander

[saorsa]

If you live in or near Perth WA, you could try getting into NDT inspection. They are often looking for guys there, so much so that some companies have been sponsoring South Africans to move to Oz due to the lack of experienced personnel available locally. RTD STeeltest is one company that I know may take on inexperienced guys and train them up. Once you have a few years experience, then you can think of looking to base yourself in Thailand and travel to wherever the work is.

Website: www.rtdsteeltest.com.au Phone: +61894395656 Fax: +61894395665

Edited December 30, 2010 by saorsa

[Soutpeel]

I am Australian and I'm 19 years of age, so I'm only young. But I don't have any directly related experience having only studied IT and having worked in Customer service.

But If I can't secure such a position I can always start to make the right moves in order to secure it later as I'm not that old either.

Cheers

Allow me to add my comments on this, I actually work offshore O&G, and in addition to having the skills, experience etc, you also need a whole lot of luck to get a start offshore + very good contacts to get your foot in the door.

As your an Aussie, the start of your career will be in the Aussie offshore game (there are plenty of projects coming up), get a few years experience there then try your hand at the international game, as to what to do ?....there are a very wide range of skills sets required offshore, but starting off as a roustie could be a good place to start.

I know of guys who started off as roustabouts and ended up as OIM's, of course they remained in the game for 20 years + and studied their ar*es off as well

[counrikke]

So I should be trying to get a job as a roustabout in Australia but possibly study some related courses in the meantime to increase my chances.

I have applied to jobs internationally as a roustabout, but my chances are unlikely.

I am waiting for the agencies to open in Australia so I can see what my options are via that route.

So a roustie is not a bad route to start out if you aren't skilled?

[stander]

I take it that you have already looked here?

http://www.getaccess.wa.gov.au/careers/profiles/data/OCC119.asp

[Soutpeel]

So I should be trying to get a job as a roustabout in Australia but possibly study some related courses in the meantime to increase my chances.

I have applied to jobs internationally as a roustabout, but my chances are unlikely.

I am waiting for the agencies to open in Australia so I can see what my options are via that route.

So a roustie is not a bad route to start out if you aren't skilled?

First question...Yes....you will not get a look in outside Aussie

Roustie can be very hard work physically, but if someone has no skills as such, its the only way to get a start.

If you want to make yourself more marketable have a look at the following skills sets:

NDT/Welding inspection and or Rope Access

ROV pilot/tech etc

Offshore Medic

Safety officer

Radio Operator/HLO

Trainee production operator

Most these positions do not require any siginficant "education" prior to taking the courses but could get you a start

[Will1]

Why is it, when somebody asks a question the members of this forum that have not got a clue,

Just goggle it and think they are experts not giving necessary the correct advise.

[Soutpeel]

Why is it, when somebody asks a question the members of this forum that have not got a clue,

Just goggle it and think they are experts not giving necessary the correct advise.

What advice have I given which is not correct, in your vast offshore O&G experience then ?

[Will1]

Why is it, when somebody asks a question the members of this forum that have not got a clue,

Just goggle it and think they are experts not giving necessary the correct advise.

What advice have I given which is not correct, in your vast offshore O&G experience then ?

Not your reply, Sir

Your talking form experience, not goggle

[stander]

Why is it, when somebody asks a question the members of this forum that have not got a clue,

Just goggle it and think they are experts not giving necessary the correct advise.

Don't understand your point/problem here.

The young lad asked advice here and members have come forward and given what as far as I can see perfectly good advice.

As for the Google option, I am sure the young lad has already looked.

[counrikke]

all advice so far has been helping me take a step further so no problems there!

I think what I may do is apply for as many jobs as possible, but while learning something that may increase my chances, possibly the safety route as I do see a great amount of safety positions open from what research I have done.

[Pdaz]

So I should be trying to get a job as a roustabout in Australia but possibly study some related courses in the meantime to increase my chances.

I have applied to jobs internationally as a roustabout, but my chances are unlikely.

I am waiting for the agencies to open in Australia so I can see what my options are via that route.

So a roustie is not a bad route to start out if you aren't skilled?

First question...Yes....you will not get a look in outside Aussie

Roustie can be very hard work physically, but if someone has no skills as such, its the only way to get a start.

If you want to make yourself more marketable have a look at the following skills sets:

NDT/Welding inspection and or Rope Access

ROV pilot/tech etc

Offshore Medic

Safety officer

Radio Operator/HLO

Trainee production operator

Most these positions do not require any siginficant "education" prior to taking the courses but could get you a start

You might want to knock ROV p/t off the list.. Yes there are quite a few outfits willing to sell you a course that doesn't require much in the way of technical expertise to join.. But getting a job after you have completed the course is another thing.. There are thousands of guys Worldwide being duped out of good money thinking that all they need to get a start with ROV's or other offshore work is a 'ticket' from a training course.. Most experienced ROV guys never attended an 'ROV' course .. They did however have relevant technical experience or education or started a long time back.. A three week course won't even scratch the surface and few companies take the certs seriously.. Most big ROV companies run their own in house training or run their guys thru a introduction course specific to their own equipment after they have been employed. Yes there are guys that got into ROV without prior tech exp (plenty of divers for instance) but they usually had plenty of offshore exp or related knowledge.. So lets not give false hopes to guys and try to prevent them wasting their cash on useless courses.. If you are 18 and want to work offshore get a recognised industry standard technical education either full time or from something like TAFE..

This will open a lot more doors throughout the industry than short ''You too can be an ROV guy'' course.. There is alot of competition for offshore work.. In Aussie it is heavily unionised. so getting a qual and joining a union is the best way to go.. Once you have some experience you can think about going overseas..

No I didn't google the above.. I've worked offshore in Asia for 23 years.. Currently an ROV Superintendent working out of Bombay...

[Soutpeel]

You might want to knock ROV p/t off the list.. Yes there are quite a few outfits willing to sell you a course that doesn't require much in the way of technical expertise to join.. But getting a job after you have completed the course is another thing.. There are thousands of guys Worldwide being duped out of good money thinking that all they need to get a start with ROV's or other offshore work is a 'ticket' from a training course.. Most experienced ROV guys never attended an 'ROV' course .. They did however have relevant technical experience or education or started a long time back.. A three week course won't even scratch the surface and few companies take the certs seriously.. Most big ROV companies run their own in house training or run their guys thru a introduction course specific to their own equipment after they have been employed. Yes there are guys that got into ROV without prior tech exp (plenty of divers for instance) but they usually had plenty of offshore exp or related knowledge.. So lets not give false hopes to guys and try to prevent them wasting their cash on useless courses.. If you are 18 and want to work offshore get a recognised industry standard technical education either full time or from something like TAFE..

This will open a lot more doors throughout the industry than short ''You too can be an ROV guy'' course.. There is alot of competition for offshore work.. In Aussie it is heavily unionised. so getting a qual and joining a union is the best way to go.. Once you have some experience you can think about going overseas..

No I didn't google the above.. I've worked offshore in Asia for 23 years.. Currently an ROV Superintendent working out of Bombay...

Pdaz, you can say the same thing about most "offshore" courses offered by training companies, the UK is a prime example of the con jobs that go on...do our course in X-Y-Z and we are certain you will get a job in the North Sea.....for those of us who are truly experienced in the offshore game, we can see through the BS, but the lads got to start somewhere..

I am quire suprised you mentioning a bubble head could even operate an ROV, most of the ones I have worked with have problems putting one foot in front of the other..

Guessing you are working Bombay High ??....dont let them knock any more jackets over.....

Edited December 30, 2010 by Soutpeel

[Will1]

So I should be trying to get a job as a roustabout in Australia but possibly study some related courses in the meantime to increase my chances.

I have applied to jobs internationally as a roustabout, but my chances are unlikely.

I am waiting for the agencies to open in Australia so I can see what my options are via that route.

So a roustie is not a bad route to start out if you aren't skilled?

First question...Yes....you will not get a look in outside Aussie

Roustie can be very hard work physically, but if someone has no skills as such, its the only way to get a start.

If you want to make yourself more marketable have a look at the following skills sets:

NDT/Welding inspection and or Rope Access

ROV pilot/tech etc

Offshore Medic

Safety officer

Radio Operator/HLO

Trainee production operator

Most these positions do not require any siginficant "education" prior to taking the courses but could get you a start

You might want to knock ROV p/t off the list.. Yes there are quite a few outfits willing to sell you a course that doesn't require much in the way of technical expertise to join.. But getting a job after you have completed the course is another thing.. There are thousands of guys Worldwide being duped out of good money thinking that all they need to get a start with ROV's or other offshore work is a 'ticket' from a training course.. Most experienced ROV guys never attended an 'ROV' course .. They did however have relevant technical experience or education or started a long time back.. A three week course won't even scratch the surface and few companies take the certs seriously.. Most big ROV companies run their own in house training or run their guys thru a introduction course specific to their own equipment after they have been employed. Yes there are guys that got into ROV without prior tech exp (plenty of divers for instance) but they usually had plenty of offshore exp or related knowledge.. So lets not give false hopes to guys and try to prevent them wasting their cash on useless courses.. If you are 18 and want to work offshore get a recognised industry standard technical education either full time or from something like TAFE..

This will open a lot more doors throughout the industry than short ''You too can be an ROV guy'' course.. There is alot of competition for offshore work.. In Aussie it is heavily unionised. so getting a qual and joining a union is the best way to go.. Once you have some experience you can think about going overseas..

No I didn't google the above.. I've worked offshore in Asia for 23 years.. Currently an ROV Superintendent working out of Bombay...

Yes, Good advise I have heard of people doing the courses a not finding work.

For what it is worth I also work offshore in the UK sector.

[Soutpeel]

Yes, Good advise I have heard of people doing the courses a not finding work.

For what it is worth I also work offshore in the UK sector.

A pretty common scam on the north sea as you most likely know, ie green hands courses, rigging courses which are not worth a sh*t etc OPITO actually have a lot to answer for IMHO.

I was offered a job on the north sea a few years ago through an agency and was told I had to pay for my own medical/BOSIT training..... ....I have never paid for required safety related training in 25 years in the game, further amusement was when they said it was 2 on 2 off and I stated, it must be quite a generous company who would fly me back to Thailand every two weeks.... ....they said no..I have to move to the UK .....they actually thought I would up root everything I have in thailand and move the UK to take a rotational job which was less money after tax than I am on in the Thailand

[counrikke]

so I have to do some courses but be careful because some mean jack all.. haha, that's making it difficult now as I don't know much about which ones would mean anything and which would!

[Pdaz]

You might want to knock ROV p/t off the list.. Yes there are quite a few outfits willing to sell you a course that doesn't require much in the way of technical expertise to join.. But getting a job after you have completed the course is another thing.. There are thousands of guys Worldwide being duped out of good money thinking that all they need to get a start with ROV's or other offshore work is a 'ticket' from a training course.. Most experienced ROV guys never attended an 'ROV' course .. They did however have relevant technical experience or education or started a long time back.. A three week course won't even scratch the surface and few companies take the certs seriously.. Most big ROV companies run their own in house training or run their guys thru a introduction course specific to their own equipment after they have been employed. Yes there are guys that got into ROV without prior tech exp (plenty of divers for instance) but they usually had plenty of offshore exp or related knowledge.. So lets not give false hopes to guys and try to prevent them wasting their cash on useless courses.. If you are 18 and want to work offshore get a recognised industry standard technical education either full time or from something like TAFE..

This will open a lot more doors throughout the industry than short ''You too can be an ROV guy'' course.. There is alot of competition for offshore work.. In Aussie it is heavily unionised. so getting a qual and joining a union is the best way to go.. Once you have some experience you can think about going overseas..

No I didn't google the above.. I've worked offshore in Asia for 23 years.. Currently an ROV Superintendent working out of Bombay...

Pdaz, you can say the same thing about most "offshore" courses offered by training companies, the UK is a prime example of the con jobs that go on...do our course in X-Y-Z and we are certain you will get a job in the North Sea.....for those of us who are truly experienced in the offshore game, we can see through the BS, but the lads got to start somewhere..

I am quire suprised you mentioning a bubble head could even operate an ROV, most of the ones I have worked with have problems putting one foot in front of the other..

Guessing you are working Bombay High ??....dont let them knock any more jackets over.....

As an ex-bubble head I resemble than remark ....

[Soutpeel]

so I have to do some courses but be careful because some mean jack all.. haha, that's making it difficult now as I don't know much about which ones would mean anything and which would!

OK lets start at the beginning..What sort of job offshore would think you would like to do ?

If you are serious about becoming a roustie, then the look at slinging/rigging courses, crane drivers courses etc

If NDT/Welding inspection Rope access = CSWIP/PCN/IRATA/ASNT acredited courses.

give us some indication of what sort of career path you are thinking about, and i am sure between the experienced offshore guys on TV we can steer you in the right direction

[counrikke]

well, yeah. I'm serious about starting out as a Roustie or a Roughneck. I have seen the options of becoming a tool pusher or something similar after that. I have read that when you do secure a position somewhere and gain some experience it is a fair bit easier to move on to another job or move within the company to a different position.

[Soutpeel]

As an ex-bubble head I resemble than remark ....

Well at least sniffing nitrogen hasnt affected your sense of humour...

[Soutpeel]

well, yeah. I'm serious about starting out as a Roustie or a Roughneck. I have seen the options of becoming a tool pusher or something similar after that. I have read that when you do secure a position somewhere and gain some experience it is a fair bit easier to move on to another job or move within the company to a different position.

One step at a time my friend....even if you got a start, a tool pusher is many many years away, if you ever even get there....the one thing to remember about offshore, its not what you know, its who you know.....you first hurdle in getting through the door and surviving a couple of years and then lets starting thinking about becoming a tool pusher