Offshore Roustabout Jobs

[Debo33]

Where can I look do find an entry position as a roustabout?

Im living in Thailand, originally from Canada. Physically fit to work long hours.

I have no experience on the rigs, but was reading online that the best way to get put onto the rigs is if you know someone situated there already.

Been reading Thaivisa.com and have noticed a large expat community with families here that are working on the rigs that is why I have come here to get more info.

Ive got a new family member on the way, don't do drugs and drink socially about 3 or 4 drinks a week

[richard_smith237]

These job are pretty much closed out to nationals only... Anyone who works on the rigs and living in Thailand has for the most part already put in the hard graft in their own countries.....

Additionally, the oil industry is currently on its knees...

... thats two big negatives against this idea...

The best option if you really wanted to get into the Oil industry is to wait for the industry to pick up and they are hiring in your home country... after a number of years you'll make driller and overseas positions may open up to you.

...

Another point: People think they want offshore work... what they really means is they've heard that offshore work pays well and want some of the action.... which of course is fair enough... but local roustabouts don't really get much... (I think about THB 500 per day but could be mistaken - maybe someone will correct me)....

[stoneyboy]

You need to be starting in Canada.

You have no chance of an entry level job like roustabout in the Gulf of Thailand or South East Asia for that matter.

If you were an experienced Driller or OIM you may be in with a chance,but even in this climate jobs like that for expats are few and far between.

You need to go back to the drawing board,your dream of living and working offshore and raising a family in Thailand is a non starter,that's the painful truth I'm afraid.

I work offshore in the UK and was living in Thailand for the past 7 years 21/21 lots of flying back and forth but it afforded me a nice lifestyle.

Good luck.

[Debo33]

These job are pretty much closed out to nationals only... Anyone who works on the rigs and living in Thailand has for the most part already put in the hard graft in their own countries.....

Additionally, the oil industry is currently on its knees...

... thats two big negatives against this idea...

The best option if you really wanted to get into the Oil industry is to wait for the industry to pick up and they are hiring in your home country... after a number of years you'll make driller and overseas positions may open up to you.

...

Another point: People think they want offshore work... what they really means is they've heard that offshore work pays well and want some of the action.... which of course is fair enough... but local roustabouts don't really get much... (I think about THB 500 per day but could be mistaken - maybe someone will correct me)....

Im not looking for rigs in Thailand... Not even in Canada because its way too far.

I was thinking roustabout jobs in nearby country that doesn't require experience.

All over google its say these jobs are easy to get if you know somebody with years experience to refer you

[Debo33]

You need to be starting in Canada.

You have no chance of an entry level job like roustabout in the Gulf of Thailand or South East Asia for that matter.

If you were an experienced Driller or OIM you may be in with a chance,but even in this climate jobs like that for expats are few and far between.

You need to go back to the drawing board,your dream of living and working offshore and raising a family in Thailand is a non starter,that's the painful truth I'm afraid.

I work offshore in the UK and was living in Thailand for the past 7 years 21/21 lots of flying back and forth but it afforded me a nice lifestyle.

Good luck.

Is it impossible to start in any country?

I have no intentions flying to Canada back and forth to work as it too far away

[stoneyboy]

There is to much low paid local labour filling these positions,most companies only employ their own people until you get to around the Assistant Driller and upwards positions.

It is often contractural between the local governments and the Rig owners that nationals of their country will be employed before expats.

Another reason is it removes the need for visas and work permits saving time and money.

You will not 100% get a start offshore in South East Asia as a roustabout being Canadian.

If you could post a link to these jobs you speak of I would be interested to take a look.

[saorsa]

Im not looking for rigs in Thailand... Not even in Canada because its way too far.

I was thinking roustabout jobs in nearby country that doesn't require experience.

All over google its say these jobs are easy to get if you know somebody with years experience to refer you

Sorry, but all you read on the internet from google searches is not true. If you only have knowledge via google, then I assume you also don't have any friends with years of experience to refer you, so a double non-starter I'm afraid. The industry is being hammered, it will be hard enough for you to get a start in your own country without someone to recommend you so you get a foot in the door, let alone somewhere in SE Asia or ME.

[FrankGers]

The old, "Ahhh, i think i'll just pop offshore" type.

1. There's never been a tougher time.

2. When it does kick start again the people with experience (roughly 250,000 at last count) that are out a job "might" be in the que in front of you.

3. Canada is too far. I know hundreds that travel half way round the world every 4/5 weeks.

4. Even when oil was at it's peak the chances of getting a start were between none and vey slim.

5. When it kicks off. Companies will be very choosey who they take on. The wages will not be the same as they were.

6. Good Luck.

I have 11 years experience in the game. I used to get emails weekly either offering me a job or a solid enquiry of my status. The last time i worked on a rig was over a year part march/april. The last solid email and phone call i had was around October last year. I'm a chief mechanic and the industry was pretty short of our trade when we were flying.

Luckily i have a new job starting next month as a maintenance manager for a company that has zero to do with oil and gas. I'd like to think i'll be in this position for a very long time.

[KarenBravo]

Even if you meet someone with loads of experience and influence, what makes you think he will put his reputation on the line by recommending you for a position? They won't even know you.

Youth and willingness to work just isn't enough, I'm afraid.

[Franky Bear]

Even if you meet someone with loads of experience and influence, what makes you think he will put his reputation on the line by recommending you for a position? They won't even know you.

Youth and willingness to work just isn't enough, I'm afraid.

Totally agree. The only people i have ever helped get a job by me talking to the right people are guys i have worked with before and know what they are capable of.

[Bunnychow]

You need to be starting in Canada.

You have no chance of an entry level job like roustabout in the Gulf of Thailand or South East Asia for that matter.

If you were an experienced Driller or OIM you may be in with a chance,but even in this climate jobs like that for expats are few and far between.

You need to go back to the drawing board,your dream of living and working offshore and raising a family in Thailand is a non starter,that's the painful truth I'm afraid.

I work offshore in the UK and was living in Thailand for the past 7 years 21/21 lots of flying back and forth but it afforded me a nice lifestyle.

Good luck.

Is it impossible to start in any country?

I have no intentions flying to Canada back and forth to work as it too far away

By your response it seems your not cut out for the offshore game then, i know guys who live in Thailand and travel 24 hours plus every 28 days to get to and from work..some in the Gulf of Mexico, some in Angola etc

and did the same myself for many years

But to answer your first question...chances of you getting Roustie job out side Canada and "locally" in SEA...just about zero chance as a non local

[Franky Bear]

By your response it seems your not cut out for the offshore game then, i know guys who live in Thailand and travel 24 hours plus every 28 days to get to and from work..some in the Gulf of Mexico, some in Angola etc

and did the same myself for many years

But to answer your first question...chances of you getting Roustie job out side Canada and "locally" in SEA...just about zero chance as a non local

Exactly. I've arrived at an airport, traveled to the rig, straight on tower and not slept for two days when a top drive and pooped itself.

"get on with it"

[kbelyeu]

I would suggest you consider getting a job in the maritime industry. Head home for a short while and take the basic courses, get your seamens book and find an able bodied seamans job. If your worth your salt you'll see quick promotions.

Kurt

[STUDMEYER]

Nothing is impossible.

OP: What skills are you bringing to the table? Do you have a degree? Run heavy equipment? Plumbing, mechanic or electrical skills?

You dont have to be a roustabout. Theres thousands more rigs on land than there are offshore along with supporting services and industry.

Perhaps you should look for work with service companies. You might get a 6/3 if youre lucky but it will set you on the path.

Despite the fact that the industry is crap and companies are sacking staff, they are also hiring new people at a fraction of the wages to replace the old cranky and expensive computer challenged folks they just laid off.

Good luck!

Rgs

SM

[Grubster]

I am retired thank god. I would say taking your family to Canada would be your best option. Move to fort Mcmurry [ spelled wrong] in the oil sands area and find work there. I think wages are less likely to crash there as bad as they will in the rest of the world. The beating down of the working class has moved up the ladder to the workers who make great sacrifices like living on a rig. There are a few billion people who will do this for peanuts and they are capable, maybe not as but the big corporations are willing to take that risk to keep you in your place, bottom feeders. Good luck and Im sorry we have left a mess for you and yours.