Working offshore is different from working in an office onshore - The long working day (12 hours) 7 days a week, for 2, 4, 6 weeks at a time and the harsh weather conditions, especially in the North Sea, the remoteness, and the reliance on helicopter travel do not suit everyone. Others find it a challenging but refreshing environment, quite different from the nine-to-five routine and the rush-hour commute.
General
A lot depends on the installation. Whether it is a drilling rig, a production platform, or an FPSO (Floating Production Storage and Offloading vessel) a Dive Support Vessel, Supply/Standby Vessel, Floating Hotels, Construction Vessel, Tanker & etc.. they all differ. Some are large, some huge, others small. As a result, the facilities they all offer vary.
However, a typical North Sea production platform/Ship will boast a core crew of 50-150 men and women. Living quarters are compact but comfortable, usually en-suite, with 2 or more to a cabin. Food is good and plentiful, although do not expect a beer with your meals - alcohol is strictly prohibited offshore. Offshore crew usually work on a production platform for a period of two weeks before having a rest period onshore for two weeks - 2 weeks on 2 weeks off. (Some companies now work 2 on / 3 off. Those in drilling and exploration can spend longer offshore. Offshore crew work 12 hours a day, including rest and meal breaks, and have 12 hours off. Off-shift, workers can choose to work out in the gym, watch a video or DVD or satellite TV, play snooker, play PC games, read or just hang out with their colleagues. It does have downsides. Living with work colleagues, means that an offshore worker has to be able to co-operate in a group. You have to get on with your cabin mates.
Safety
Safety is always the major concern offshore. Admittedly, there have been accidents, some of them major - Piper Alpha for example. However, things have improved dramatically, and the culture offshore has changed. The industry is proud of its safety record over the last few years, and workers are encouraged to report any health, safety or environmental problems. Before being allowed to go offshore, even if only for a day's survey, all employees must complete an offshore survival course and undergo a medical. Additionally, most operators insist that visitors complete an onshore induction program and permit to work training before traveling offshore.
Training
Offshore Survival Courses
Just about every operator worldwide insists that everyone travelling to one of their offshore assets (production platform, drill rig, FPSO etc) must complete an offshore survival course before being allowed to travel. This applies to employees and visitors alike, independent of the length of the visit, whether it be for a 2 week rotation or one afternoon's survey.
BOSIET
For UK waters this survival course is officially known as a BOSIET (Basic Offshore Safety Induction and Emergency Training) course, though it is often referred to as an RGIT course in deference to the one time market leader in providing such courses. The BOSIET includes Safety, Fire Prevention and Fire Fighting, First Aid and Hypothermia, Helicopter Safety and Escape, and Survival at Sea.
BOSIET courses vary in length between providers - usually 2 to 3 days, and with the advent of e-learning some providers allow the theory parts to be completed via the internet. The cost of a basic course is around GBR 600, plus any accommodation costs. Courses are very popular and there can be a waiting list of a couple of weeks - though gone are the days of a single provider for the UK. The "Offshore Survival Certificate" as the BOSIET is also commonly known, is only valid for 4 years, and a refresher (usually lasting a day) must be done before your old certificate expires otherwise the whole 3 day course must be repeated. There are no exceptions to this rule.
There are "extras" that you can request, and pay for, when doing your survival, e.g. a little extra helicopter escape training bolted on to the BOSIET counts as "Additional Safety Training" for the Norwegian sector.
This two-three-day course is the best choice for new delegates who have never undertaken survival training before, or for delegates who have allowed their original certification to expire. It is valid for working in the UKCS only but can be upgraded for other sectors including Norway as long as the 2 day European Module is undertaken within the first year of the certificate's validity. The BOSIET certificate is valid for 4 years. We also deliver the BOSIET course from Friday to Sunday to accommodate for delegates that have work commitments during the week.
Universal OLF Basic Survival
This is a five-day basic course similar to the BOSIET but appropriate for all delegates who know that they will be working in European sectors including Norway. Again this is relevant for delegates who have not undertaken training before or who have allowed their certification to expire.
Further Offshore Emergency Training (FOET)
This one-day course can be undertaken by individual's who have an in-date valid BOSIET certificate. The FOET certificate issued following the training re-validates the certificate for a further 4 years for the UKCS.
Different countries across the world have differing requirements, some more stringent than the UK requirements described above, whereas others are frighteningly inadequate. For example a BOSIET course is not sufficient for working in the Norwegian sector of the North Sea. The Norwegian Oil Industry Association (OLF) course, is a 5 day affair and a lot more demanding than that required in the UK. Most offshore training companies in the UK run courses allowing you to work in other sectors. These are often run as additions to the BOSIET course.
Many countries do not have their own standard courses and reputable operators default to either the UK or Norwegian courses for workers on their offshore installations.
Not all offshore work is in cold waters (i.e. less than 15°C) therefore a tropical BOSIET (TBOSIET) has been developed where the specific dangers of tropical seas are addressed.
Many companies put employees through courses after they start work, but some people take a course before looking for work in the industry - hoping this will give them an advantage when looking for work. Having a valid "Offshore Survival Certificate" could mean the difference between getting a job and not - however it is worth remembering that doing this course does not guarantee a job offshore. Also, since different countries have different requirements think carefully about where you want to work before financing your own course.
Offshore Medicals
Every offshore worker must undergo and pass a medical examination which classifies them as medically fit to work in the offshore environment.
Different offshore authorities have different requirements. For UK waters only physicians who are approved by the United Kingdom Offshore Operators Association (UKOOA) Health Advisory Committee should carry out the examination.
The offshore medical certificate, as it is commonly known, is only valid for a limited time, and you need to renew it to continue working offshore. The frequency for renewal depends on the authority controlling the asset you are visiting and your age.
For UK waters, all assets are controlled by UKOOA and renewals are necessary 2-yearly, with effect from 1 Jan 2007, irrespective of the age of the offshore person.
Individual Operators retain the right to request medical assessments more frequently.
Restrictions
In addition to survival and medicals, there are a few other restrictions;
The minimum age for working offshore in the UK sector is 18.
You are not allowed to travel offshore under the influence of alcohol or illegal drugs. This is strictly enforced at the heliport departure desk. It is not unknown for people to be denied travel offshore because their breath smells of alcohol. Additionally, some operators have provision for carrying out random drugs tests on potential travelers.
There is a limit to how long you can spend offshore in any one trip. Most operators have a 21 day limit on this. After 21 days you must be onshore for 7 days before traveling offshore again. Other operators require you to work 6 weeks on 6 off, each company is different.
The job calls for natural interest that can help them to adjust with ease and confidence. The ability to work at a stretch in an emergency situation bearing the physical strain, needs a person with mentally and physically tough. A person with a strong mental make-up and tough physical constitution along with a sporting, adaptive and adjustable attitude can find life offshore one of adventure and fun.
