Offshore drilling worker
Offshore drilling workers extract oil and gas from under the seabed, working from platforms and rigs.
Also known as: Driller, assistant driller, derrickhand
- Starter salary£30,000 a year
- Experienced£60,000 a year
What you'll do
As a derrickhand, you would:
- operate the lifting machinery or hoist to guide drill sections into place
- maintain the derrick or crane
- control and monitor mud pumps, and work with mud pump operators
As a driller, you would:
- supervise the drilling team and control the rate of drilling
- assemble the drilling tools and connect sections of the drill pipe
- operate the drill control equipment
- monitor pressure build ups
- keep records of the drilling process
- make sure the team follows health and safety rules
Working environment
You could work on a rig.
Your working environment may be cramped, physically demanding, at height, outdoors in all weathers and you may spend nights away from home.
You may need to wear protective clothing.
Skills and knowledge you'll need
You'll need:
- the ability to use, repair and maintain machines and tools
- to be thorough and pay attention to detail
- the ability to work well with others
- observation and recording skills
- the ability to monitor your own performance and that of your colleagues
- patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
- the ability to work well with your hands
- physical fitness and endurance
- to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently
How to become a offshore drilling worker
You can get into this job through:
- a college course
- an apprenticeship
- working towards this role
- applying directly
College
You could take a college course in engineering or construction, which would give you some of the skills needed to start as a trainee with a drilling company.
Courses include:
- engineering
- mechanical engineering
- engineering technology
- construction and civil engineering
Entry requirements
Entry requirements for these courses vary.
Apprenticeship
You may be able to apply for a place on an an Engineering Operative Level 2 Intermediate Apprenticeship.
You could also apply to do a Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship, for example:
- Engineering Construction Rigger
- Maritime Mechanical Fitter
- Maritime Pipeworker
- Maintenance and Operations Engineering Technician
These combine on-the-job training and time spent with a college or training provider.
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- some GCSEs, usually including English and maths, or equivalent, for an intermediate apprenticeship
- 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship
Work
You could start as a drilling labourer, roustabout or derrickhand (crane or hoist operator) on a rig, and learn on the job before becoming a drilling worker.
Direct application
You can apply directly to offshore oil and gas companies if you've got experience in an industry like engineering or construction.
Restrictions and requirements
You'll need to:
- complete basic offshore safety induction and emergency training
- have an offshore medical certificate
- be over 18 years of age
Career path and progression
You could work for oil and gas companies who have their own exploration and production licences, or for businesses contracted to operate and maintain drilling equipment on offshore rigs and ships.
With experience, you could be promoted from driller to tool pusher or rig manager, overseeing drilling operations.
Career tips
Oil and gas workers work shifts, for example 10 to 12 hours a day over a 2-week period, followed by 2 weeks' leave. They might follow this shift pattern for several months at a time.
Guides for this industry
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