Offshore oil rig jobs are both physically demanding and challenging

Offshore oil rig jobs are both physically demanding and challenging. Because of the sometimes extreme conditions that rig workers operate under, the oil rig companies make the living conditions as comfortable as possible. You can expect your quarters to be of the highest standard and all your food and board costs to be covered. In addition to this your travel expenses are also covered by the company. There is a large variety of jobs offshore on offer including both entry level as well as senior positions. This is an industry that promotes from within, so starting at the bottom and working through the ranks is considered normal. Hours Worked and Off Time The working hours may seem long with shifts of 12 hours being considered the norm, but it is also very common for most of the oil rig positions to work on a rotation basis with more time off than on. Many of the employees will experience a fourteen days on to twenty one days off rotation. Other positions will require working longer durations with less time off, but generally you can expect to have at least half your year off. Entry Level Positions The variety of entry level oil rig work that does not require any previous rig experience includes Roustabouts, Assistant Roustabouts, Painters, Materials man or woman, Medics and Scaffolders. The position of radio controller as well as some of the positions within the catering crew are also considered new start positions. You could also start your career onboard as a Mudman or a Welder and there are always new positions arising as the Safety Man. With regards to the position where it is advisable to have worked on a rig before, there are various crews that include drilling crew, deck crew and engineering, mechanical and subsea crews. With such a huge variety in work requirements, there is a lot of scope for advancement.