If you are planning to get hired for an offshore job, as a first step you need to read up on the nature of the work done there. I’ll be honest – it is not easy. If you discuss it with people already employed offshore about the prospects offered, they will all let you know the work is tough. But, the pay is great. Making £40,000 per annum – while working just 6 months a year and with 1 year of on the job training – is possible.

The North Sea off Britain’s coast is home to many gas platforms. You can also work on any floating rig, FPSO, or offshore oil platform around the world.

Most positions require hard work and perseverance, so those who cannot fit in these qualities in their work style had better decline offers to work on an oil or gas platform. Remember, more than the salary, your drive and readiness to take on the most tedious of jobs is what counts to a boss or company. There’s no place for smooth and effortless labor here – it’s gritty, tough, and working 12 hours a day is the norm.

It’s important to present detailed curriculum vitae to your offshore jobs recruiter. It must state comprehensively all your qualifications, past experiences in the same field if any, and your aptitude for doing work. Any certifications possessed may also be specified since this may fetch you a better position on a rig. Welding tickets, drilling certs, or previous experience are all bonuses.

Also, all offshore jobs require a fitness or heath certificate from the prospective employee. Therefore it’s necessary to undergo a routine blood exam including certain specific tests to rule out infectious diseases. X-rays may be required as well. The good news is your employer will pay for all the medical work. Your performance in the interview should be exemplary though.

Entry level offshore jobs may not stress on experience or qualifications. For these types of jobs, emphasis will be on your ability to grasp the basics, work in a team, and take orders safely. A high school diploma is the only credential insisted upon for entry level jobs like roustabout. Advanced positions like driller or toolpusher will require years of experience either onshore or offshore.

The labour turnover in offshore oilrig jobs can be quite high due to the inability of the workers to keep up to the demands of the job. Adherence to timing schedules is kept strict on the site and crew shifts are fixed at 8-12 hour intervals. The absence of a team member upsets the entire schedule; therefore a slack attitude may just cost you your job! But if you are willing to work, be honest, and most important be safe – working on an offshore oil or gas platform can be perfect for you.