Conditions of work and salary

The work schedule is 21 consecutive days of 12-hour shifts followed by 21 days off. This 21/21 rhythm is regulated by international law. Clothing for work is provided by the employer. In most cases flights and transportation for crew is also taken care of and food and accommodation are provided. The food is high standard and includes four warm meals a day.

The monthly net salary for an average worker in a drilling crew is $3000. According to various qualifying measures which are offered by many employers this can increase up to $3500. Qualified personnel such as mechanics, cooks, electricians and others can earn up to $4500. Engineers earn around $7000. Usually the wages are paid In US-Dollars and transferred to your bank account.

IMPORTANT CONDITIONS:

As the job is physically demanding applicants should be in good physical condition and have no serious disabilities or impairments (wearing glasses is not considered a major handicap). All offshore workers have to undergo a health check and take part in safety training except personnel that have previously worked on ship or have already worked offshore.

The safety training lasts 3-5 days and includes first aid and fire safety. The oil companies arrange the safety courses and health check internally and this is at no extra cost for the applicants.

The working language on offshore platforms is English, basic knowledge will be sufficient as people of many different nations work offshore. Qualified personnel such as engineers are of course required to have a better knowledge of the English language as they have more complicated tasks.

If you are interested on working in a drilling crew you should not be over 50, but there are other supporting jobs such as cooks, mechanics, engineers or medical staff where there are fewer age restrictions.

Offshore work is traditionally seen as a man’s job as the work is physically demanding and very few women currently work offshore. Applications from women are rare but still considered.