Posted on: 12. 11. 20
The holidays are here, and while most of us are going to enjoy the cheer from the comfort of our gas-warmed homes, there are a select few Americans who crave a life of adventure on the sea and plan to spend the holidays offshore.
Here’s a look into the details of life on an offshore rig, and how it’s a work experience like no other industry.
Be Prepared for Hard Labor
On an offshore rig, there are numerous job opportunities available in the oil & gas industry. From actual rig workers to medics that assist with emergencies, everything on the open sea seems to be a bit more challenging than on land.
Rig life is extremely physically demanding, and one of the key requirements to work on an offshore rig is to be physically strong and very agile. Most rig workers find themselves working outside in the sun, literally balancing their duties amongst the churning waters that constantly shift a rig.
Although the work is demanding, there are several perks to the job:
- The average salary of an offshore rig worker is around $99,000 and increases with positions of higher power.
- Accommodations like bedrooms, indoor gyms, and computers with internet access are provided.
- Many rigs do their best to ensure that their workers remain comfortable and well-fed when not on the clock.
Safety is Your Number One Priority
Whether offshore or onshore, work at an oil drilling site can be dangerous, with the likelihood of death high if safety procedures aren’t followed. Offshore workers are put through extensive and continuous safety training to mitigate the risks of the job.
Safety is such a high priority on offshore rig sites, that rig workers are required to wear physical safety gear during their shifts. The average offshore uniform consists of:
- Safety Glasses
- Steel-Toed Boots
- Coveralls
- Hard Hats
Tight Work Schedules
If you don’t mind being tied down to the rig for a good portion of the year, the working schedule of an offshore rig employee is something that allows for one to easily plan their lives around. Most workers work for 14 days on the rig, then work for 21 days off of the rig.
Keep in mind that although workers spend more time off of the rigs than on, the average workday on a rig is between 8 and 12 hours. Offshore rigs operate on a 24/7 basis, so some people may even face shifts that last completely overnight.
People starting a career in oil & gas, especially entering the offshore environment, should always understand the time dedication life on the rig is going to entail and remember, that the financial benefits and comfort perks provided on offshore sites are definite positives they’ve earned with their hard work and commitment.
Pro-Gas, LLC Supports Our Oil and Gas Workers During the Holiday Season
Offshore rig work isn’t a perfect fit for just anyone, but at Pro-Gas, LLC, we are proud to support the countless men and women who work in sometimes risky conditions to make oil and gas available for customer use.
This holiday season, while you enjoy an evening sip of hot chocolate near the warmth of your home heating system, remember to thank an offshore worker who helped make this moment a reality.
If you are a facility manager eager to work with one of the nation’s leading equipment suppliers, the team at Pro-Gas is here to provide you with our services. Contact us today to learn more about our Fuel Genie products, NGL storage units, conditioning systems, and more!
