Navigating the Rigging Industry: Skills, Pay, and Safety

Working on an oil rig can be a challenging but rewarding career choice. Whether you have experience or not, the path to landing a job on an oil rig involves certain requirements, safety measures, and understanding the potential dangers associated with such a job.

Requirements and How to Get Started

Inexperienced individuals can still work on oil rigs, provided they have specific skills and qualifications. If you are experienced and good at something—be it cooking, cleaning, communications, drilling, mechanics, technology, geology, or reservoir engineering—this translates well to onshore drilling jobs and beyond. Physical capability and a healthy dose of common sense are essential.

The initial steps to getting a foot in the door often involve applying for entry-level laborer positions. I worked on an offshore oil rig about 40 years ago and followed the path of an application process. Be persistent and apply to multiple positions, just as I did, to increase your chances of being hired. Starting as a roustabout, a role that requires versatility and hard work, can be a good way to begin.

A reasonably quick way to enter the industry is via rope access certification. This certification involves initial training and onshore experience. With the right motivation and intent, this can help you secure a position in the industry.

Pay and Benefits

The pay for rigging jobs can be substantial. For example, it's not uncommon to earn over $80,000 a year or more. The details of the pay package can depend on the specific position and the company, but the higher earnings often come with physically demanding and dangerous work.

While the pay is good, don’t be swayed by the numbers too quickly. If you are inexperienced, you have a slim chance of securing a position. Inexperienced people are a danger to their coworkers, the rig, and themselves. Prioritize gaining the necessary skills and proving your worth before entering the rig environment.

Safety Measures and Potential Dangers

Safety is a top priority in the oil rig industry. Still, the work can be dangerous. Some common safety measures include adhering to procedures and wearing appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). However, the potential dangers can be severe, ranging from sudden maiming or death to various injuries from job-specific equipment and tasks.

Some of the specific dangers include:

Sudden maiming or death: This can occur from accidents with heavy machinery, falls, and other unforeseen events. Physical exhaustion: Shift work on rigs can lead to extreme fatigue, which increases the risk of accidents. Chemical exposure: Exposure to toxic chemicals and irrespirable gases is a constant concern. Weather conditions: Working on offshore rigs can be hazardous due to extreme weather conditions.

Despite the risks, the industry has stringent safety protocols and compliance standards to minimize these dangers. Regular training and drills are essential to keep safety top of mind.

Conclusion

The path to working on an oil rig is not easy, but it can be rewarding if you are prepared for the challenges. Physical capability and a strong work ethic are key. Rope access certification and proven skills can help you secure a position more quickly. Remember to focus on safety and always strive to improve your skills and competence to ensure your success and the safety of those around you.