I used to work offshore oil rigs - ama

[offshoreoily]

Bit bored tonight so thought I’d post an ama! Worked in the oil industry over 25 years. 10 of those on offshore oil rigs and platforms in various locations worldwide

I have a distant family member who works on rigs (may have retired now I think). He was unfaithful to his wife numerous times with various women around the world including prostitutes I believe. Is that sort of thing common among the men on the rigs?

I mean is there a culture like that or is it just my relative that’s a prick?

I didn’t work on it no, but I have read a lot about it….and seen the film!
the BP incident was obviously horrendous, and was down to a lot of time pressure and poor management decisions put above safety and welfare. The one thing I would say about the industry is they do tend to take these incidents seriously and make sure not to allow them to be repeated.
the pay is pretty good, but it’s also a lot of benefits generally such as low tax, included housing etc etc

I remember watching news of the Piper Alpha disaster when I was a teen. Terrified me. The thought of being isolated at sea with this raging out of control inferno.

Have you ever seen things being done or short cuts taken that you think are risky?

People have fallen overboard yes, ive not heard of suicide first hand but I imagine it’s not unknown, especially in an industry with a lot of men who generally don’t like to express their feelings!
there can be conflict yes, but most of the rigs operate with quite a strict hierarchy and order….a bit like the respect you get in the army I imagine?
generally the atmosphere is pretty good and everyone’s in it together and looking out for each other.
I would say I probably have had more issues with sexual harassment in the office than offshore! Obviously I was aware there was some comments being made about myself, but generally the crew were pretty respectful to me

Gosh, hard one! A pod of maybe 400 dolphins? Humpback whales and calves? An uncountable number of sharks waiting for a he food scrap discharge?
There’s definitely some strong bonds formed, it’s probably more than the average job just because of the situation you’re in, there is no going home at end of every day. It’s breakfast lunch and dinner with these people!
not many affairs as not many women! But I will say these rig guys a don’t seem the most faithful type…

Lol I just alluded to that in my previous reply. Yeah….I do remember coming to the conclusion at some point that all men are cheats. It does seem to be a common attitude offshore, maybe just make bravado and shit chat?
sadly I think it’s just a culture of men spending lots of time away from their families and perhaps allowing themselves to fall into those “acceptable “ attitudes

Is there Drs/nurses/ a medical team on the rigs?!

That’s a difficult one! As people always have a different perception of risk and experience.
I’ve never been afraid to voice my opinion if I don’t agree with a situation and it is very much encouraged. Sometimes time and money can be prioritised though. Generally I would say most decisions are made on an over cautious basis.
but yes, I have been placed in some precarious situations ….one of which caused me to be sent off the rig due to my disagreement!

There’s always a HSE guy who is trained in first aid, anything serious would cause an immediate medical evacuation back onshore

Do you get your own room?

How far usually off shore are they? How long is the flight?

Very rarely, I’ve been in situations where I’ve slept in the back of a car, or in bunk beds with 5 men in a shipping container. If I’m lucky I will work back to back with someone and share a room on opposite shifts.
The longest helicopter flight I’ve been on is probably 2 hours to the rig, but some can be seen from the coast.

Wow really no privacy!

I'm surprised that you don't get more privacy. An ex is in the same industry and he had to be careful with female staff on certain rigs because it could end up with one woman to a room and the other three bunks being vacant whilst those three guys had to hot bunk with guys on opposite shifts..which caused resentment. There were rigs with more cabins or cabins either just two bunks and that was easier. But he had to be careful with the older/smaller rigs, as few women who worked offshore there were weren't to be sleeping in rooms with men.

*sorry for typos!!

What was the most amazing weather phenomenon you saw? Ive seen sky dogs and some cool clouds over the years but I imagine you've seen some incredible things. What about the aurora borealis or other things to do with space?

What are the biggest seas you have seen.

This is a brilliant AMA.

This is an amazing AMA. Thank you!

Probably my most amazing memories are sunsets in Australia and sunrises over calm seas. No borealis as I was never far enough north, and generally the lights on the rigs were too bright.

Favourite rig?

Favourite snack from the tuck shop?

What companies have you worked for?

Favourite rig - maersk discoverer
snack - cadburys
Companies - BP, Woodside, schlumberger

What job did you do?

Love your thread thank you.

is there a laundry or do you have to take enough clothes for the entire stay?
what about leisure activities?

Drilling engineer initially

There is laundry on board yes, but you have to be prepared for a shrink wash! Mainly you wear overalls on shift and then just causal joggers/leggings/ tees
leisure was basically TV room post shift, circuits around the helipad. Not much else to do!