To work offshore, you primarily need specific safety training certifications, along with qualifications relevant to your desired role and strong personal attributes.
Essential Offshore Safety Training
Working in an offshore environment demands strict adherence to safety protocols. Therefore, mandatory training certifications are required for nearly all personnel. These foundational courses equip individuals with critical survival and emergency response skills.
Here are the key training certifications you will likely need:
| Certification Name | Description |
|---|---|
| Basic Offshore Induction and Emergency Training (BOSIET) | This is a fundamental course for anyone intending to work in the offshore oil and gas industry. It covers basic safety, emergency response, helicopter safety, and sea survival. It teaches essential skills for escaping from a helicopter and surviving in the water. |
| Further Offshore Emergency Training (FOET) | The FOET course is a refresher for those who have previously completed BOSIET. It updates and reinforces emergency response and survival skills, ensuring continued competence in handling offshore emergencies. |
These courses are crucial for ensuring your safety and the safety of others in a high-risk environment.
Role-Specific Qualifications
Beyond the mandatory safety training, the specific qualifications you need will largely depend on the job you intend to perform offshore. Offshore installations require a wide range of professionals, each demanding specialized education, certifications, or experience.
Examples of roles and their typical qualifications include:
- Engineers: Degrees in petroleum engineering, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, or marine engineering.
- Technicians: Vocational qualifications or diplomas in relevant fields such as electrical, mechanical, instrumentation, or drilling technology.
- Drillers/Deck Crew: Specific industry certifications, practical experience, and often specialized training for operating drilling equipment or handling deck operations.
- Medical Personnel: Registered nurse (RN) or paramedic qualifications, often with additional offshore medic certifications.
- Catering and Support Staff: Relevant culinary qualifications for chefs, hospitality certifications for stewards, and sometimes specific health and hygiene training.
- Accountants: A degree in accounting or finance, along with professional accounting qualifications (e.g., CPA, ACCA) are necessary for administrative roles such as an offshore accountant.
It's vital to research the specific requirements for your target offshore role, as these can vary significantly between companies and positions.
Key Personal Attributes and Requirements
Working offshore also demands certain personal qualities and a commitment to strict operational guidelines due to the unique environment.
- Adherence to Health and Safety: A paramount requirement is a strong commitment to health and safety regulations. Offshore environments are inherently risky, and strict adherence to procedures is critical to prevent accidents and ensure the well-being of all personnel.
- Discipline: The ability to follow instructions, maintain routines, and adhere to strict schedules is essential in a structured offshore workplace.
- Physical Fitness: Given the demanding nature of the work and the need to participate in emergency procedures, a good level of physical fitness is often required, usually confirmed by an offshore medical examination.
- Teamwork and Communication: Living and working in close quarters requires strong interpersonal skills, the ability to work effectively in a team, and clear communication.
General Steps and Considerations
Embarking on an offshore career also involves strategic preparation:
- Conduct Thorough Research: Before applying for offshore jobs, extensively research the industry, specific companies, and the types of roles available. Understanding the demands and opportunities will help you tailor your qualifications and applications.
- Networking: Connecting with professionals already in the offshore industry can provide valuable insights and potential job leads.
- Building Experience: For many roles, especially technical or operational ones, gaining experience in related land-based industries can be a significant advantage.
