Offshore drilling worker
Power the world's energy future! Operate and look after drilling equipment on offshore facilities, such as oil or gas rigs or drilling platforms.
Also known as: driller, derrickman, assistant driller
About the job
What it's like
Ever wondered how we unlock the Earth's resources and power our future? As an offshore driller, you're at the forefront of this work!
You'll be part of a skilled team that manages and operates drilling equipment on offshore facilities such as oil or gas rigs or drilling platforms. Increasingly, your skills will be used in energy transition, renewables and new technologies such as carbon capture and storage.
As a driller, you'll supervise the drilling team and control the rate of drilling. It’s a highly skilled and responsible job.
Your tasks might include:
controlling operations on the drill floor
overseeing the assembly of the drilling tools and connect sections of the drill pipe
operating and controlling the machinery that raises and lowers the drill
maintaining records of the drilling process
making sure that the whole team follows health and safety rules
coordinating with geologists and engineers during the drilling operations
Within the drilling team, there are specific roles needed which you could progress to through on-the-job training and getting experience.
As an assistant driller, it'd be your job to coordinate the activities on the drill floor. For example, you would pass on instructions and information from the driller to the rest of the drilling team.
Another specialised role is the derrickman. You'd work at a significant height of 20 to 25 metres above the rig floor on a platform attached to the derrick - the mast that supports the drilling equipment.
The derrickman has several important tasks, such as:
handling and stacking sections of the drill pipe
maintaining the derrick
operating the lifting and hoisting machinery
controlling and maintaining mud pumps
supervising mud pimp operators
The driller and assistant driller are responsible for supervising the work of the team, with a strong focus on maintaining safety standards throughout all operations.
Hours
You'll typically live and work on a rig or platform for two or three weeks at a time.
You'll have two or three weeks' rest on shore to recharge and get some personal time back.
While working on the rig or platform, you'd work up to 12 hours a day on a 24-hour shift rota, maximising productivity during your time offshore.
Environment
You could work on fixed platforms of up to 100 workers, or smaller mobile rigs of around 20 workers.
Facilities on a rig are designed to support life and work, including comfortable living accommodation, canteens and spaces for recreation during your own time.
There are bans on alcohol and smoking.
The work itself can be physically challenging, requiring resilience to work in all types of weather conditions and heights.
Safety is important, so you'll be provided with protective clothing, including a harness, ear defenders and a thermal boiler suit.
Travel
You'll travel offshore and back by boat or helicopter.
Explore more information about this job
Here are some useful links to learn more about this career:
Other careers that you might like
Water and wastewater engineer
Related industries
Many jobs can be done in lots of different industries. We've highlighted the ones we think are most important for this job.
Engineering and manufacturing Energy
Top skills
Skills are things you're good at. Whether you know what yours are or not, everyone has them!
It's useful to learn which ones are important in a job so you know the areas you need to brush up on. It can also help you work out if you're suited to a career.
Meta skills
Here are some of the meta skills you'll need to do this job.
- analysing
- taking responsibility
- making decisions
- time management
- developing a plan
- attention to detail
- working with numbers
- working with technology
- verbal communication
Your skills are important
Our unique skillsets are what make us stand out from the crowd. Learn about each skill in depth and discover what employers look for in your applications and interviews.
Getting in
Explore each section to find more information about getting into this career.
Colleges and universities will list subjects you'll need for entry to a course. Some useful subjects include:
Engineering Science
Practical Metalwork
Skills for Work: Energy
Skills for Work: Engineering Skills
Foundation Apprenticeship: Engineering
You can get a head start in this career by doing a Foundation Apprenticeship in S5 and S6.
You'll get an SCQF level 6 qualification which is the same level as a Higher. You'll also learn new skills and gain valuable experience in a work environment.
Discover what's on offer at your school on Apprenticeships.scot.
A common route into the industry is through an apprenticeship scheme or a entry-level job.
College
Getting qualifications at college, such as an HNC or HND, could help you get a job or progress to more advanced study. Useful subjects include:
Engineering
Mechanical and Offshore Engineering
Electrical and Electronic Engineering
Chemical Engineering
Civil Engineering
Naval Architecture, Ocean and Marine Engineering
Apprenticeship
Modern Apprenticeships (MAs) mean you learn on the job. You get paid and work towards a qualification at the same time. You might want to consider an MA in areas such as:
Discover Modern Apprenticeships on Apprenticeships.scot.
Graduate Apprenticeships (GAs) are designed for industry and you'll spend most of your time learning on the job but you'll also go to uni. You'll get a job, get paid and work towards a qualification at the same time.
You might want to consider a GA in Civil Engineering.
Discover Graduate Apprenticeships on Apprenticeships.scot.
Other apprenticeship schemes
If you have experience in related industries such as engineering, construction or other oil and gas sectors, you might be able to apply directly for more specialised roles.
Getting work experience in a relevant role can help you. Search for opportunities on Volunteer Scotland.
To work offshore you must:
pass regular medical examinations
pass an offshore survival course
get an emergency training certificate (BOSIET)
be aged 18 or over
Find the right course for you
Browse courses in Scotland related to 'Offshore drilling worker'
