Offshore roustabout
Keep the drilling equipment and area working properly on offshore facilities.
Also known as: lead roustabout, roughneck, roustabout
About the job
What it's like
Ever wondered what it takes to keep a powerful offshore operation running smoothly in the face of the open sea? As an offshore roustabout, you'll be right there, making it happen!
You'll be hands-on, focusing on supporting drilling and maintenance teams by handling equipment, moving supplies and keeping the worksite safe and tidy.
This is an exciting role because no two days are the same — you’ll face new challenges, work with heavy machinery and learn practical skills that are valued worldwide. There’s a real sense of achievement in knowing your work keeps the platform running safely and efficiently.
Offshore roustabouts are found in the energy industry, mainly on rigs in the North Sea and other offshore platforms. Some specialise in crane operations or move into more technical roles like roughneck or derrickhand as they gain experience.
Your tasks might include:
assisting with loading and unloading supply vessels
cleaning and maintaining deck areas and equipment
assembling and dismantling vital energy production components
helping with basic repairs and routine maintenance
following strict safety procedures while offshore
supporting skilled tradespeople during drilling operations
Explore more information about this job
Here are some useful links to learn more about this career:
My Energy Future — explore potential energy careers
BBC News video – 'In 360: Life on an Oil Rig'
Skills Development Scotland – Career Opportunities in Scotland across Offshore Wind
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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.
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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.
- making decisions
- time management
- managing resources
- concentrating
- attention to detail
- observation
- problem solving
- verbal communication
- cooperating
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:
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Engineering Science
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Practical Metalwork
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Skills for Work: Engineering Skills
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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.
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 Upstream Oil and Gas Production.
Work
You can become an offshore roustabout through applying directly with an employer or getting an entry-level job and working your way up.
Use the My World of Work job search to look for job vacancies.
Getting work experience in a relevant role can help you build the skills and experience you’ll need to become an offshore roustabout. Search for construction-based opportunities on Volunteer Scotland.
You'll need to pass an offshore survival course, such as a Basic Offshore Safety Induction and Emergency Training Certificate (BOSIET).
All offshore roustabouts must pass an offshore medical test.
You'll need to sit colour vision tests.
Most offshore roustabout roles state that applicants must be at least 18 years old.
