What Is An Oil Rig? How Does It Operate?

If you are interested in working in the oil industry, you may be wondering what type of work to do. Many people find it rewarding to help companies extract and store natural resources by working on an oil rig. Understanding what an oil rig worker does can help you determine if this is the right career path for you. In this article, we’ll explain what oil rig workers do and list the skills that help them succeed in their careers.

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What Is An Oil Rig?

Oil rigs enable everything in offshore drilling. A drilling crew spends days and nights at sea on rigs keeping the oil and gas industry running. But what exactly is an oil rig?

Technically, there are four different types of oil rigs. The term “oil rig” refers to any facility constructed for the purpose of oil drilling by oil drilling companies. The derrick that this article will be about is also referred to as an “oil platform”, but there are also oil wells, drillships and oil rigs.

Oil rigs are large platforms that contain large amounts of machinery and equipment used to extract oil and natural gas from the continental shelf. They can be tethered to the seabed itself or held by a float or artificial island. Once oil is extracted, it is transported back to land either by pipeline (higher cost, but lower risk) or by oil tanker (lower cost, but much higher risk of oil loss and pollution).

‍There are a large number of people who work on oil rigs, including:

• Roustabouts
• Drillers and Drill Assistants
• Roughnecks
• Derrickmen
• Toolpusher
• Seamen
• Engineers
• Welders

They sleep either in facilities on the platform itself or on a separate platform attached to the platform. The kits are self-sufficient, with built-in plumbing, water treatment and electricity generation.

What is an oil rig worker?

An oil rig worker is a professional who works on oil or natural gas drilling sites. They help their team identify, extract, store and process these resources. These professionals can work on land or offshore platforms and usually live on the platform if it is far from their home. Many oil rig positions are entry level and only require employees to have a high school diploma and physical endurance. Senior-level employees tend to have a bachelor’s degree or higher, which qualifies them to oversee the productivity and safety of the well site.

How does an oil rig work?

A drilling rig is used to create an oil well by digging a hole in the ground. After drilling, the steel pipes are introduced and placed in the borehole. Cement would be applied to both casing and wellbore, ensuring structural integrity and separating pressure zones.

The drill bit would be attached to a drill collar that would apply pressure to the drill bit to cut into the rocks. Mud will be extracted from the drill bit and used to complete the drilling process, which will include both oil-based and water-based muds. Since it consists of several metal tubes and fits into a drilled hole, a good sleeve is an important part of the kit.

Casing, on the other hand, ensures that no oil or gas escapes from the well. Oil and gas would be transported to the surface, avoiding waste.

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What do oil rig workers do?

Although oil rig workers have different responsibilities depending on their job title and qualifications, here are some typical duties they perform:

Operating heavy machinery

These professionals rely on a lot of equipment to extract, store and process oil. They can operate drills, cranes, forklifts and turntables and use their training to work efficiently and safely. While using this equipment, they communicate with other team members to efficiently complete tasks such as guiding pipe into a wellbore. Additional heavy machinery operating duties may include:

• Monitoring chemical levels to prevent pipes from corroding
• Analyzing gas and pressure levels
• Tracking environmental conditions that could affect productivity

Cleaning, inspecting and repairing equipment

Oil rig equipment requires regular cleaning to stay in good condition. Employees often use pressure washers to remove excess grease and sludge before and after each use. They can also follow a schedule of regular inspections to ensure that all parts are working properly. If they notice a problem, they can fix it themselves or delegate the task to the appropriate team member.

Tracking progress

These experts are often responsible for monitoring their progress and generating reports. They can record productivity by listing how long employees worked and how much oil they produced. They can also record any security incidents that have occurred. Supervisors and stakeholders analyze these reports and use their findings to improve the productivity and safety of operations. For example, they could shorten shifts to prevent worker fatigue or introduce a new way of processing oil.

Adhering to safety regulations

These professionals receive extensive training to protect themselves and others from occupational hazards. They follow their site’s security regulations and are aware of the latest policy changes. For example, they can make sure they get training before using a new drill or forklift. Other examples of safety compliance include recognizing how fatigue affects the operation of heavy machinery and avoiding the mixing of hazardous chemicals. If you are at a higher level, you may be responsible for compliance with safety regulations. For example, you can ensure that employees use the correct personal protective equipment.

Adhering to environmental regulations

In addition to safety regulations, oil rigs are also responsible for compliance with environmental regulations. Employees follow company and government policies to protect the surrounding nature. Responsibilities include checking equipment to prevent leakage and proper disposal of waste. If an oil spill occurs, employees can notify the appropriate authorities and implement appropriate cleanup procedures.

Analyzing samples

Some oil rig experts analyze geological samples while drilling wells. Microscopes and ultraviolet fluorescence allow them to evaluate rocks and mud to determine if oil is present. When they find evidence of that resource, they can instruct operators where to drill. Sample analysis helps oil rig operations save time and money by drilling in the right areas.

Training crew members

Oil rig professionals train new crew members to ensure they can perform their duties. They will review the safety procedures they covered during orientation and demonstrate how to use various equipment. New crew members often operate the machines under the supervision of experienced employees. Once they have logged enough hours of practice, they can work more independently.

Performing chores

While oil rigs often provide laundry and catering services to the workers who live on the rig, you can do a few chores around the house. For example, you may be responsible for keeping the cabin and common areas clean. These shared responsibilities can create a sense of community between you and your team members.

What skills do oil rig workers have?

Here are the skills that can help oil rig workers succeed in their careers:

Technical skills

Oil rig professionals rely on technical skills to perform their daily duties. For example, their mechanical knowledge allows them to operate machines and troubleshoot electrical problems. This knowledge also helps them communicate with professionals outside their team, including engineers, electricians and medical professionals.

Communication

Oil rig professionals are constantly communicating with their colleagues and professionals outside their team. They can explain how to use certain equipment or delegate tasks. By communicating information clearly, these professionals can prevent misunderstandings and increase productivity.

Active listening

Active listening helps oil rig professionals complete training and learn to use new equipment later in their careers. It also creates a safer work environment by ensuring that employees follow guidelines. For example, they can implement a new security policy or evacuate a hazardous area.

Adaptability

When you have an oil rig career, there are few constants. Professionals may work long hours and have night shifts. They may also live away from their families for weeks at a time and move to different drilling sites. Being able to adapt to these changing conditions can help you feel more comfortable in your career.

What are jobs on an oil rig?

Professionals can have many roles on the oil rig. These positions may include:

• Driller: Drillers are professionals who operate drilling equipment on the platform.
  
• Mechanic: Mechanics work on the platform to repair and maintain machinery, drilling equipment and tools.
• Electrician: Electricians may work on the rig to maintain and repair electrical systems associated with drilling.
• Roustabout: Roustabout maintains, inspects and prepares rigs for oil production on the platform. They perform a variety of physical tasks including securing the platform, keeping the platform clean and loading equipment.
• Rig welder: Welders may work on an oil rig to weld or secure metal equipment and tools such as pipe fittings.
• Crane operator: Crane operators use cranes to move large objects on an oil rig, such as pipelines, storage equipment, and drilling material.
• Engineer: Engineers may work on an oil rig to design and review well plans. They may specialize in areas such as piping systems, drilling or chemical storage.
• Rig medic: Rig medics are medics who work on the rig to provide medical care to team members.
• Rig cook: Some oil companies may hire rig cooks for offshore oil rigs. These professionals help prepare and serve food for team members.

How to get a job on an oil rig

If you are interested in working on an oil rig, consider the following steps:

1. Ensure you meet the requirements

Oil companies can set their own standards and requirements to help ensure safety during the extraction process. When researching your potential career paths, make sure you meet the minimum requirements before applying. These requirements may vary depending on the company, but generally, to work on an oil rig, professionals must meet the following qualifications:

• Be at least 18 years old
• Pass a physical fitness examination
• Be willing to work nights and 12-hour shifts for several weeks at a time

2. Learn more about the oil industry

Researching the oil industry could help jump-start your career. Consider researching information online, contacting network connections, taking a college course, or completing an online training program to learn more about the oil field and industry. This could help you find the best oil rig role for you. For example, when you learn about the extraction process, you may decide that you want to work as an engineer or welder. Also, talking to network connections who have oil rig experience can help you determine if this is the right path for you.

3. Choose a path

Consider choosing an early career path that will help you develop relevant technical skills. For example, if you decide you want to work as an electrician, you can start a training program to help you develop electrical skills before you apply for a position on an oil rig. Some oil rig jobs also require additional education. For example, a doctor may need a bachelor’s or associate’s degree in medicine. By exploring different positions early in your career, you can help create a plan for your desired career path.

4. Gain relevant professional experience

When choosing a career path, consider gaining professional experience relevant to your role. For example, working as a mechanic, electrician or paramedic can help you develop relevant skills. Many oil rig workers work with oil equipment, so gaining professional experience related to machinery repair or maintenance could help.

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5. Explore apprenticeship opportunities

Depending on your desired pathway, you can explore apprenticeship options. This is common for electricians and mechanics. During apprenticeship, new professionals train under the supervision of senior or master professionals in the field. Some oil rig workers complete apprenticeships outside the oil industry. For example, you can complete an electrician apprenticeship with a residential electrician. Other oil rig professionals learn on land-based oil rigs. These roles often require less training than off-shore sites, so this can be a great opportunity for new professionals to gain experience. If you’re interested in working on rig mechanical or electrical systems, consider exploring apprenticeship opportunities in your area.

6. Create a resume and cover letter

As you gain experience, consider creating a new resume and cover letter for the oil industry. You can include a section highlighting your technical skills, professional experience, and any relevant education or training. Consider researching job postings when composing cover letters. This can help you customize letters for specific positions.

7. Apply for entry-level positions

Once you’ve created your resume and cover letter, you can start applying for entry-level positions on the oil rigs. You can apply for positions as a medic, cook or roustabout. If you have specialized training, such as an electrician, you can apply for these roles. Some oil companies provide on-the-job training where new professionals can develop skills while working in entry-level positions. Consider exploring opportunities online. Consider applying for rigs rather than offshore platforms first. Offshore drilling sites typically require advanced training to ensure individuals remain safe on the water. Working in onshore oil production can help you develop your technical skills while also receiving additional training.

8. Consider advanced education or training

As you gain experience in the oil industry, you can move into new roles. For example, some pros start out as roustabouts and move up to auxiliary drillers and then drillers. For some roles, you can advance your position as you work and develop technical skills on the job. Some roles require advanced training. For example, if you choose to work on an offshore oil rig, you may need a Basic Offshore Safety Training (BOSIET) certificate. This certification program trains professionals in maritime safety procedures and protocols. Advanced oil rig positions may also require an additional degree. For example, engineers may work on an oil rig to help drill, store, or manage oil. If you are interested in becoming an engineer, you may need to go back to school to earn a bachelor’s or master’s degree. Consider researching your ideal position when creating career and educational plans.

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Oil rig work environment

Oil rig professionals work on oil rigs, either onshore or offshore. This work environment can be dangerous, and all professionals in the field receive training to help ensure drilling safety. Oil drilling often takes place overnight, and professionals in the field may work alternating 12-hour shifts. For example, they may work for 12 hours and then rest for 12 hours. This cycle repeats for the duration of their shifts, which usually last several weeks. In this profession, individuals often stay on or near an oil rig. If they work on land, they can commute to the drilling site, or their company can find them accommodation in a local hotel if the site is remote. For floating offshore oil platforms, professionals usually live on the oil platform during their shifts. If the oil rig is close to shore, they can return to land by boat. If the oil rig is far from shore, they can travel by helicopter.

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