Offshore drilling worker
Work as part of a team that controls and operates the drills 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
You would work as part of a team that controls and operates the drills 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 would supervise the drilling team and control the rate of drilling. It’s a highly skilled and responsible job.
You would:
Control operations on the drill floor
Oversee assembly of the drilling tools and connect sections of the drill pipe
Operate and control the machinery that raises and lowers the drill
Keep records of the drilling process
Make sure that the whole team follows health and safety rules
As an assistant driller it would 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.
As a derrickman, you would work 20 to 25 metres above the rig floor on a platform attached to the derrick - the mast that supports the drilling equipment.
You would:
Handle and stack sections of the drill pipe
Maintain the derrick
Operate the lifting and hoisting machinery to position the drill
Control and maintain mud pumps
Supervise mud pump operators
The driller and assistant driller would supervise your work.
Hours
You would typically live and work on a rig or platform for two or three weeks, followed by two or three weeks' rest period on shore. You would work up to 12 hours a day on a 24-hour shift rota.
Environment
You could work on a fixed production platform with up to 100 workers, or on a smaller mobile rig in a team of around 20 people. Facilities can include living accommodation, canteens and recreation areas. There are bans on alcohol and smoking. The job can be physically demanding, working in all types of weather conditions and at heights. You would need to wear protective clothing, including a harness, ear defenders and thermal boiler suit.
Travel
You would typically live and work on a rig or platform for two or three weeks, followed by two or three weeks' rest period on shore.
Explore more information about this job
Here are some useful links to learn more about this career:
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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.
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.
There are no formal qualifications required to enter this role but some employers may ask for qualifications at SCQF level 4/5.
A common route into the industry is through an apprenticeship scheme.
Employers may look for qualifications at SCQF levels 4-6 for entry to an apprenticeship.
For entry to an apprenticeship you would normally need to sit an aptitude test.
Qualifications and experience working with shipbuilding, construction or engineering is helpful.
Once in a job you may be able to gain relevant Scottish Vocational Qualifications such as the Offshore Drilling Operations (SVQ levels 1/2/3) developed with Offshore Petroleum Industry Training Organisation (OPITO) or qualification through the Engineering Construction Industry Training Board (ECITB) would be useful.
A forklift truck licence may also be helpful.
An offshore survival course such as basic offshore safety induction and emergency training certificate (BOSIET)
To pass an offshore medical certificate
You would normally get into this job after first working with the drilling crew as a roustabout and roughneck.
You will usually need at least two years’ experience and be aged 18 years old to apply for jobs.
Find the right course for you
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