Chapter
2
(an example of what's
available in the book)
When I
first started working offshore I was so impressed with the
uniqueness of the job I wanted to share my good fortune with
anyone willing to lend an ear. As time progressed, I
discovered the best way to get the "insider secrets"
out was to put them in print. Thus was the birth of "The
Complete Offshore Employment Handbook".
I've
worked in the patch off and on for many years. I've worked
on drill ships, semi submersibles, jack ups, platforms, offshore
lay barges and supply / crew / utility vessels and onshore
docking / loading facilities, both in the
United states and overseas.
- I've
worked as a worm
- I've
worked as upper level management
- Welder,
roustabout, roughneck, crane operator, rigging foreman, painter and
crane superintendent
This
valuable experience gave me lots of understanding as to what this industry is all about and what it takes to get
in and move up. I use the world wide web to pass this information on to you.
I all the time I've spent working in this
industry, I've never seen companies as short handed as
they are today.
Port Fourchon, down in South
Louisiana, is THE HOT SPOT for offshore oil rig jobs in
the US Gulf of Mexico region. Ask anyone down there about the
state of the offshore oil job industry at this time and they
will pretty much all say the same thing "Companies cannot find enough people."
To get
to Port Fourchon, take the BOUTTE / HOUMA exit off of I-10
just East of New Orleans. 11.9 miles later, merge onto US 90
WEST going to Houma, LA. 17.9 miles later merge South onto LA
1 going to Lockport / Thibodaux. About 90 minutes later you
will see Port Fourchon, off to your right, easily identified
by the numerous cranes / derricks dotting the skyline.
I want to restate that "offshore is not
for everyone". Anyone willing to work can go there and
get a job, providing they have the proper papers and can pass a physical / drug screen.
If you are entry level, the key is being willing to work at
whatever is offered (you can move up later). This
includes:
- Cleaning out nasty, oily, muddy tanks in 100+ degree
weather for 12 plus hours, day after day OR
- Physically lifting / stacking 50 lb to 100 lb sacks of
dry chemicals, in the open sun or pouring rain, for 12
plus hours, day after day OR
- You might get some cushy job as a fork
lift operator, warehouseman, truck driver, welder,
mechanic, electrician or even dispatcher. Depending on
your back ground, you might get one of these jobs when you
sign up and not have to go through the demanding entry
level phase
- Do you feel lucky today? Opportunity
awaits!
- If you go, pack your bags and take enough
personal items to last from one to four weeks. This
includes 2-3 changes of clothing, tooth paste, shampoo,
shaving items, etc. Port Fourchon does have internet
connection.
If you go to Fourchon with no experience and
a willingness to work at whatever it takes --- someone will
hire you. The industry is too shorthanded to turn away willing
applicants. But remember this:
- Offshore is not for everyone
- If you go to Port Fourhon, LA and
cannot find work, you might need to reconsider your
career choices
Here is
what a supply boat captain recently had to say about the Port
Fourchon area:
Capt'n Ron,
Thank You for all your help. I am now working for Abdon Callais as a 3rd Captain! If anyone is looking for a job, the Fourchon, Iberia,
Morgan City area is a guaranteed hit. For deckhands, there seemed to be a one week lag between applying and hiring. For Captains the jobs are immediate. I was on the boat within 24 hours of applying and I was hired at the first company I applied.
Anyway, Thank you again and I'll keep in touch
George H
3rd Captain
Driving
to Port Fourchon, you will see many billboards like this on
the side of the road --- miles before you get to the port
itself!
In
addition to Port Fourchon, other South Louisiana hotspots
are Venice, New Iberia and Morgan City. Morgan City even has
a jack up rig museum.
If you've never been on a rig this the place to go, or you
can take the virtual tour.
Another
positive indication of how this industry is doing is in the
area of new
vessel / rig orders. There is a tremendous amount
of work going on in the construction of these vessels. As
these vessels are completed, they will need crews. If all
of them were finished today, they would just sit at the dock
because there would not be enough people to operate them.
This industry
is one that has been around and will continue to be around
until we run out of fossil fuels. Since the known reserves
of the world do not look like they will run out anytime soon,
the offshore / maritime industry is a great place to make a
fun and rewarding career, but only if you are adventure
minded.
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