In an ongoing effort to bring you the latest in helpful information, we have established this blog to post input from our members relating their experiences in looking for work in the offshore oil and gas industry.

The answers below came in response to a newsletter we recently sent out asking:

• How is the job search going?

• Have you made any decent contacts?

If you have questions, comments or concerns you would like to have addressed on this blog please send them to: cptron@offshoreguides.com

Hey buddy, yes you absolutely did...... you are the greatest. Not only did you prove it could be done with the input of effort on the applicants part, you helped to instill confidence and tenacity when someone lacks it. You boosted my self esteem and my confidence in myself at a very trying time in my life. Because of you and what you have done and shown me my fiancé and I have repaired our relationship. 

I have renewed confidence in myself and my work. I may not have accepted the offers I have gotten from offshore companies, but they did in fact offer employment just as you said they would. 

Anyway. have you heard ? Chevrons major oil discovery? As they say, it may take 5-7 years to build the rig and pipeline but when they do they will be pumping upwards of 60,000 barrels a day they say its the biggest news in oil since the Alaskan pipeline.... lol well glory bee I'm sure a lot of guys will be happy for the new work openings that it will produce...

I will be in touch as I said I just may be looking to go out in a month or so. So keep your ears (and best wishes) open for me. I am sure I will need any help I can get getting my foot in somewhere once again.

Don Lippold
Largo, Florida, USA
Entry Level

I got a job with Ensco Offshore as a Roustabout. I am from Kansas and have no prior offshore experience. 4 years with USMC infantry, 1 year maritime on the USS Battan, and prior construction exp. I now work 14 and 14 rotation in the Gulf of Mexico, just wondering if you would like this story for your testimonials page.

Thank you
Justin Vogel
Kansas City, Kansas, USA
Floorhand

Hi again Sir!
I'm very glad you replying my email.
I going to answer your Question from Your Email!

Now I'm a Derrickman On transocean rig-Searex 4, I start my career here from January 2005 as a Painter just for 3 hitches, then I got promote as roustabout. I work as Roustabout for 8 hitches, then I  a become Floorman and I work for 1 year as a Floorman then I get promote to Derickman.

I work as Derrickman From October 2006 'till now. As a Derrickman  I work at Derirck-Shaker-Rigfloor & Pumproom. I work at Searex 4, it's an offshore submersible rig, which operate at delta Mahakam - Balikpapan - Indonesia.

I have an American Supervisor. He's one of my toolpushers. My company paying me every month in Indonesia Rupiah. I work 28 days on 28 days off. Yes, the other benefit is insurance.

Regards,
Anri Makkasau
Makassar, Indonesia
Derrickman

Nabors Drilling is considering me for a position. Talked to John Murphy over there on the phone. He said they are looking at probably 3 of us. If they are interested. They will call me back to set up time for me to fly out to Houston for a mechanical test, physical and interview. 

If nothing happens with that, I am planning on driving out to Louisianna around March 23rd. Gonna spend a week knocking on doors.

thanks for asking
Terry List
Mulberry, FL, USA
Rig Mechanic

Capt. Ron,

Great to hear from you!

Your web-site launched my career. Things have gotten progressively better since I signed up on your site. You even trusted me to send you the check and activated my access a week early.

That week got me my 1st job as a roustabout, The job sucked, I stayed with it 9 months , advanced, and obtained credentials as an HSE person (Safety Man).

I have never made less than 100k in the last 3 years!

If ever in the San Antonio area give me a call and you will be a welcome guest at my home.

Thanks again and very best regards,
 Michael Smith
Floriesville, FL, USA
Safety Man

PS: I am presently in West Africa

Hi Ron,

Yes, I took your advise and I started as a deckhand with Abdon Collais and then last year
I got my mmd card and moved to C & G Boats as an OS. 

I'm now a AB limited with an w/stcw 95 and am looking forward to going to captain, But I would like to go to tugs so I can work and live in my home state which is Florida. 

Sincerely
Michael Ives
Ormond Beach, FL, USA
Able Seaman

Yes, thank you. I have just started working with Rowan Offshore Drilling, and I'm enjoying it very much. 

Joel Dollar
Bigelow, AR, USA
Roustabout

Capt. Ron,

Thank you for providing a quality service. I have had some luck making contacts from your site. I was contacted by Longs Human Resources to whom I had applied for a 500 Ton Mate position. Unfortunately that position had been filled...but, they did arrange a two-week temporary position as AB on the R/V Marcus G. Langseth. 

This email is coming from Nova Scotia, where I have joined the vessel and we are preparing for a voyage to Galveston, Texas. When we arrive in Texas, I plan on making a trip to Louisiana and hope to arrange some interviews for 500 Ton Master/Mate jobs.

Although my search continues, I am happy with your service, and have recommended your site to some of my shipmates. Thanks again for checking in with me, and please don't hesitate to email if you have any information on the
500 Ton Master/Mate jobs for which I am seeking.

Regards,
Eric Fisher
Tacoma, WA, USA
500 Ton Captain

Hi there Ron,

Thanks for the email, I have had three contacts in the ROV sector given to me by Hydrosub in the UK, I really need to
wait until I the Resume before I approach them as I want to be as prepared as possible.

Kind regards,
Karl Gill
Auckland, NEW ZEALAND
Entry Level

Captain Ron, 

I was hired 6 months ago by a UK Shipping Consortium and am now serving as AB on a large RoRo Freighter as part of Strategic Sealift. Excellent job, excellent conditions.

Thanks,

Edward Timpson
Croydon, UNITED KINGDOM
Able Seaman

Hey Ron,

I got quite a few contacts from your services, am now with Cal Frac in Russia, a great company to work for.

Ralph Watson
Port Coquitlam, CANADA
Wireline Operator

Hey Captain Ron,

I am working as an AB for MSC at the moment. I will be upgrading to an unlimited 3rd Mates license next year. If you have someone desperate for work, MSC is always hiring (1-877-JOBS-MSC). 

On the plus side they pay for all your training/schools & you accumulate sea time fast (I had 300+ days of sea time last year). The government benefits are quite plush too. On the negative side the hiring process is very long (5 months for me) the working conditions are not great and I have never been a fan of government employees. 

But if you can put up with all the BS the promotional opportunities are great (because no one wants to stay). I am sure I will eventually shift over to maritime oil & gas industry. Please shoot me an email if you hear about a promising lead. Thanks for checking in on me and I will email you if I hear of any good employment prospects in the future.

Sincerely,
Paul Harris
Hubbard, OR, USA
Able Seaman

G'day,

I haven't been looking too hard lately - I've been working offshore for Woodside on the North Rankin Alpha platform on the North West Shelf of Australia for the last 2 years as a Production Operator so it goes to show that perseverance pays off in the end. I think the high demand for people due to the resources boom certainly helped. I still keep my eye on overseas jobs that pay good USD but the pay and conditions here are OK and it is good to work in a stable secure country.

My current monthly pay is $8,300 USD and I'm working a 2 on/ 2 off/ 2 on/ 4 off rotation. 

This platform produces a huge amount of gas - we are limited by velocity constraints but can flow well over 2 billion scf/d of gas and a considerable amount of condensate with it. We drilled and completed 3 extra wells last year and to give you an idea, just one of these wells can flow 75,000 boe per day.
I haven't looked up your site for some time, how are the job prospects going these days?

Regards,
Mark Polkinghorne
Miallo, AUSTRALIA

Hi Ron
Thanks for your e-mail. I am currently working for the British Antarctic Survey, on the Royal Polar Research ship James Clark Ross, on a four months on four months off basis.
Its good work, and very Interesting.

Thanks,
Douglas Leask
Shetland, SCOTLAND
Mate

Received a job offer two days ago.
Thanks for all the advice in your guides. Will keep you informed when finalised.

Regards

Christo Beylefeld
Mosselbay, SOUTH AFRICA
Safety Rep

Cpt Ron,

It’s been awhile since I have heard from you. About two years ago I went to work for Edison Chouest Offshore and remain with them. A bit of advice to those who subscribe to your newsletter and are looking for work.

I feel it is essential that one must present themselves in person to the company they seek employment. I spend many months trying to gain employment exclusively through the internet, and phone calls. Once I actually went to the oil field region I had no problem getting work. 

I think your resume service is a valuable tool, but it seems people just want to see who they are dealing with. Also, with those living out of the oil field area, such as me, there seems to be certain a reluctance as to whether one will make a commitment to the oil industry. Anyway, that’s my 2 cents worth of advice.

Regards,
David Morse
Bainbridge Island, Washington State, USA
Captain

My name is Roman Czubaj, I am currently employed as a Crane Operator on Rig Atwood Hunter Semi Submersible, (Atwood Oceanics Ltd.) offshore Mauritania. I am very much interested in the position of crane operator, and I trust that my qualifications match your job description. 

I will be leaving the Hunter for my normal rotation on 23rd March 2007 and would be available for employment from 30th March onwards. 

Please find attached my CV for your attention, references are available if required. 

I look forward to hearing from you in the near future. 

With best regards, 

Roman Czubaj
Warsaw, POLAND
Offshore Crane Operator

Thank you for the reply. I am employed at this time until August. Yes, many offers have come in for marine inspections. Mostly safety programs.

Regards,
Charles Ormiston
Chief Engineer, Austin, TX

Ron,

Things are going very well. Transocean has moved me from electrician to instrumentation, a good move for me. We do need good industrial electricians and instrumentation people. The people we are getting from the union halls do not have trouble shooting skills. 

Michael Washburn
Deer River, New York, USA
Chief Electrician / Instrumentation
Transocean Deepwater Millennium 

Ron,
Thank you for the mail follow up on the resume and web site posting. Yes, your critique was of assistance to me and I appreciate the idea of posting to the web that shows an element of sophistication that’s not common in our industry.

I’ve been employed by a Dubai company – Seaport International – since October and will be continuing with them as an independent contractor this year doing conversions, commissioning, sea trials and setting up operational procedures for well stimulation vessels. 

Meanwhile I’m keeping my options open and monitoring the posting as time is available.

Best Regards and Thank you
Patrick E. Reilly
Sarasota, FL, USA
Captain

Thank you- Cpt Ron for creating a web site that will help people like me get a great career, you’re the best!

Rodney Akima
Talofofo, GUAM
Entry Level

Sir:

I have been working for Diamond Offshore now for 2 years. Love my job am all the way up to derrick hand. Thanks for asking.

Jeffery Guidry
Groves, TX, USA
Derrickman

Cpt Ron,
Thanks for the mail. I am glad you still have me in mind. I have not been successful in my job search. Employers prefer candidates with Master's or Ph.D degrees and I can't afford such training at least for now.
Others feel at 46, I am too old for an entry level position in the Oil business. I appreciate your concern.

Remain blessed, 
Tamon Wilfred 
San Jose, CA, USA
Entry Level

Hi Ron,

Happy to help out.

What helped me was; Get your HUET. Have your bags packed and be prepared to go NOW!

I only did my HUET because a friend wanted to do it (he is working offshore now as well). In theory, if the company wants you they will pay for it but in practise they want people to start work straight away.

There is a huge shortage of people for this industry but call the companies and they will say there is no work...
So you need to send your clear, concise and very short (one or two pages only) resume out, follow up with phone calls and if possible drop into the office. Paul and I spent three days doing our HUET and nearly two weeks fronting up to the offices.

When we got home we kept ringing and ended up on first name basis with the human resources people. We also told them we would not give up and if they wanted us to go away they should give us a job.

Finally, be prepared to go straight away. If they call you it's because they cannot get experienced people. I was on the plane to Africa 24 hours after the initial phone call. I emailed my resignation to my old company from Dubai airport.

Documents: HUET, passport, drivers licence, qualifications, first aid, MSIC (maritime security id).

I'm back on Chikyu now, offshore Broome, western Australia. It's hot and humid and we possibly have a cyclone coming. Love it!!

Ron, feel free to use the above in your guide

all the best,
Russell Ferrier
Logan Village, AUSTRALIA
Crane Operator 

PS: Sleep with your mobile phone on & have an email address

Hi,
I am Jeremy's mother. I just wanted to say thanks for the information that you put on the internet.

Jeremy contacted the employment service in Biloxi. They advised him on getting his Z card and he is now employed with TRICO Marine Operations, Inc. He is working on getting his 1st Mate license. He works 28 on 14 off. Great benefits and good pay. Jeremy would of never been able to get anything around our area that pays that good. 

I pray he continues to do good and move up in the company. He wants to be a captain one day.

Keep up the good work on helping young men to find jobs. I know that there are a lot of areas just like it is here. Very few jobs and what jobs that are available don’t pay anything.

Thanks
I pray God will bless you and your family
Connie 

Hi Ron,

Yes. I am fully employed by Transocean as a Mechanical Supervisor. Life is good.

Keith Jones
Port St. Lucie, FL, USA
Chief Engineer

Cpt. Ron,

Yes, I have had some good contacts, I am currently working for Laredo Offshore. They are a lift boat company, and I found their ad in the Time Picayune newspaper. I have found that if you want an offshore job, check the newspapers in and near the marine ports.

Thanks,
Aaron Glass
Hollister, CA, USA
Mate

I fix helicopters in Fort Worth. Thanks for the shout.

Jeffrey Mingle
Fort Worth, TX, USA
Rotary Wing Mechanic

Hey Captain Ron!

Thanks for checking in on me.........much appreciated. Actually I got back into federal service in order to complete my retirement requirement.........working with the fed Bureau of Prisons. Should be done soon. May be then interested in work to augment retirement. Will keep your email addy. Appreciate it.

Thanks,
Don Wahlquist
White Bear Lake, MN, USA
Welder

I HAVE BEEN WORKING AS A RIG COORDINATOR FOR NABORS OFFSHORE FOR ALMOST 4 1/2 YEARS.

THANKS
ERIC MOSS
UNIVERSAL CITY, TX, USA

I got a job with Diamond a few years ago 3?-4? Anyway hired on as a roustabaout. Never missed work, always showed up for crew change, did my best and got promoted, after about a year I got promoted again to floorhand.

I did the same thing and got promoted to derrickhand and am now up for an assistant driller's job. I have been to so many schools and have licenses and cards and could get a job with any company in the oilfield.

Ii have seen so many people come and go . My advice would be that you first need to show up , then you need to be prepared to work. Anyone who can do those simple things can make it.

Thanks for the info, I am working and making good money.

Craig Pike
Brackettville, TX, USS
Assistant Driller

No Captain Ron I can't even get anyone to answer me. I have had no luck at all finding a job. I have put in numerous applications with no results.

BYRON JOHNSTON
BOGUE CHITTO, MS, USA
Entry Level

Ron,
Working for Noble, We are short handed like everyone else. I believe you already have contacts listed for Noble. We need drillers in the Middle East.

Rex Phillips
Booneville, AR, USA
Drilling Dept

For the last 3 years I have worked in Canada again for a company called Prodrill Oilfield Services. I have been offered a job on sales in Calgary which I am having a tough time not excepting because they have offered a huge amount of money per year. It is a offer even I am having a hard time turning down. Have a great day and as you can see I am still working at 23:45. Bye for know.

Duane Farebrother
Houston, TX, USA
Drilling Fluids Engineer

Things are going well. Haven't heard from you in a while. I do hope everything is well with you. 
If you remember, I went to work for Noble Drilling. I worked my way up to Barge Engineer on one of the few submersibles left here in the gulf. 

The gulf is wide open right now. It's hard to find good hands. It's hard to find any hands. It's a open market. out there. Everybody is hiring. Noble has been good to me, so far. Do you ever miss working for Noble?


Thanks for the email,
Jeffrey Miles
Markesville, LA, USA
Barge Engineer

CPT RON,

HI sorry I had time to let you know what has been going on but, I have been call up again to go back to active duty to go back to Iraqi on the 04-03-07 and will be there for maybe one or two years, I'm a combat Eng, 12-B-30. 

One of the offshore services did send me a application for employment I will fill it out on my way over and can mail it form there, so that way when I come back I may have a job for me when I get back.

Jonathan Clark
Fayetteville, GA, USA
Roustabout

Hello Captain:

I have a job offer at 255/day (pending physical, drug test, etc.) from chouest. Nice boats, good company, etc. They don't send ab's overseas though. What are my chances of doing better, pay wise, waiting for an overseas position?

Thank you in advance for your help.

Shannon Recely
Pensacola, FL, USA
Able Seaman

Captain Ron,
Just got your emails. All is well. I am still working at Abdon Callais and have just completed six months. No more Orange Hard hat. Do you know anything about possible jobs in Nigeria?

Schedule is 24 on 14 off. They seem to be flexible though. My guess is you can negotiate any schedule you want. Even some of the dock jobs, Venice is one, are doing shift schedules. They have housing on site and you work your days and the next crew comes in. 

I'll be leaving tomorrow and back in 30 days.
Hope all is well and look forward to hearing from you.

George Brewer
Shelter Island Heights, NY, USA
Captain