Roughneck and Roustabout positions are the most commonly accepted entry level positions on an oil rig. Many people would say that they are really one and same position as duties between these two positions are completely interchangable. When it comes to skilled and unskilled positions on an offshore rig, these positions are classified as unskilled or semi-skilled manual labour. Whatever the catogory, all crew will insist that they are an integral part of the team. These positions can either be part or full time and although it is well known that the hours are long and the conditions more challenging than most positions, they are still in high demand and the rewards are worth the difficult environment and harsh climate.
The positions of roustabout and roughneck include a variety of different responsibilities including a great deal of cleaning, maintenance, rust removal and painting to mention just a few tasks set to them. The working crew will usually consist of around three or four crew on each oil rig and working between eight and twelve hours per shift. Each crew will have either one or two roughnecks assigned to them and during your day you will be required to complete and and all of the following duties:- * De-rusting and Painting of all sorts of equipment * Repairing oil machinery and equipment * Pour concrete, secure post, put together derricks and assemble all kinds of equipment. * Clean the deck all shift long * Move any equipment that needs moving * Ensure that the environment is up to safety standards at all times * Help the crane operator with crane movements. * Assist Scaffolders when required * … and basically do anything that is required of you.
By now you should be well aware of what you are getting yourself into. This is a demanding position and requires a great deal of physical as well as mental strength. You will need to understand that although you are responsible for a great deal of the ‘dirty jobs’ onboard, the responsibility that you learn will lend well to you being promoted quickly which is very common in this industry. The oil industry has a reputation of promoting from within and having your foot in the door and showing that you are concientious will ensure that you are promoted quickly and reap the benefits of more senior positions onboard.
It is very common for roustabouts and roughnecks to be promoted after just one or two contracts and specilizing in various fields means that you can move up within the ranks to very lucrative positions within five to eight years. Thats not to say that roughnecks don’t earn good money, or live well when onboard. The work is challenging and in return for your efforts you are often given excellent accommodations and exceptional quality food. In addition to that you could be earning anywhere from $33,000 all the way to $45,000 in your first year of employment and with an estimated 30-50% offtime, you will have plenty of time to enjoy your earnings.
By now you should be well aware of what you are getting yourself into. This is a demanding position and requires a great deal of physical as well as mental strength. You will need to understand that although you are responsible for a great deal of the ‘dirty jobs’ onboard, the responsibility that you learn will lend well to you being promoted quickly which is very common in this industry. The oil industry has a reputation of promoting from within and having your foot in the door and showing that you are concientious will ensure that you are promoted quickly and reap the benefits of more senior positions onboard.
It is very common for roustabouts and roughnecks to be promoted after just one or two contracts and specilizing in various fields means that you can move up within the ranks to very lucrative positions within five to eight years. Thats not to say that roughnecks don’t earn good money, or live well when onboard. The work is challenging and in return for your efforts you are often given excellent accommodations and exceptional quality food. In addition to that you could be earning anywhere from $33,000 all the way to $45,000 in your first year of employment and with an estimated 30-50% offtime, you will have plenty of time to enjoy your earnings.