Have you recently landed a job or internship offshore? It can be an exciting and intriguing experience for first-timers. Apart from the excellent financial rewards, an individual into an adventure will jump into this opportunity without much thought. However, you need to be aware of the kind of lifestyle you will need to adjust to in the time frame you will be stationed away from home. We have outlined four things that you need to know before you live life as you know it and move offshore.
1. Long Work Hours
You probably are used to the regular work hours from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m, but working offshore is quite a different experience. Here, you should expect to work 12 or 13 hours straight if you factor in briefings and daily meetings. Individual rigs such as the marine offshore jobs may vary in how they arrange their shifts. However, since they operate for 24 hours, so do the workers, meaning that you can work 12 hours and be off duty for the other 12 hours.
Getting ample rest on your off duty is paramount since it will ensure that you are fresh for the next shift and also avoid mistakes at work due to fatigue. Luckily, working offshore has its benefits, such as plenty of downtimes. Usually, work patterns involve two weeks working offshore and two weeks back home, attracting many individuals to work offshore.
2. Food and Drinks
Most marine offshore jobs have between 50- 200 workers living in shared cabins. Most of these cabins are private ensuites, but facilities will sometimes be shared. TV and wi-fi are often available, though the bandwidth is not one to be relied on entirely. Additionally, some rigs offer a wide selection of entertainment such as cinemas and gyms for workers to enjoy during their time off. Fresh food is usually available and provided at no fee in the cafeterias. However, alcohol is banned in all rigs and platforms, with random drug tests performed on workers.
3. Safety training and helicopter flights
Not everyone is a fan of traveling with helicopters, but it's the only way workers can access the rigs or platforms. Before embarking on this journey, you have to undergo medical exams and complete offshore survival courses. These courses and training include basic survival skills, firefighting, first aid, helicopter escape, and how to use the safety equipment provided. In addition, you will sometimes travel via boat to your station after the helicopter flight for long hours; hence it is always advisable to carry travel sickness pills for the journey.
4. Support Network
It is advisable to leave for offshore jobs with the support of your loved ones or spouse. Your family also needs to be comfortable with you working offshore. Your family must be able to reach you in case of any emergencies through your supervisors. They need regular assurances that you are okay, far away from home.
Living offshore can be quite an adjustment for workers. You will need to be ready to adjust to the different kind of lifestyle than you had while on the mainland. It does not mean that it is not a great experience, but one must be ready mentally to be productive at the rig or platform.