@ ManDontCry
Hi. It depends on what kind of offshore you mean. There are mainly two types. One is, you work on seismic vessels (ships) while another type is, you work on land and you go to the platform from time to time. It is true the pay is indeed quite attractive but when you are in the job, you might not like the lifestyle. It is repetitive and boring yet it is very stressful. Work will be 12 hours per day shift and you might need to work more than that if there are breakdowns or rushing for projects. Well, this is just a few of the scenarios though.

How to start? Well, complete your resume and try sending or apply online through wesbites. You can try Shell, Exxonmobil, Petronas, Schlumberger, Halliburton and those that are mentioned above. If you are looking to work on seismic vessels, try these companies; Fugro, EGS Survey, Western Geco (It is under Schlumberger). Google their homepage and get their emails or info.

edit: Ah yes. Dont worry about the experience. They are willing to take fresh graduates. Remember that the life of an offshore/ field engineer is quite tough.

This post has been edited by =--ChoonG->>: Jul 27 2006, 12:32 AM

@ManDontCry & vincentlws
Yes, I was working on seismic vessels before this. I am still in the O&G field though.

Dont worry ManDontCry, your degree is good enough to land you a job in the field you are looking at. However, you will still need to go through rounds of interviews and an above average results will always be preferred by those large organisations.

About the 10 years of offshore working experience. It is good to set a number of years to be in the field before settling down. You might get married or you might have some other commitments which off course, makes it hard for you to leave for offshore duty. Usually, a person might work for 7 or 8 years (some maybe 5) *depends on individuals* and they go into managements. You can become a project manager or a consultant depending on what you prefer and the opportunities provided. You can also end up as a sales engineer for the company where you represent the company to deal with customers especially in the technical issues since you have the experience and the knowledge. Off coz, if you like the job, you can continue working offshore. I have seen a person still working offshore at an age of 63.

Another issue that I think you have to consider is, the offshore period might be as short as 1 week to a length of 3 months. So, I think it is wise to say that you might be away offshore an average of 2 months before you can return home for a short break (2 weeks maybe). So, be prepared to miss any celebrations, birthday parties, and you will definitely miss your girlfriend a lot

durien, I am now waiting to start work in September with another company. But my position is a field engineer. Yes, I was in the exploration side.

I think vincent did post his email and company's website in the earlier posts in page 1. Have a look at it.

I would like to correct a bit of the information. It is not necessary that you must know how to swim. With a life jacket, it is nearly impossible for you to swim. However, you must learn to use the life jacket and the ways to paddle yourself in case you are in an emergency. Actually, all offshore personnel must attend a safety course to expose yourself to life rafts, CPR, life jackets, methods to jump into the sea, and some other important issues as well.

LOL ManDontCry... Dont expect much... internet, maybe, depends... Yes you do have satellite phones... The last time I was told, it is USD$4 per minute. Maybe it is lower now. Your entertainment most likely will be watching dvds or movies.

btw Vincent, i am ChOOng... not ChOng

@durien
Yes. They usually have pingpong tables or some other activities. There might be gyms as well depending where you are.

I dont think so. There will be internet, where it might not allow you to surf the net, but allows you to send emails. Only text emails without graphics. Free time? Bring a laptop with a lot of dvds of movies and games with you. Find others to chit chat or go to sleep. Up to you what you want to do. Some likes to read, so they read during free time. The rooms are air conditioned. The toilets/bathrooms most likely are shared. For gals, they might have individual bathroom and toilet but it depends on location also. Remember that you are jumping out of your daily comfort zone to work in this field. Either you adapt to the life, or you will quit in less than 1 week.