How to get employed on an Oil Rig

by Riaan Strydom
(Cape Town, South Africa)

A couple of years ago, in 1995, I started looking for employment in the Oil Industry. Specifically on an Oil Rig because of the excitement of going out to see for a period of time & forgetting about the world out there while you are in your own little world on the Rig. Man! I get excited just thinking about it, even though the work is hard. I didn't have internet then & saw an add in the newspaper of a company that "helps you find offshore work on Rigs". Obviously they wanted payment before providing you with the info. I deposited the money & received a thin booklet with a list of companies and their postal addresses. I mailed my CV to numerous companies but I could never get in and hardly ever heard from the companies. I eventually gave up and went on with my boring life. Today, I have decided to try again and hope to succeed this time. I am married by now with our first baby on his/her way and my wife is standing by me in every way. She is willing to see me off for three months at a time. Gosh, she's amazing. I couldn't have chosen a better wife and I love her so much. Anyway... I've heard people say that you need to know someone that already work on a Rig to get in because they are like a family. I don't know how true that is because you have to be qualified and well skilled and motivated to work on a Rig. I'm willing to start at any entry level position although I am a qualified Metal Worker/Welder & have many skills and talents. I would also like to know what certificates I will need to work offshore. I reside in South Africa and would prefer to get on a Rig off the African coast that is closer to home. Can someone please help me with some information in getting all the necessary documents to get out there and earn some Pounds or Dollars. There are so many companies on the net that can give you info, but they want their money first, you know, and in Dollars. I can't afford it because the Rand is so much weaker than the Dollar.