Some jobs offshore are only available to experienced people only. For example, the only way to get a Roughneck job in the UK offshore sector is to have been offshore for a while (often as a Roustabout) and then gained experience on the drill floor assisting existing Roughnecks.

To get time away from your Roustabout duties often means choosing to miss your breaks, so you can spend a little time learning drill floor procedures. Everyone on the drill floor knows you are inexperienced and will watch out for you.

Sometimes, the drill floor can be so busy that the Roughnecks can not leave for lunch. Drilling operations can not stop for lunch. Then a Roustabout will be called from the deck for an hour, while each Roughneck takes a few minutes to eat. In time, you will have gained enough knowledge and experience to be considered safe for a permanent position. The drill floor is a dangerous place especially if you have not been there before and are not under supervision.

Below are our list of job types available to people who have never stepped on a rig before. Previous offshore experience will often make it easier to find a job. However, don't fall in to the negative trap of believing that the only way to get a job is with previous experience. After all, every single one of the tens of thousands of current offshore employees once had no experience and they found a job.

Some jobs require skills and qualifications as appropriate. For example to get a job as a rig welder you will need to be a skilled and qualified welder.

This is by no means a complete list. There are many other job types where it is possible to get a start without having been on an offshore rig before.

• Maintenance Roustabout
• Roustabout
• Welder
• Scaffolder
• Radio operator
• Medic
• Rig Safety & Training Co-ordinator
• Mud engineer
• Materials man/woman
• Painter
• Electrician
• Mechanic