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Offshore drilling worker

Power the world's energy future! Operate and look after drilling equipment on offshore facilities, such as oil or gas rigs or drilling platforms.

Also known as: driller, derrickman, assistant driller

About the job

Salary (before tax)

Entry

£25,000

Arrow

Experienced

£60,000

In this job, new workers in Scotland start around £25,000 per year. Experienced workers can earn up to £60,000.

What it's like

Ever wondered how we unlock the Earth's resources and power our future? As an offshore driller, you're at the forefront of this work!

You'll be part of a skilled team that manages and operates drilling equipment on offshore facilities such as oil or gas rigs or drilling platforms. Increasingly, your skills will be used in energy transition, renewables and new technologies such as carbon capture and storage.

As a driller, you'll supervise the drilling team and control the rate of drilling. It’s a highly skilled and responsible job.

Your tasks might include:

  • controlling operations on the drill floor

  • overseeing the assembly of the drilling tools and connect sections of the drill pipe

  • operating and controlling the machinery that raises and lowers the drill

  • maintaining records of the drilling process

  • making sure that the whole team follows health and safety rules

  • coordinating with geologists and engineers during the drilling operations

Within the drilling team, there are specific roles needed which you could progress to through on-the-job training and getting experience.

As an assistant driller, it'd be your job to coordinate the activities on the drill floor. For example, you would pass on instructions and information from the driller to the rest of the drilling team.

Another specialised role is the derrickhand. You'd work at a significant height of 20 to 25 metres above the rig floor on a platform attached to the derrick - the mast that supports the drilling equipment.

The derrickhand has several important tasks, such as:

  • handling and stacking sections of the drill pipe

  • maintaining the derrick

  • operating the lifting and hoisting machinery

  • controlling and maintaining mud pumps

  • supervising mud pimp operators

The driller and assistant driller are responsible for supervising the work of the team, with a strong focus on maintaining safety standards throughout all operations.

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