It is not unusual that oil rig crew members work sometimes 14 days straight. With a work period of two weeks, the crew can often receive up to 21 consecutive days of leave and return to shore to spend time with family and loved ones. Offshore jobs can be beneficial, assuming each crew member received proper training. Despite the appeal of the high pay, those interested in offshore employment should still contemplate the risk factors and most importantly, the quality of the vessel and crew.
In comparison to other jobs, offshore crew members receive holiday leave for approximately 75 percent of each fiscal year. Although offshore workers have long, rigorous workloads, competitive salaries and other incentives keep most rigs fully staffed and the oil production and business running continually. Salaries can start anywhere from $40,000 to $80,000. Some employers now contract out their vessels and crews, offering potentially more comprehensive medical benefits as well as higher-valued life insurance to cover for any deaths. There are even employers who offer up to twice the amount of a crew member's annual salary in the event they are injured.
Although the benefits appear appealing, potential crew members still need to take into consideration the well-being of their families and loved ones in the event an accident does occur. Before going onboard to begin a career in the oil industry, the potential crew member should take into consideration whether the existing crew is qualified and well-trained. Coming on staff as a well-trained crew member to an existing poorly-trained staff can prove to be detrimental to both the health and well-being of the new member.
Accidents do happen, and are usually a product of human error rather than mechanical malfunction. The best method in preventing such accidents can be found in the training process of each crew member. Vessel owners should ensure that all members are knowledgeable of standard and emergency procedures. In the event of a storm, crew members will then be trained enough to run the vessel properly without incurring any injuries or fatalities. Working on an offshore rig involves more than just the extra leave days, the high pay or benefits. Research should be done on the training program provided by each contractor and/or company when moving forward with the decision to work as an offshore crew member.
