Offshore drilling worker

As a derrickhand, you would:

• operate the lifting machinery or hoist to guide drill sections into place
•  maintain the derrick or crane
•  control and monitor mud pumps, and work with mud pump operators

As a driller, you would:

• supervise the drilling team and control the rate of drilling
•  assemble the drilling tools and connect sections of the drill pipe
•  operate the drill control equipment
•  monitor pressure build ups
•  keep records of the drilling process
•  make sure the team follows health and safety rules

• the ability to use, repair and maintain machines and tools
• to be thorough and pay attention to detail
• the ability to work well with others
• observation and recording skills
• the ability to monitor your own performance and that of your colleagues
• patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
• the ability to work well with your hands
• physical fitness and endurance
• to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently

You can get into this job through:

• a college course
• an apprenticeship
• working towards this role
• applying directly

You could work for oil and gas companies who have their own exploration and production licences, or for businesses contracted to operate and maintain drilling equipment on offshore rigs and ships.

With experience, you could be promoted from driller to tool pusher or rig manager, overseeing drilling operations.