3 major types of offshore oil rigs used today

In the past, drilling was only limited to coastal drilling. But now, due to technological development, it is possible to drill in great depths anywhere in the sea. Here are the major offshore oil rigs used today.

Fixed platform

These rigs are placed into the seabed directly. These are tall steel structures that rise up. There is a surface deck where drilling modules are available. The crews also live here. These rigs can drill up to 1,500 feet deep. It is very expensive to construct these rigs. So, unless your survey results show the possibility of a high amount of oil reserves, it is not worth building these rigs.

Floating production system

This is an unconventional method of drilling oil. It is used when companies need to get oil from deeper into the ocean. A part of this system floats on the water and part of it is submerged under the water. It can be used to dig oil from up to 6,000 feet below the surface of the water.

Jack-up rig

These are used for shallow water drilling. So, if you have found a small offshore oil deposit then this type of rig is appropriate. These rigs have floating platforms that are towed by barges. It has support legs that are lowered into the seabed and so the rig comes on top of the water surface. The legs can be lowered up to a limited depth.

Continuous improvements are going on in the development of offshore rigs. Companies now have to dig deep down to extract oil, so they need a more sophisticated system and latest technology to locate the source of oil. Bringing up the oil to the surface can be very challenging. There are lots of risks involved. Oil companies must learn how to perform these tasks safely.

4 reasons to work in the oil and gas industry

It is expected that oil production will almost double in the next 15 years. So, there are lots of opportunities out there. Choosing a career in this industry will be a smart decision for many reasons.

High demand

There will always be demand for oil and gas. No matter what the political or economic situation is of a country, the demand will never diminish. So, there is a big market out there. New companies have entered the market creating more job opportunities.

Good pay

The pay is really good in this profession. Offshore works, in particular, involve lots of risks so employees get bonuses and other facilities. So, you will get high financial security by working in this industry.

Flexible working hours

Flexible working hours are available for both onshore and offshore employees. If you work onshore you will be able to get weekends off. If you work offshore you will probably work for six weeks and then get the next six weeks off. You can work on any 12-hour shift.

Opportunities for growth

You will get lots of opportunities to move your career further. You will get continuous on-the-job training which will help you to acquire new skills. The more you gain knowledge and experience; the better is your chance of going up the ladder in this industry.

There are always job opportunities in the oil and gas sector. If you have the right skills you will be able to have a good career in this highly demanding sector.