Offshore installation managers oversee the running of all aspects of a rig or platform (installation). This includes oil or gas production, health and wellbeing of the personnel, environmental responsibilities involved with the work and managing any emergencies that occur.
The Work
You could be:
- managing the daily oil and gas production operations, ensuring that targets are being met
- ensuring that all equipment and processes are running smoothly and dealing with any technical issues that arise
- leading and motivating teams of professionals across a range of departments, including engineering, maintenance and operations, such as catering
- ensuring the health and wellbeing of all offshore personnel
- monitoring health and safety procedures and policies to ensure they are followed
- ensuring that the installation meets all environmental legislation, for example preventing omission of oil into the sea and control of flaring (release of excess gas into the atmosphere)
- responsible for coordinating responses to emergency situations
- overseeing that all general company policies and procedures are followed.
Pay
The figures below are only a guide. Actual salaries may vary, depending on:
- where you work
- the size of the company or organisation you work for
- the demand for the job.
The starting salary for offshore installation managers is normally around £60,000 a year. With several years experience, this can rise up to around £85,000 and with 10+ years experience, up to £120,000 or more.
Conditions
- You can work in an office on a rig or platform offshore.
- On offshore installations it can be cold, wet and stormy.
- Offshore working hours are normally 12-hour shifts, including nights, and you can spend one or two weeks there at a time.
- Accommodation (usually shared cabins – depending on other personnel) and meals are provided free. There are usually good recreational facilities.
- Alcohol is banned on rigs, and there is random alcohol and drug testing.
- When offshore you would wear protective clothing and safety equipment such as gloves, boots and a hard hat.
- You have to fly by helicopter between the rig or platform and onshore.
Workforce Employment Status
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Getting In
- A degree in a chemical, physical science or engineering discipline (SCQF Level 9-11) is usually preferred. If you don't go directly into a degree after school, you could take the route of doing an HNC (SCQF Level 7), an HND (SCQF Level 8) and then move into the final two years of a degree.
- For entry to an HNC or HND course you normally need 1-2 Highers plus some subjects at National 5. For a degree course you need 4-5 Highers including Maths and Chemistry/Physics or a technological subject.
- Studying for a relevant Foundation Apprenticeship (SCQF Level 6) while in fifth and sixth year at school could count towards entry to an HND or degree in a relevant engineering discipline. Entry requirements vary between colleges, but you usually require 3 subjects at National 5 including English and Maths.
- You could do an engineering related Modern Apprenticeship and start in a technician role working offshore.
- You will require experience of working offshore in a supervisory technical or engineering position before being qualified for this role.
- To work offshore you must pass a medical examination every 2 years.
- You must also pass an offshore survival course such as the Basic Offshore Safety Induction and Emergency Training Certificate (BOSIET).
- You may also have to undertake the Minimum Industry Safety Training (MIST) course.
Offshore installation managers work for oil and gas companies.
Workforce Education Levels (UK)
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Job Outlook Scotland
Job Outlook Scotland and UK
Scotland
2024

1536

2029
1565
United Kingdom

2024
11741

2029
12271
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What Does it Take?
You need to have:
- excellent maths, science and technology skills
- technical and practical ability
- critical thinking and problem solving skills
- good IT skills
- excellent communication skills
- strong decision making skills.
You need to be able to:
- work under pressure
- work in a team and motivate others
- work on your own initiative
- collaborate with a wide range of professionals
- continually learn and adapt.
Training
You must keep up to date with legislation and new developments throughout your career.
Getting On
- If you have qualified in an engineering discipline, with further training and practical experience you can register with the Engineering Council as a professional engineer – either Incorporated Engineer (IEng) or Chartered Engineer (CEng).
- For IEng you need to have a recognised Bachelor degree or a recognised HNC or HND plus further study to Bachelor’s degree.
- For CEng you need to have a recognised Bachelor’s degree with Honours (SCQF Level 10) plus a recognised Masters degree (or equivalent), or a recognised Integrated Master of Engineering degree (SCQF Level 11).
More Information
The My Energy Future website provides information on the energy industry and careers available.
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