Does anyone know anyone who works/worked on an off shore oil rig?
By spalladino
@spalladino (17891)
United States
July 15, 2009 10:44am CST
My son called last night and his latest plan for employment is to go to work on the Marco Polo oil platform which is located in the Gulf of Mexico. His buddy works there and is apparently earning a lot of money. Since my son's most recent employer is experiencing work shortages and he's only getting about 20 hours each week and can't pay his bill with what's left after child support is taken out, he's very interested in this. He's already started the process by getting some card through the Dept. of Homeland Security that has to do with ports. I did some checking online and the Marco Polo looks sturdy enough. He'll be going through intensive safety and survival training when he first gets there so that's a little reassuring, too. I'm just wondering if anyone here has any experience with this type of work environment or knows anyone who has and could offer any advice or information.
1 person likes this
2 responses
@okkidokitokki (1736)
• United States
15 Jul 09
My family has been in one aspect or another in the oilfield for ever. The only advice I can give come as a direct quote from my grandfather so please forgive his crass language: "Keep you head out of your A** or go home."
I have lost family members to oil rigs because someone on the rig was not paying attention (either the family member or a co worker).
As long as he pays attention to his training he will be fine. By no means is it safe, but rigs that are on land are not safe either. Also tell him to save the extra money he makes because this industry is boom and bust, he will need the extra that he puts away for later.
@spalladino (17891)
• United States
16 Jul 09
Thanks for the advice okkidokitokki...it sounds like good advice all around. I've always stressed saving money to my kids but most of them don't listen. My son, however, may actually listen this time since he's had it so rough for the past couple of years due to the downturn in home construction...and then in other construction related fields. He had a very small cushion and it went quickly. I will definitely relay your grandfather's advice to him. 
@AmbiePam (120738)
• United States
18 Jul 09
The only thing I know about off shore oil rigs are the documentaries I've seen about them on television. Which is really just watching these brave guys do their jobs. I don't pick up on a lot of the technical stuff. But I'm glad I read this post. Your son will be in my prayers, and I mean that.
