If you’re considering a career offshore, you may be wondering where to start. Offshore work can offer opportunities across the energy sector, from engineering and maintenance to drilling, marine operations and specialist technical roles.
The route into offshore work depends on your existing experience, qualifications and the type of role you’re looking for. However, there are some common steps that can help you understand how to get a job offshore and what employers are likely to look for.
Decide what type of offshore job you want
The offshore industry covers a wide range of jobs, so the first step is to identify where your skills and experience fit.
Technical roles can include mechanical, electrical and instrumentation positions, while other opportunities are available in areas such as drilling, production, maintenance, inspection, marine operations, solids control and waste management.
If you already work in an energy, engineering, construction or industrial environment, you may have transferable skills that are relevant to offshore positions.
For those starting out, it is worth researching different offshore roles before investing in additional training. Understanding the requirements of the jobs you are interested in can help you focus on the qualifications and experience that employers actually need.
Check the qualifications you need
Offshore employers generally require workers to have the appropriate safety training and certification for the environment they will be working in.
The exact requirements vary depending on the role, location and type of offshore operation. Some positions require specialist technical qualifications, professional certifications or previous industry experience in addition to offshore safety training.
If you are new to the industry, check the requirements for the specific jobs you want to apply for rather than assuming that completing one course will qualify you for every offshore position.
Build relevant experience
Experience is often an important factor when applying for offshore work.
If you have not worked offshore before, experience gained onshore can still be valuable. Engineering, maintenance, fabrication, industrial operations, energy and other technical environments can provide skills that transfer into offshore roles.
It is worth making those transferable skills clear on your CV. Rather than simply listing your previous job titles, explain the equipment, systems, responsibilities and working environments you have experience with.
Make sure your CV is offshore-ready
Recruiters may receive a large number of applications for offshore positions, so your CV needs to make your relevant experience easy to identify.
Include your technical qualifications, industry experience, safety training and any offshore experience you already have. If you hold current certifications, make sure the dates are clear.
Your CV should also show the types of equipment, processes or systems you have worked with where they are relevant to the position.
If you have worked on rotational assignments, remote sites or in demanding operational environments, include this too. It can demonstrate your ability to work in environments where flexibility and reliability are important.
Register with specialist offshore recruiters
One of the most effective ways to find offshore opportunities is to register your CV with recruitment companies that specialise in the energy sector.
Specialist recruiters can connect candidates with roles that may not be widely advertised and can help identify positions that match their experience and qualifications.
At Esk Offshore, we provide personnel solutions for energy projects and work with skilled professionals across a range of technical disciplines.
Register your CV with Esk Offshore to make your experience available for suitable opportunities.
Be realistic about the first role you take
Getting your first offshore position may take time, particularly if you have limited offshore experience.
You may need to consider roles that allow you to build relevant experience before progressing into your preferred position. Being clear about the type of work you want, while remaining open to suitable opportunities, can help.
It is also important to keep your qualifications and certifications up to date. Offshore employers need people who are ready to mobilise when opportunities arise.
Keep looking for opportunities
Knowing how to get a job offshore is only part of the process. You also need to keep your CV current and actively look for suitable vacancies.
Follow specialist recruitment companies and energy businesses on LinkedIn, check industry job boards and maintain contact with recruiters who work in your area of expertise.
If you have previously worked offshore, keeping in touch with recruiters can also help you hear about future contracts and projects.
So, how do you get a job offshore?
There is no single route into an offshore career. The best starting point is to understand the type of role you want, check the qualifications required, build relevant experience and make sure recruiters can easily see what you can offer.
For experienced technicians and engineers, registering with a specialist energy recruitment company can put your CV in front of recruiters working on current and upcoming projects.
If you’re looking for your next opportunity, register your CV with Esk Offshore and explore current vacancies across the energy sector.
