Working on an Oil Rig by Naveen
Here is a hierarchical list of the different categories of workers required on any given oil rig:
The most senior supervisor on a drilling rig is the Toolpusher, or Rig Manager. The Toolpusher is in total control of all operations that take place on an oil-drilling operation, whether it’s an oil well on land or a drilling platform far out to sea. The rig manager is responsible for the rig crews, the equipment and the overall operation of the production crews. The rig manager is also responsible for ensuring that the rig runs smoothly in all weather conditions and under all manner of difficulties that may arise during the job. The level of experience and training you have will help to set your salary, which can range from $60,000 to $155,000 a year and is usually a set day rate plus living allowance.
Generally, the driller supervises each of the crews while under the supervision of rig manager or toolpusher. The Driller’s responsibilities are in some ways comparable to that of a rig manager: get the work done safely, efficiently, and within the scope of government and company regulations.
The Derrickhand or Derrickman position varies greatly from one drilling rig to another; however, it is one position below the driller. He almost always reports directly to the driller. They fix problems such as broken pipes and pump rods. The name derrickman comes from the position that he normally occupies, which is at the top of the derrick. The Derrickhand guides the stands of drill pipe, usually 90 ft (27 meters) long, into the fingers at the top of the derrick while removing the drill string out of the hole.
Also known as Motorman, these are skilled mechanics who often take care of the maintenance on an oil rig, including engine work. They also instruct the roustabouts and the roughnecks (those can be promoted as motor hands after they gain the necessary experience and certifications).
The Roughneck is lowest man on the oil rig totem pole, yet all Oil Workers start as roughnecks and get promoted from the bottom up. The Roughnecks are responsible for all of the menial and unskilled tasks the other crew members don’t have time to do (or want to do). A roughneck on a service rig is responsible for everything from making the coffee in the morning to greasing the axels on the rig.
Clearly, the higher your status, the higher the salary. According to lawcore.com, “While the oil company typically pays room, board, and other expenses, and earnings are considered high, Working On An Oil Rig is probably one of the country’s most dangerous jobs. Because oil rig workers typically work a strenuous 8-12 hours per day; demands for increased productivity are high; there is a shortage of oil rig workers, and working conditions can be chaotic (and quite dangerous), the likelihood of oil rig injuries and accidents is at an all-time high.”
According to CEO Kevin Boyles, of California based Team Resources Oil And Gas company, Team Resources main strength is “the experience of our board of directors as well as our field operations personnel.” It requires a physically strong, hard-working, driven and skilled worker to successfully work in oil and gas exploration as well as on actual rigs.
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