Offshore drilling worker

Career path and progression

You could work for oil and gas companies who have their own exploration and production licences, or for businesses contracted to operate and maintain drilling equipment on offshore rigs and ships.

With experience, you could be promoted from driller to tool pusher or rig manager, overseeing drilling operations.

What it takes

Skills and knowledge

You'll need:

• the ability to use, repair and maintain machines and tools
• to be thorough and pay attention to detail
• the ability to work well with others
• observation and recording skills
• the ability to monitor your own performance and that of your colleagues
• patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
• the ability to work well with your hands
• physical fitness and endurance
• to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently

Restrictions and Requirements

You'll need to:

• complete basic offshore safety induction and emergency training
• have an offshore medical certificate
• be over 18 years of age

Related subjects

Most relevant

• Physics - Offshore drilling workers need to understand pressure, forces, fluid dynamics, and mechanics to operate drilling equipment safely and effectively. Monitoring pressure build-ups and controlling the rate of drilling both rely on a solid grasp of how physical forces behave underground and in machinery.
• Engineering - Offshore drilling workers assemble drilling tools, maintain cranes and hoists, and operate complex control equipment on a daily basis. Understanding engineering principles is essential for keeping rigs running safely and troubleshooting mechanical problems in a demanding environment.
• Mathematics - Offshore drilling workers use maths to calculate drilling rates, monitor pressure readings, and measure quantities of drilling mud. They also need to interpret technical data and keep accurate records of the drilling process.
• Design and Technology - Offshore drilling workers use, repair, and maintain a wide range of tools and heavy machinery. Practical skills like understanding how mechanical systems are assembled, reading technical plans, and working confidently with your hands are central to the job.

Also relevant

• Chemistry - Offshore drilling workers handle drilling fluids (known as 'mud') that are carefully formulated to control pressure and lubricate the drill. Understanding the chemical properties of these fluids – and of the oil and gas being extracted – helps workers operate safely and efficiently.
• Geology - Offshore drilling workers extract resources from beneath the seabed, so understanding rock types, sediment layers, and geological formations is genuinely useful. This knowledge helps them anticipate what the drill will encounter and respond to changes in conditions underground.
• Geography - Offshore drilling workers operate in marine environments and need awareness of ocean conditions, weather patterns, and environmental considerations. Geography provides useful context for understanding where and why drilling takes place and the environmental impact of extraction.
• Physical Education - Offshore drilling workers need strong physical fitness and endurance to handle long shifts in a physically demanding environment. The role involves heavy lifting, working at height, and operating in cramped or challenging conditions for extended periods.