A Look into Life upon an Offshore Drilling Rig

Most people can't say they share all three meals a day with their coworkers; this is the lifestyle of an offshore rig worker, though. Individuals working on an offshore oil platform note that living aboard a rig for two weeks at a time forces them to view their coworkers as their second family. The oil rigs are large, floating oil factories that rise above the water nearly 30 stories and weigh around 50 million tons. The workers come to work not each morning, but at the beginning of a 14-day shift. Unlike many others, each worker gets a two week vacation every two weeks.

They may get access to a free gym, movie theater, laundry, restaurant, and an impressive pay, but does that make up for the small quarters for the workers aboard this rig? Many of the living quarters aboard oil platforms are quite small – just large enough to fit a pair of bunk beds, one desk, and a few lockers. While some oil platforms are larger than others, the living quarters may not be ideal for some of the workers. In a recent report, an engineer on an oil rig noted that by the end of their 14 day shift, they are ready to leave; and by the end of their 14 day vacation, they are ready to go back. Being hundreds of miles offshore at your place of employment with no way of leaving or "getting away" from work, life upon an offshore drilling rig is not for everyone.

To learn more about offshore drilling platforms and the day to day activities that the workers participate in, contact an offshore injury lawyer from Arnold & Itkin LLP. Our law firm assists individuals and businesses with recovering financial compensation for injuries and property damage caused by negligence or an accident offshore.