Offshore Engineering
Offshore Engineering play a vital role in the delivery of the many complex and challenging projects being developed today and they can do this because of their problem-solving skills. A trained engineer has the ability to model and solve a problem, describe and deliver an economical solution and then supervise and manage the work through to completion. The end product needs to be feasible, economical, safe, delivered on time and to budget, while also being respectful of the environment and not wasteful in use of materials – a tough wish list. All of this takes a special combination of aptitude, knowledge, vision and commitment.
Few tasks are repeated in the industry, so it delivers a lifetime of challenges set against a constantly evolving technological background. Most projects are multi-disciplinary. This means working along side other experts and both stretching and broadening one's own knowledge as part of a wider team. The work can be office-based or on sites either onshore or offshore, and can also be in a combination of locations.
Education and Qualifications
Engineers come from all backgrounds with relevant qualifications from universities/colleges or experience from other industries.
Skills and Training
Training is dependent on the discipline and national approaches. Most university engineering degrees, for example, are of three or four years' duration , and some specialist positions may want second and higher degrees. Technician training in technical colleges is usually shorter and more focused. Military technical training can also be recognised to find work offshore in the marine contracting industry. To work offshore in any capacity it is usually necessary to complete a basic offshore safety induction and emergency training course. This generally includes first aid, safety at sea, the basics of fire and fire fighting and helicopter underwater escape training (HUET). In many regions, someone who has not successfully completed a course of this nature will not be permitted to work offshore. This would not be required for those engineers who are 100% office based.
The offshore industry employs many engineers in a wide range of disciplines. They work for contractors, consultants and clients (oil companies), as well as for government departments and approval bodies such as certifying authorities. Recruits come from every type of engineering, scientific, mathematical and IT background, attracted as much by the variety of roles in the offshore industry as by the opportunities for travel and the extra dimension that the offshore environment brings to all the engineering disciplines.