What you need to perform it
Primary qualification
- No prior maritime qualification: secondary/vocational schooling and fitness; selection is the contractor's.
- Offshore entry package: OPITO BOSIET with CA-EBS, offshore medical (OEUK or equivalent) and, per flag, STCW A-VI/1.
- Initial slinging and signalling (banksman-slinger) training delivered or required by the contractor.
Basic STCW
- A-VI/1 (4 basic modules)
- OPITO BOSIET current
Specific courses
- Manual handling and back/hand injury prevention
- Safe hand tools and line-of-fire discipline
- Basic permits to work and safety-observation cards
- H2S awareness where the field requires it
Indicative experience
None required; prior trades help (construction, farm, fishing, military). Indicative: 12-24 months as roustabout before bidding for roughneck or the crane route.
Observations
Typical rotations 14/14 or 28/28 by region (indicative). Two ladders from here: drilling (roughneck → derrickman → driller) or deck/cranes (crane operator → area man). Safety culture is learned —or not— in this billet.
What this role does
The offshore entry door: works the deck under the Area Man moving cargo, slinging, painting, cleaning and assisting every trade on the unit. No prior experience required: it demands fitness, safety discipline and fast learning — how a roustabout slings and communicates in the first months decides promotion to the drilling crew.
Typical watches
- 12 hour shifts (Day or Night)
Key responsibilities
- Loading and unloading of supplies via boat or helicopter.
- Mooring and unmooring of loads (slinging/basic rigging).
- Cleaning of decks, tanks and industrial areas.
- Preventive maintenance (rust and paint chipping).
- Support as a brigadier in heliport operations (HDA).
Operational scope
- Main covers
- Storage areas
- Bodegas
- Helipad (as assistant)
Profile reviewed by HydroAbyss (2026). Cited rules and timeframes are indicative: the final requirement is set by the flag State, the Administration and each company.