Ship Engineer to Oil and Gas work?

Question

Hi,

I am thinking ahead, but I am about do begin a cadetship with a cruse line company to become an Engineering Officer. I am wondering if down the line I will be able to try a change of work and gain employment in the Oil and Gas Industry?

Answer 1

Yup, i'm currently based on a semi submersible drilling unit in Nigeria and at any one time we carry a total of 7 mechanics/engineers. That's a total of 14 employed on board (month on / month off with crews working back to back). About 50% are mechanics employed straight into the driling industry but the other 50% came from either Merchant Navy or the shipping industry. A Cadetship will give you a good solid Engineering background with the opportunity to advance ultimately to the rank of Chief Engineer. Our Engineers onboard are currently earning around 80K per annum with bonuses and the Chief Engineer probably about 100K. Also with the oil industry booming just now and most drilling companies building many new drillships, semis and jackups there is lots of work out there.