Offshore service technician
Keep equipment and systems running safely on an offshore energy platform. You'll help extract energy on offshore setups, like windfarms.
About the job
Career insights – Offshore technician
What it's like
As an offshore service technician, you'll work at the heart of Scotland’s vital energy sector. You'll keep offshore equipment running in a safe and efficient way. Offshore service technicians spend time at sea – working on wind turbines, oil and gas platforms or other marine installations.
You'll maintain, repair and inspect machinery when working offshore. You might be based on wind farms in the North Sea to help Scotland use more clean energy.
Offshore service technicians might focus on fixing things like electrics, engines or water power systems. You'll usually work with a small team. Safety is always a top priority and you’ll use advanced technology to diagnose and fix problems.
You could find yourself working for energy companies, engineering firms or specialist contractors. The job offers variety, from hands-on repairs to using remote monitoring systems. You can also learn a lot about things like powerful electricity, fixing wind turbine blades or using underwater robots.
Your tasks might include:
inspecting and maintaining offshore wind turbines or platform equipment
troubleshooting faults in electrical, mechanical or hydraulic systems
carrying out planned and emergency repairs at sea
using diagnostic tools to monitor equipment performance
following strict safety procedures and reporting hazards
working with engineers to install new technology or upgrades
Green job
In this job you'll be doing work to help the environment. Find out more about green jobs.
Hours
You'll typically live and work on a rig or platform for two or three weeks at a time.
You'll have two or three weeks' rest on shore to recharge and have some time to yourself.
While working on the rig or platform, you'd work up to 12 hours a day on a 24-hour shift rota, maximising productivity during your time offshore.
Environment
You could work on fixed platforms of up to 100 workers, or smaller mobile rigs of around 20 workers.
Facilities on a rig are designed to support life and work. This includes comfortable living accommodation, canteens and spaces for recreation during your own time.
There are bans on alcohol and smoking.
The work itself can be physically challenging, requiring resilience to work in all types of weather conditions and heights.
Safety is important, so you'll be provided with protective clothing, including a harness, ear defenders and a thermal boiler suit.
Travel
You'll travel offshore and back by boat or helicopter.
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Related industries
Many jobs can be done in lots of different industries. We've highlighted the ones we think are most important for this job.
Engineering and manufacturing
Top skills
Skills are things you're good at. Whether you know what yours are or not, everyone has them!
It's useful to learn which ones are important in a job so you know the areas you need to brush up on. It can also help you work out if you're suited to a career.
Meta skills
Here are some of the meta skills you'll need to do this job.
- analysing
- taking responsibility
- making decisions
- time management
- developing a plan
- attention to detail
- working with numbers
- working with technology
- verbal communication
Your skills are important
Our unique skillsets are what make us stand out from the crowd. Learn about each skill in depth and discover what employers look for in your applications and interviews.
Getting in
Explore each section to find more information about getting into this career.
Colleges and universities will list subjects you'll need for entry to a course. Some useful subjects include:
Chemistry
Computing Science
Design and Manufacture
Engineering Science
Maths (Mathematics)
Physics
Practical Electronics
Skills for Work: Energy
Skills for Work: Engineering Skills
Applications of Mathematics
Foundation Apprenticeship: Automotive
Foundation Apprenticeship: Construction
You can get a head start in this career by doing a Foundation Apprenticeship in S5 and S6.
You'll get an SCQF level 6 qualification which is the same level as a Higher. You'll also learn new skills and gain valuable experience in a work environment.
Discover what's on offer at your school on Apprenticeships.scot.
A common route into the industry is through an apprenticeship or an entry-level job.
University
A degree could be helpful for getting into this job. You could study subjects, such as:
Mechanical Engineering
Electrical Engineering
Offshore Engineering
Energy Engineering
Engineering Systems
College
Getting qualifications at college, such as an HNC or HND, could help you get a job or progress to more advanced study. Useful subjects include:
Mechanical Engineering
Electrical Engineering
Engineering Systems
Measurement and Control Engineering
Energy Engineering
Apprenticeship
Modern Apprenticeships (MAs) mean you learn on the job. You get paid and work towards a qualification at the same time. You might want to consider an MA in areas such as:
Engineering
Engineering Maintenance
Electrical Installation
Mechanical Manufacturing Engineering
Process Manufacturing
Engineering Construction
Discover MAs on Apprenticeships.scot.
Graduate Apprenticeships (GAs) are designed for industry. You'll spend most of your time learning on the job but you'll also go to uni. You'll get a job, get paid and work towards a qualification at the same time.
You might want to consider a GA in areas such as:
Construction: Technical
Construction: Building
Construction: Civil Engineering
Engineering
Engineering: Construction
Gas Engineering
Upstream Oil and Gas Production
Discover GAs on Apprenticeships.scot.
Other apprenticeship schemes
If you have experience in related industries such as engineering, construction or other oil and gas sectors, you might be able to apply directly for more specialised roles.
Getting work experience in a relevant role can help you. Search for opportunities on Volunteer Scotland.
To work offshore you must:
pass regular medical examinations
pass an offshore survival course
get an emergency training certificate (BOSIET)
be aged 18 or over
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