Advertise at OFWguide.com

Nature of Job:

The Derrick man is the assistant of the driller in a mining or oil company. They are part of a drilling crew in offshore oil rigs that usually works 85 feet under land surface. Derrick man is also responsible on the mud operation and test mud density from time to time. The job of a Derrick man is quite risky that’s why they are provided with safety suits.

Basic Tasks:

 The duties of derrick man’s are:

• Align pipes and secure its foundation and connection to the other pipes.
• Set up pipes and transporting drills and service rigs on the lower deck or under land surface.
• Operate and maintain drilling rig diesel motors, transmissions, pumps and drilling mud systems, and mix mud chemicals, cements and additives
• Read gauges to monitor pressure, density, rate and concentration and adjust pumping procedure as required.
• Calculate the dense and volumes of oil and mud
• Recording mud density and volumes.
• Supervise laborers

Education and Training Requirements:

• One must have a background on Engineering, preferably Mechanical, Civil or Industrial. Some companies do not require bachelors degree at least has enough experience working as a driller.
• Entry level applicants must have internship in an oil refinery company.
• Work experience in a mining or oil company for 1-3 years is required.

Skill and Competency Requirements:

• Must have knowledge in pipes alignment and drilling.
• Should know how to operate diesel motors, pumps and drilling mud systems.
• Ability to read monitor pressure and mud density.
• Knowledge in basic Math, to calculate dense of mud
• A good observer, good in monitoring mud density, pressure and oil
• Must have strong built and has healthy body.
• Can work long hours.

Work Environment:

Derrick man usually work 85 feet under flat surface, the work place is narrow and hot. Since the work place for Derrick man is quite dangerous, the employees are provided with safety suits.

Work Hours:

Derrick man often works long hours of time, at least 10 hours a day or longer.

Employment Opportunities:

Oil companies’ boom not only in the Middle East, USA and Europe are expecting to increase their oil laborers because of the high demand of oil in the market. Derrick man are widely needed abroad, a competitive salary and benefits are offered. The offer also varies depending on the experience and knowledge of the applicant so expect higher compensation.

Career Advancement:

Promotions in Oil Companies are often based in Seniority. Hard working derrick man with an excellent job record and experience can be promoted as Senior Derrick man, Drillers or Drilling Supervisors.