Roughnecking...

Roughnecking…

Previously on 'Turnin' to the right…', I shared with you some of my experiences that helped shape my career path in the oilfield. Keeping in the spirit of providing information about choosing a career in the oilfield, I thought I'd share some of my thoughts on roughnecking. Keep in mind that I roughnecked from 2006 to 2013, so things may have changed but not that much.

A common way to get started in the oilfield is roughnecking or working on the drilling rigs. There are land rigs and offshore rigs. I worked on land rigs because I am not a fan of the ocean. Anyway, the rigs are generally located in remote areas and are equipped with camps for the different crew members. There are typically 5 positions on a rig crew: 2 floor hands, motor man, derrick man, and a driller. There are 2 crews per rig and one rig manager (tool pusher). There is a company man on location that represents the operator or energy company.

During the hiring process, some companies have you perform activities that prove you can maneuver 50-pound objects and you may even have to use a shovel. You'll have to put on a respirator mask and perform breathing exercises to make sure your lungs are in good working order. You will undergo a UA (urinalysis). Random UA's while on location do occur. If there is an accident on location, you will most likely undergo a UA.

Unless you carpool with other crew members, you'll need reliable transportation. Oh, and rig hands don't get paid travel time. Getting to work and back home is all on you. The great thing is that you almost never get a work call when you're on days off. Your time is yours to spend however you like. There are occasional company trainings you may have to attend but those don't occur very often and you get paid for attending.

The work schedule is rotational 12 hour shifts with days on tour (hitch) and days off, but depending on the contractor (rig company), you may end up working a 14/14 or 7/7 schedule. I worked both schedules and I preferred the 14/14 gig. However, when I lived in San Angelo, TX, and worked in Sonora, TX, I didn't mind the 7/7 schedule because I lived a short hour away from the work location. If you're having to drive over 6?hours, then a 14/14 schedule may be more your speed. There are a few key things to keep in mind about work schedules:

1. The schedules are set; depending on when you're days on tour start, you may end up working on major holidays and family events. Most contractors are willing to work with you in case of emergencies or life events but you most likely won't get paid for missing work.
2. Which brings us to no vacation days. That's right, because of the nature of the work schedule, there are no vacation or sick days. If you have to miss work, it is always best to arrange something with a crew member of the opposite hitch so you can recoup your pay.
3. In a 14/14 schedule, your pay period is split so that you get paid bi-weekly.
4. Contractors offer employee benefits such as health insurance, occupational insurance, and more.

The next thing you should know is that you have to live on location during your hitch unless you live close enough to make it home and get 8 hours of sleep. Typically, operators provide a single-wide trailer for the rig crews. These have 2 bedrooms, one at either end of the trailer with 6-8 bunk beds. Each crew occupies a bedroom. There are 2 bathrooms which are communal. There is also a kitchen/living area equipped with a stove, 2 refrigerators, a microwave, and cable TV for entertainment. You can keep groceries to cook meals or microwave them. There's a washer/dryer available. As I mentioned, this is shift work so one hitch you will work 6am-6pm and the next hitch will be working 6pm-6am. While you're off duty, you can make a trip to the nearest town if you'd like. Most contractors don't provide gym equipment, but you can be creative with your workouts.

Cell service is pretty good most of the time. Some operators provide cellular antennas that are supposed to boost your cell reception, but you'll have to be pretty close to the antenna for it to have any positive effect. There is wi-fi, but it is for rig operations use. They don't appreciate people streaming movies but surfing the net and social media activities are typically overlooked. So even though you may not be at home, you can still keep in touch with your loved ones.

Firearms, alcohol, or illegal drugs are not permitted on location. If your doctor prescribed you medication, you should disclose it to your rig manager at the start of your hitch.

I think this covers the basics. If there's something you would like more info on, just let me know and I can cover it next time. Until then, keep it turnin' to the right!