Offshore facility managers oversee daily operations on oil rigs and gas platforms. Prior experience is necessary, and training courses may be required. Math, organizational, and communication skills are important, as is knowledge of safety procedures and first aid.
An offshore facility manager presides over day-to-day operations at an offshore facility such as an oil rig. Someone looking to become an offshore installation manager must have previous experience working in a variety of different capacities on one of these structures. Energy companies and other offshore platform operators typically do not require people employed in these roles to have completed university degrees, although most companies do require job applicants to complete a high school education.
In some countries, industry associations and government regulators conduct training courses designed to prepare individuals to manage oil platforms, gas platforms and other structures. Someone looking to become an offshore installation manager may have to attend one of these classes, as some focus on safety issues while others focus on operational activities such as drilling techniques or hazmat storage. Classes can last for several weeks or months and students are usually required to pass a written exam at the end of the course.
Facility managers must train workers to operate various types of machinery and equipment. Therefore, someone wishing to become an offshore installation manager may have to start working on an oil or gas platform as a driller or helicopter mechanic. People employed in these roles typically receive on-the-job training, although some managers enroll in engineering courses at universities or community colleges as an alternative to gaining this knowledge through on-the-job training. However, many companies prefer to promote experienced riggers into management roles, as these individuals have a working knowledge of the devices and procedures that exist in a specific installation.
Someone who wants to become an offshore installation manager must have the ability to perform mathematical calculations as these individuals often have to make decisions based on the pressure levels to which the pipes and drillheads are exposed and calculation errors can be expensive. Those working at offshore installations must have good organizational and administrative skills, as they are responsible for handling budgetary issues related to payroll, inventory, and other operating expenses. These individuals typically communicate with their Earth counterparts via telephone or email, which means that people employed in these roles must have some knowledge of commonly used computer software packages and Internet programs.
Safety is of paramount importance on oil rigs and similar facilities, and many companies require people working in supervisory roles to have completed basic first aid training courses during which skills such as cardiopulmonary resuscitation are taught. In turn, the manager may have to pass this knowledge on to other employees, which means these individuals must have good communication and interpersonal skills. Also, depending on the installation location, someone working as an offshore manager may benefit from having second language skills.
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