PNG 301
Introduction to Petroleum and Natural Gas Engineering

8.3.2: Drilling Contractor Personnel (Offshore Rigs)

PrintPrint

When drilling offshore, additional crew members are required to handle the marine operations related to the drilling rig. These additional crew members include:

  • Offshore Installation Manager:
    The Offshore Installation Manager, or OIM, is the chief executive on the offshore installation. The OIM is the final authority for all decisions made on the installation. The operations that are performed under the supervision of the OIM include Drilling Operations, Marine Operations, Mechanical Services, Electrical Services, and Hotel Services. Often, the position of the OIM is assigned to former naval officers or highly experienced offshore tool pushers.
  • Tool Pusher:
    The role of the tool pusher on an offshore installation is identical to that of his/her onshore counterpart. The tool pusher is responsible for all drilling operations.
  • Barge Master:
    The Barge Master (and his/her crew) is responsible for all marine operations that occur on a Mobile Offshore Drilling Unit (MODU). An MODU is drilling rig placed on a mobile marine vessel, such as a ship or barge, that can be moved onto the surface location of the well by either towing or by self-propulsion. The barge master is equivalent to a ship’s captain and is responsible for all marine operations including navigation, hull and deck maintenance, crane operations, helicopter operations, radio operations, supply logistics, etc.
  • Chief Mechanic:
    The Chief Mechanic (and his/her staff) oversees the Mechanical Department and is responsible for the maintenance of all mechanical equipment.
  • Chief Electrician:
    The Chief Electrician (and his/her staff) oversees the Electrical Department and is responsible for the maintenance of all electrical equipment.
  • Camp Boss:
    The Camp Boss (and his/her staff) is responsible for all hotel services on the offshore installation. Work crews on an offshore installation typically work on 7/7, 14/14, or 28/28 day on-duty/off-duty schedules. During their on-duty time on the offshore installation, they must be housed, fed, entertained, etc. The camp boss is responsible for maintenance of all office space, living accommodations, galley (kitchen) services, laundry services, and entertainment services on the offshore installation.