Education and Qualifications
Engineers come from all backgrounds with relevant qualifications from universities, colleges, or experience from other industries.
Skills and Training
Training is dependent on the discipline and national approaches. Most university engineering degrees, for example, are of three or four years' duration (although longer in some countries), and some specialist positions may want second and higher degrees. Technician training in technical colleges is usually shorter and more focused. Military technical training can also be recognised to find work offshore in the marine contracting industry.
To work offshore in any capacity it is usually necessary to complete a 'Basic Offshore Safety Induction and Emergency Training' (BOSIET) course. This generally includes first aid, safety at sea, the basics of fire and fire fighting and 'HUET' - helicopter underwater escape training. In many regions, someone who has not successfully completed a course of this nature will not be permitted to work offshore. This would not be required for those engineers who are 100% office based.
Medical Fitness
In many areas of the world, potential offshore workers must undergo and pass a special medical examination. These requirements may vary from country to country, but usually involve a medical leading to a certificate which may be valid for one or more years. The requirements are not unduly onerous for fit and active people but certain common conditions, or previous injuries, can be a cause for failure. If in any doubt, interested persons should seek out a doctor knowledgeable about offshore standards before they seek work or embark on a course of training. This would not be required for those engineers who are 100% office based.
Working Conditions and Prospects
Engineers can expect to work on projects in the offshore industry all over the world. Work may be based at overseas site locations or in the office anywhere in the world, which means that the career can suit all aspirations. It also means that offshore engineers have to be resourceful, resilient and able to work both in teams and independently.
This is a career in which learning and training never stop. Many employers encourage their engineers to pursue professional qualifications, for example to become a 'chartered engineer'.
Opportunities for career progression are there to be grasped. Different companies use different job titles, for example: trainee engineer, project engineer, senior project engineer; or perhaps, engineer, supervisor, project manager.
After a number of years, engineers will have seen several different projects from inception through to completion. Those with all-round aptitude, experience and desire will progress to project management and into the company management structure. Most engineering companies have several engineers on their board of directors.
Further Information
Further details of work in the marine contracting sector can be found on this site (www.imca-int.com/careers).
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