The day-to-day operations of a marine-based facility, such as an oil rig, are overseen by an offshore installation manager. Anyone interested in working as an offshore installation manager must have prior experience on one of these structures in a variety of capacities. Although most companies require job applicants to have completed high school, energy companies and other operators of offshore platforms do not typically require people employed in these roles to have completed college degree courses.
Industry associations and government regulators in some countries run training courses to prepare people to manage oil rigs, gas platforms, and other structures. Some of these classes focus on safety issues, while others focus on operational activities such as drilling techniques or the storage of hazardous materials, so anyone interested in becoming an offshore installation manager may need to take one or more of them. Students are usually required to pass a written examination at the end of the course, which can last several weeks or months.
Workers must be trained to operate various types of machinery and equipment, according to installation managers. As a result, someone interested in becoming an offshore installation manager may need to start as a driller or helicopter mechanic on an oil or gas platform. People in these positions typically receive on-the-job training, though some managers choose to take engineering courses at universities or community colleges instead of gaining practical experience. Many companies, however, prefer to promote experienced riggers into management positions because they have firsthand knowledge of the devices and procedures in place on a given installation.
Offshore installation managers must be able to perform mathematical calculations because they frequently make decisions based on the pressure levels that pipes and drill heads are exposed to, and miscalculations can be costly. Because they are in charge of budgetary matters such as payroll, inventory, and other operational expenses, those working on offshore installations must have strong organizational and administrative skills. These individuals usually communicate with their land-based counterparts via phone or email, which necessitates some familiarity with common computer software and internet programs for those in these positions.
On oil rigs and other similar installations, safety is paramount, and many companies require supervisors to have completed basic first aid training courses, which include skills such as cardiopulmonary resuscitation. As a result, the manager may be required to pass on this knowledge to other employees, necessitating the development of good communication and interpersonal skills in these individuals. Additionally, depending on the location of the installation, having a second language may be advantageous for someone working as an offshore manager.