Oil riggers work on offshore oil platforms, attempting to extract crude oil from the seabed. Because oil rigs are frequently located far from shore, oil riggers often spend days or weeks on the platforms and are responsible for a variety of tasks in addition to drilling for oil. On oil rigs, scientists, engineers, mechanics, and safety officials are employed energy companies, and those in these positions perform specific tasks to keep the platform running.
Deep sea oil platforms are built above areas of the ocean where geologists believe oil reserves are hidden. A large steel tower is erected over the suspected oil beds oil riggers. Engineers use calculations to determine the best drilling angle and type of drill head to use to penetrate the surface, and drills are attached to the tower. During the drilling process, engineers must consult with scientists to assess the risk of underground gases being released, which could cause pollution or explosions. The drill initially goes straight down, but engineers can move it to a 90-degree angle based on an assessment of the ground beneath the ocean.
When oil reserves are discovered, the oil is forced up the drill’s piping intense underground pressure. The oil riggers must closely monitor the oil release to ensure that pressure levels do not rise above safe levels, causing the pipes to burst. On the rig, oil is stored in tanks, and workers must ensure that the tanks are free of leaks and fire hazards. Regular safety drills are held safety officials to ensure that oil riggers are prepared to handle emergencies such as platform fires or oil leaks.
On oil rigs, mechanics must check all mechanical aspects of the platform on a daily basis, including storage tanks and drills. Helicopters are usually used to transport riggers onto the platform. Rigs must have qualified helicopter mechanics on staff who can perform safety checks on the aircraft in between trips. Mechanics’ work is also inspected safety officers, who conduct risk assessments and make recommendations for safety improvements.
Oil tankers transport crude oil from offshore oil platforms to refineries on land. Pipes from the platform to the oil tankers must be connected riggers. Deep-sea pipelines that transport oil to the shore connect some rigs to the shore. Riggers on such rigs must ensure that the oil is pumped out at a consistent rate and does not reach a pressure that could damage the pipeline.