Offshore medical and survival

[vardymr2]

Im looking into becoming a offshore spark i have had a look around and you need a offshore survival and medical cert, So i got a quote off a company that runs these courses and came back to me with this

There are two offshore Survival courses we run –
3 Day Basic Offshore Safety Induction and Emergency Training – (OPITO Approved) - £630 + VAT
5 Day Pan European Offshore Safety (OPITO/OLF Approved) - £995 + VAT
The 5 day course will cover you for Norwegian waters, whereas the 3 day one wont.
I dont mind paying for the 5 day course but is it worth it as i have no offshore experience at all and worried i wont get a job at all on the rigs.
Any help would be great

 

[tempo]

Hello mate,

I started working offshore last year(not sparkying though) and I would recomend you do the 3 day OPITO BOSIET course should be £650ish. You should get a list of doctors who are registerd as being able to carry out an OPITO approved offshore survival medical for you from the survival training school you use. The medical should cost you approx £90. Go to a dentist as well BEFORE your medical. You can do a web search for said doc's local to where you live, no problem.

The 3 day OPITO BOSIET will allow you to work in (UK waters and "internationally")but not Norway. I wouldn't bother with the OLF thing which is a week long and £1000ish. The OLF course is exactly the same as the 3 day with two extra days chucked on that the Norwiegans want you to do to work in their waters. Thats the only difference. It just allows you to work in the norgy sector as well. BUT, the chances of you getting a start in the Norgy sector, straight out, first trip, are very slim unless you've got golden Knackers! It's very desirable to work out there coz you get more money, more time off and their platforms aren't falling apart! If a company wants you to work for them in Norgy sector they are more than likely going to be prepared to put you through the two extra days training to bring you upto norgy spec anyway.

It's a tricky game to get into. You have to hammer companies to get a start or know someone to help you in through the door. If your a qual'd spark you will have a very good trade, but there are still no gurantees you'll get picked up for a start. Try web search for oil and gas recriutment agencies etc in Aberdeen and Great Yarmouth. Keep plugging away at it if decide to go for it. Good luck mate.

 

[vardymr2]

Thanks very much for your time.

 

[OilBeDamned]

Im looking into becoming a offshore spark i have had a look around and you need a offshore survival and medical cert, So i got a quote off a company that runs these courses and came back to me with this

There are two offshore Survival courses we run –
3 Day Basic Offshore Safety Induction and Emergency Training – (OPITO Approved) - £630 + VAT
5 Day Pan European Offshore Safety (OPITO/OLF Approved) - £995 + VAT
The 5 day course will cover you for Norwegian waters, whereas the 3 day one wont.
I dont mind paying for the 5 day course but is it worth it as i have no offshore experience at all and worried i wont get a job at all on the rigs.
Any help would be great

Get the 3 day and with the money saved use it towards doing your Compex course.

In this climate you will struggle to get offshore without it.

5 day course costing from £800-1200 and can be done at various colleges and training centers around the UK.