Work Abroad
Offshore Crane Operators are sponsored by employers to work in a number of international waters. The North Sea, the Mediterranean Sea, off the coasts of EU nations like Holland, Denmark and Scotland, the Arabian Gulf, African counties like Ghana and Mozambique, are just some of the many international opportunities that Offshore Crane Operators get to work abroad. With the rise of offshore wind farms, opportunities in this role are also expanding in the renewable energy sector.
Day rate wages
Offshore Crane Operators earn a day-rate, usually in USD. Wages are competitive and usually on level, or higher than average wages in some developed nations. The exact rate can vary depending on the operator's experience, the complexity of the task, and the location of the work, with many crane operators making over US$ 300 a day.
Nature of work
Offshore Crane Operators are crucial to the operations of the oil and gas sector. They are responsible for operating cranes to move equipment and materials around the offshore facility. This includes loading and unloading supplies from ships, moving heavy equipment around the platform, and assisting in the assembly and disassembly of drilling equipment. The job requires a high level of skill and precision, as mistakes can lead to serious safety incidents. Offshore Crane Operators also need to be able to work in challenging weather conditions and must be prepared to respond to emergency situations.
The Offshore Crane Operator role is more than a job; it's a stepping stone to a rewarding career in the oil and gas industry. Many of our industry's leaders began their journey as Offshore Crane Operators, gaining invaluable experience that propelled them to new heights.
Steps to becoming an Offshore Crane Operator
You can become an Offshore Crane Operator with the right training and qualifications. You will typically need to complete a crane operator training course like LEEA/OPITO Offshore Crane Operator Stage 1 Training, which covers topics such as crane operation, safety procedures, and emergency response. Some operators also complete additional training in areas such as rigging and slinging.
Upon completing your basic crane operation training (along with other basic courses such as OPITO basic H2S Training and OPITO), you become more attractive to Oil and Gas employers, who will favour you over other candidates for the numerous Offshore Crane Operator opportunities out there.
After getting your first Offshore Crane Operator job, you can gain the experience and skills to work your way up to positions of higher authority and remuneration. For example, with additional training and experience, you could become a Crane Supervisor or even a Rig Manager.