An offshore oil rig is a massive steel structure built far out in the ocean. It stands tall above the water so workers can drill deep into the seabed for oil and natural gas. Living on an oil rig is very different from living on land. Workers travel to the rig by helicopter or by large crew boats. Because the platform sits in the open sea, strong winds and high waves are common.
Crew members usually work on the rig for two or three weeks without leaving. After their shift period ends, they return home for a long rest. A typical working day on a rig lasts twelve hours. Workers wear heavy protective boots, hard safety hats, safety glasses, and bright orange coveralls. Safety is the top rule for everyone on board.
The rig is like a small floating town. It has bedrooms, dining rooms, laundry services, and recreation rooms where workers watch movies or exercise. Cooks prepare fresh food every day to keep the crew happy and energized. Even though the work is hard and the location is remote, rig workers form close friendships and take great pride in their essential jobs.
