What do Riggers do Offshore?

WHAT DO RIGGERS DO OFFSHORE?

What do riggers do offshore? If the first word that comes to mind when you think of the words ‘riggers’ or ‘rigs’ is ‘offshore’, you’re on the right track.

As we’ve covered in many of our blogs, riggers perform many different job duties, from stage rigging for plays to positions on construction projects that help move different equipment and materials. Although you’ve likely heard the term ‘offshore rigger’ or ‘rigging’ before, you still might not know everything about this job and its duties.

Read on to and learn more about an offshore rigger’s job duties, responsibilities of the role and more about Hercules SLR’s work offshore.

WHAT DO RIGGERS DO OFFSHORE? WHAT THE OFFSHORE INDUSTRY IS

When you hear the term ‘offshore’, it usually refers to the oil & gas and wind energy industries. In the oil and gas industries, a vessel is installed in specific areas to drill for oil or gas. This is important, since gas reservoirs can be found anywhere – including the ocean. To drill offshore, a drilling rig and pipe is installed to access reserves underground. This rig can be on a floating or fixed platform.

So, what do riggers do offshore? Offshore riggers’ manage and monitor all the different parts of a drilling vessel’s operation. To operate rigs, worker’s are required to operate the drilling, attach and operate machinery and deconstruct the machinery when drilling is complete. They also make sure that oil flows through the pipes properly and that oil is transported to the tanker efficiently, and the pipes don’t burst. A rigger is also responsible to make sure safety rules and regulations are followed – remember, emergency responders can’t access an offshore rig quickly or easily, so it’s essential that risk is minimized.

A person who performs work on the offshore rig is often called a rigger, or a rig technician and there can be different positions, or levels of technicians who perform different duties based on their training, specialties or seniority.

There are often positions available that range from entry-level duties to roles that require experience or more specialized skill, like a derrickhand or welder, for example. Working hours on an offshore rig are much different than your typical 9-5 gigs – offshore work is usually accomplished in two-week (or longer) chunks. Often, riggers will work for a few weeks offshore, on the rig, and then will often have a few weeks off, back on-shore. Offshore rigging takes you away from land (if you didn’t catch that by the word ‘offshore‘), and as we mentioned, often for big chunks of time.

WHAT DO RIGGERS DO OFFSHORE? HOW HERCULES SLR SERVES OFFSHORE INDUSTRY

INSPECTIONS, TESTING & REPAIRS

Hercules SLR has different technicians that work on offshore rigs with different issues, like broken equipment or machinery on the rig. Inspectors and other technicians will travel to offshore destinations to inspect, repair and if needed, certify equipment. This can happen when equipment fails or other issues are found that threaten safety – Hercules SLR can fix the issue until it’s safe to resume work.

Examples of inspection and repair issues Hercules SLR’s called to work on include:

Container inspections
Sling/equipment failure
Non-destructive testing,
Equipment failure
Incidents investigation (ex. A dropped load – dropped loads often cause injury, and can be fatal).
Fall protection products, inspections, repairs & trainings – a fall protection system is required when working at heights of 6-feet or more, so as you can imagine having a fall arrest system is crucial).

Since an offshore rig is isolated and far from everyday amenities, it’s usually appropriate to have a rig technician for the entire project to ensure things run smoothly. Offshore rigging presents many safety risks, and it’s important to prevent and reduce any unnecessary harm to workers and the environment by making sure the rig runs properly.

RIGGING

Hercules SLR’s rigger’s will come to your offshore installation or project for nearly anything the operation needs. We can:

Move or lift difficult loads to or from the offshore rig
Provide you with lifting equipment or equipment rentals for lifting/moving
Identify methods or equipment needed to move particular loads
Create custom-rigging solutions to move awkward or difficult loads
Provide riggers’ for your offshore installation

TRAINING

The Hercules’ Training Academy offers different courses that are useful in offshore applications, like Fundamentals of Rigging with Practical.

Hercules SLR’s training courses can be completed at the Hercules Training Academy, or, we can come to your offshore installation. Our Offshore Rigger Banksman course teaches students the fundamental skills to rig, lift, sling & release loads in an offshore environment. The course also includes:

Regulations, standards and associations
Risk management
Rigging plan
Calculating load weight, centre of gravity and sling angles
Load control
Rigging equipment how-to’s (slings, hitches, hardware and hooks)
Pre-use inspection
Duties and responsibilities of the rigger and banksman
Communications (radio and hand signals)
Personnel transfer
Container inspection
Practical application of the equipment and principles

what do riggers do offshore at hercules slr — *Valves and pipes on an oil rig.*

WHAT DO RIGGERS DO OFFSHORE? SAFETY TIPS FOR THE RIG

Safety is very important on offshore rigs – not only to prevent injury, but to avoid costly delays in work. As we mentioned, making sure equipment is taken care of is essential, especially for a safe offshore operation. Not only does this make sure the drilling rig operates properly, but will help keep workers safe by preventing a hazard caused by equipment failure.

We can’t stress the importance of safety on the rigs – more safety tips for work on offshore rigs are:

House-keeping: Slippery surfaces lead to falls. Using proper PPE to avoid slips and keeping surfaces as dry and clean as possible will help manage risk.
Emergency Planning: It’s important to have thorough emergency plans for work on offshore rigs. A confined space entry and rescue plan, exit and first-aid response plans for emergency response are just a few plans it’s important to have before starting work offshore.
Personal Protective Gear (PPE): This goes without saying, but making sure you have the proper PPE is important to stay safe. This should include proper fall protection for tools, non-slip shoes, safety glasses and even lighting for hard-to-see areas.

WHAT DO RIGGERS DO OFFSHORE? IS IT RIGHT FOR YOU

Do you enjoy assembling and disassembling machinery? Like making equipment work? Have a passion for safety? If you don’t mind travelling, work as a rigger offshore might be perfect for you.

Being an offshore rigger requires mechanical knowledge, common sense (not as common as you might think, and very important for a safe operation) and communication skills to keep yourself and others safe.

To learn more about offshore rigging, check out our blogs below or head to our career page to browse offshore rigger career opportunities.

FOR MORE INFORMATION ON OFFSHORE RIGGING,

CHECK OUT OUR BLOGS:

HERCULES SLR AT THE SABLE STRATEGIC LEADERSHIP WORKSHOP

RIGGING WITH OVER 15 YEARS’ EXPERIENCE IN HAMILTON, ONTARIO: MEET RIGGER JIM CASE

GET TO KNOW LANGLEY, BC NDE INSPECTOR CHRIS DAVIES

BECOME A RIGGER: YOUR CAREER MAP

STAY IN THE LOOP—FOLLOW US

: FACEBOOK : LINKEDIN : TWITTER : INSTAGRAM

Need offshore rigging solutions? Hercules SLR will lift you there.

Click here to learn more about offshore rigging services at Hercules SLR, or e-mail us at info@herculesslr.com to find more information on how we can serve your next offshore project.

Hercules SLR is part of the Hercules Group of Companies which offers a unique portfolio of businesses nationally with locations from coast to coast. Our companies provide an extensive coverage of products and services that support the success of a wide range of business sectors across Canada including the energy, oil & gas, manufacturing, construction, aerospace, infrastructure, utilities, oil and gas, mining and marine industries.

Hercules Group of Companies is comprised of: Hercules SLR, Hercules Machining & Millwright Services, Spartan Industrial Marine, Stellar Industrial Sales and Wire Rope Atlantic.

We have the ability to provide any solution your business or project will need. Call us today for more information. 1-877-461-4876. Don’t forget to follow us on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn for more news and upcoming events.

26 Dec

Get to Know your Territory Manager, Marc-Antoine Nolin

Posted by Hercules SLR in Blog, News

Today, we sat down with Quebec Hercules SLR Territory Manager, Marc-Antoine Nolin. We’re proud to have managers with a wide-array of industry experience and hands-on training. Marc has worked in both the mechanical and financial industries, and works at Hercules SLR as a Territory Manager and Trainer—he spoke with us about his professional experience, training courses he’s completed and his role at Hercules SLR.

Tell us about your educational background?

In 2010, I graduated from automotive mechanics. I worked in this field for a few years, then returned to sales-consulting and representation studies—I then obtained my certificate from the Autorité des Marches Financiers (Authority of Financial Markets). After graduation, I worked as a financial security advisor for some time.

What made you decide to enter this industry?

I missed working in a field where the product is tangible and more technical. So I started looking for a new challenge, and by chance I came across a job offer from Hercules SLR. The safety and lifting field was unknown to me, so I took the opportunity to develop experience in a field that had a lot of opportunity.

Can you tell us about your work experience before joining Hercules SLR?

When I worked in the mechanic field, I developed my technical and logistical skills. I had to supervise the team of mechanics, so I had to communicate well. I also worked on telecommunication lines, where I trained for work at heights.

My years in financial services have helped me develop my communication skill and explain things well.

What made you want to transition into training and management?

I’ve always enjoyed gaining and sharing new knowledge. In my various jobs, I was often the person dedicated to training new employees. I like to talk in front of and interact with a group. When the opportunity to become a trainer presented itself, I immediately took my chance—I knew it was right for me.

Why did you decide to work for Hercules SLR?

I applied at Hercules SLR to take up a new challenge. I’ve been lucky to work at Hercules for four years now. During these four great years, I’ve worked in almost every position in the company. I’ve developed a passion for the field and now I have the opportunity to share the knowledge I’ve gained.

Where have you traveled during your time as a training specialist for Hercules SLR?

I’ve traveled to local training courses in Quebec, and to Halifax to attend the first rigging fundamental training at the Hercules Training Academy.

Is there anywhere that you would like to travel in the future with Hercules SLR?

Hard hat? Check. Suit? Check. Managing is a balancing act!

I love discovering new cities, so no matter where my role as a trainer takes me, it will be a pleasure. I haven’t been to Western Canada for a long time, so I’d like to go back there!

Lastly, is there anything that you hope to accomplish during your career at Hercules SLR?

I’m passionate about my job—the most important thing I want to accomplish through my job as a trainer is to share my knowledge and make sure people can work safely.

At the moment, I give one class—I’d like to eventually acquire the accreditations to give other courses. I’d also like to seek other LEEA certifications and training courses in the future.

Training Courses by Hercules SLR

Hercules SLR offers a wide array of safety training courses. Alongside our standard courses, we’ll tailor-make courses to suit your specific requirements—at our facility or yours. Find out how we’ll help you raise the bar in safety training.

To learn more about our courses, e-mail us at training@herculesslr.com.

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Hercules Group of Companies is comprised of: Hercules SLR, Hercules Machining & Millwright Services, Spartan Industrial Marine, Stellar Industrial Sales and Wire Rope Atlantic.

24 Dec

A Happy Holiday from Hercules SLR

Posted by Hercules SLR in News

Seasons greetings and a happy holiday from Hercules SLR, your Canadian rigging team!

As the new year approaches, we want to extend warm wishes and a big thank you to our clients, partners, our team & their families this holiday season. This year, we’ve worked on Sable Island, launched our Training Academy, partnered with CNIB’s Phone It Forward Campaign, had our inspectors LEEA trained, made Frankenslings’, ventured to the isolated Voisey mine in NFLD and said good-bye to long-time employees—we can’t wait to do even more in 2019.

We look forward to lifting you into the new year! We hope 2019 and the holiday brings you warm tidings, safety and happiness.

“May you never be too grown up to search the skies on Christmas Eve.” – Unknown

Want more? Find our Winter catalogue here and discover the lifting equipment, products, rentals and services we love this season.

Meilleurs voeux de la part de Hercules SLR, votre équipe Canadienne de gréage.

À l’approche de la nouvelle année, nous tenons à offrir nos meilleurs vœux et un grand merci à nos clients, à nos partenaires, à notre équipe et à leurs familles en cette période des Fêtes. Cette année, nous avons travaillé à l’île de Sable, nous avons lancé notre Académie de Formation, nous nous sommes associés à la campagne Phone It Forward CNIB, ont fait certifier nos inspecteurs LEEA, nous avons fait construire la mine Frankenslings, nous nous sommes aventurés à la mine Voisey à Terre-Neuve et nous avons dit au revoir aux employés de longue date.

Nous nous réjouissons de vous accueillir dans la nouvelle année ! Nous espérons que 2019 vous apportera des nouvelles chaleureuses, la sécurité et le bonheur.

“Puissiez-vous ne jamais être trop grand pour fouiller le ciel la veille de Noël.” – Inconnu

Vous en voulez plus ? Retrouvez notre catalogue Hiver ici et découvrez les équipements de levage, produits, locations et services que nous aimons cette saison.

Hercules Group of Companies is comprised of: Hercules SLR, Hercules Machining & Millwright Services, Spartan Industrial Marine, Stellar Industrial Sales and Wire Rope Atlantic.