Rig Medics UK

There and Back again……….or what I did instead of a real job.

Part 1.

This guide is the first in a series I am writing. They aren’t a ‘what to do’, so much as a’ what happened to me and learn from my mistakes if you want to’.

I don’t claim for one moment they will be perfect – but I’ll try to cover the stuff I’ve experienced.

Please feel free to ask any questions  on the Rig Medic's Forum

Please feel free to help with answers – or point out any different experiences you may have had.

OK – you’ve sent your CV around all the agencies – you’ve delivered them in person if at all possible.

You’ve called every couple of weeks to see if they have any work going.

You’ve had your first call from the agency – you’ve said ‘yes’….

These are the things you should find out now.

Is it abroad?  If so – are you covered for vaccinations?

Do you need a re-breather certificate if it’s your first trip?

(These can be got very easily after a ten minute video course – the agency will book you if necessary. I’m unsure if you still need one as it’s part of the survival course now).

They will have booked your plane ticket – what is the booking reference number?

They may also have booked you a hotel if necessary.

Keep your train tickets (and any other) travelling receipts, taxis, bus tickets etc. Submit all receipts with your Time sheets.

Most jobs pay your travelling expenses.

How are you paid? weekly or at the end of the trip? Does it pay overtime?

Will they deduct your Income Tax – or will you be responsible?

(I will deal with this in detail in a later guide).

Will they have time to post you a time sheet? If not -

Can they e-mail you one when you are onboard?

Will they accept a generic one you make up yourself?

When I figure out how, I will upload a form I made up an have used quite frequently in the past)

 (Word to the wise – keep a hard photocopy of any documentation you send in to an agency).

Paperwork to carry with you.

Passport. Always!

If you are evacuated to another country (say Norway) and don’t have a passport – trouble and fines will follow. Even on a UK trip – you never know!

Your survival ticket, any safety certificates, a Vantage card if you have one, your medic’s certificates. (I made colour copies of my medic certs. so they look like the original – although I believe you are supposed to carry the originals).

I take my original safety certificates.

Things to carry with you.

No one bag should exceed 10-12 kilos. You can take more than one bag.

I take one bag plus laptop rucksack. I find it’s enough.

Clothes to work and relax in.

 I use scrub suits for working – available online and from hospitals I’ve worked in.

They can be boiled (and laundry stewards seem to boil everythingJ) without loss of colour or shape – are as light as a feather – and don’t need ironing if tumble dried.

I carry my own coveralls and safety boots.

I wear my boots to travel to the job as they are heavy to carry.

You usually can pick up safety gear onboard – but if you are a shoe size 4 – they won’t have boots to fit you!!

Lighter shoes for inside – but you put on your safety shoes for outside or you don’t go out!

You should be able to pick up a hard hat, gloves and safety glasses offshore.

Personal toiletries (shampoo, deodorant and toothpaste are available offshore).

I take hair conditioner and hairdryer – and get anything else onboard.

If you need any specifically girlie things – take them with you.

(I never normally use a credit card – but I have one to use just for travelling to jobs.

I’ve found Visa is accepted everywhere – even by some taxi drivers in Norway.)

A pen drive is invaluable for copying any work, timesheets etc you may want to bring home with you. I save a copy of every handover I’ve ever written – or mail it to myself. You’ll very quickly learn about computers if you aren’t already familiar!

Things NOT to carry with you.

Towels and soap – sleeping bag – every medical book you can cram into your bag.

By all means carry a small medical reference book if you wish – but the main ones, including the BNF, are always found on board in my experience. I carry a small Diving Medicine book with me – but that’s all.

Towels, soap, bedding and such are providedL.

If you are going to a foreign country – leave your porn stash at home. It may not be appreciated in foreign parts J. (What’s in YOUR laptop?)

If you prepare a bag ready for your first job – with everything you need to hand –

It makes it easier to be ready to drop everything and go.

I always have a bag ready.

It’s the first thing I prepare when I get back from a trip.

You can do it now. Why wait until the last minute?

Getting to check-in.

Stay the night before in the departure town if your check-in is early.

Has the agency booked hotel – taxi for the heliport etc?

Check taxi times to heliport/harbour.

I always allow a half hour grace. E.g. Check-in 06.00?

I plan it to arrive by 05.30.

Helicopter protocol.

No alcohol at least 12 hours before flying – some companies insist on 24 hours.

Mobile phones may have to be left at the heliport – be aware of this.

Wear three layers (t-shirt, shirt and jumper), no denims and shoes or boots that will accommodate the nylon sock attached to the leg of the survival suit.

I know a lot of people don’t stick to this – but they could legitimately stop you flying if you’re not dressed to the protocol.

Helicopters.

Always follow the HLO’s instructions (Helicopter Landing Officer)

Sit where directed. Put ear defenders on over ear plugs.

Enjoy the trip.

Disembark when directed – not before.

Remove your ear defenders and leave them on the helicopter seat.

Follow the troops, picking up your luggage en route to heli-admin.

You will take off your life jacket and hand it to an off-going passenger.

PLEASE remember to take it off and hand it over as, if it stays onboard the installation, the helicopter has to return for it!

At heli-admin you will be met by the off-going medic who will likely be staying to give you a handover. If the medic isn’t present – there should at least be a written handover full of instructions.

You will be assigned a cabin – and be taken on a safety induction tour of the installation as it’s your first visit there.

To be continued……………….(and if this sounds like a lot – it’s second nature by your second trip).

Part 2 will deal with your first few days on the installation.

Duhm duhm Duuhhmmmmm (dramatic music……)