Hi folks!

Just a quick note to let you know of some major changes to the site. I have totally revamped ...well... everything! New site and new forums. If you go to the default adress of

http://www.rig-medics.co.uk

you should see it.

If you don't, just click the refresh button or hit F5. If you still cannot see it, use the contact page and drop me a line.

For those who are already registered, you should be able to log in using your usual username and password. As before, just drop me a line if you have any problems.

Hope you like the new site!!

Moss 

Hi Morriss -

regarding the tax - it gets complicated.

You have to keep a detailed record of every trip you do in your Seaman's Discharge Book.
Added to that - you keep details of every date and time the vessel enters and leaves harbour.

At the end of the year - if you have done more than 183 days offshore (outside the 12 mile line I believe) - and have visited at least one foreign port - you get back all the tax you've paid.

That seems simple enough - but there are complications.

All of these days have to be accrued with the same company.
If you work agency (like me) each job is considered a new contract and is considered in isolation. To qualify - each job would need to have a foreign port.

My first year - because I had accrued 300 days offshore - I couldn't claim it all as they were 4 jobs with different employers. One of them with a foreign port was fairly long - so I got the tax back on that one.

There are even finer refinements than that - but at the end of the day - I gave up trying as it became too complex.
I made enough money after tax anyway  - but it seems I should have tried for BP after all.....

Others may have simpler ways of getting tax back - I don't think platforms qualify other than counting towards your 183 day total.
You won't actually get platform days you've been taxed on back.

Hi Morriss -

well - you've given me a good idea for a newbie guide I want to write!
My first trip I took out soap, towels and a bedsheet - and every medical book I could get into my bag.

Accomodation is variable - but a decent cabin with en-suite facilities is the norm.
Your laundry goes into a string bag and magically disappears - only to re-appear in the morning freshly done.
Your cabin will be cleaned by a steward while you're on duty.
It's a bit like having your mum looking after you invisibly....

Towels, bedding etc are provided - as are meals.

I only take a small Diving medicine book with me - you'll find loads of books in the sick bay.
Also - if you need to look anything up - the Internet is your friend.


I take my laptop to play games - but there is usually a couple of game consoles and a DVD library onboard.

The TV room can be a great place for banter.
There's a smokers and non-smokers in most vessels.
I know some platforms are smoke free.

There are gyms - usually I find of very high quality - with all the best equipment on board.

It's a 12 hour day every day of the week - so in the evenings I just play computer games and relax.

If there's a quiz night I'm in there!

I work mostly on vessels - I think things may be a bit different on platforms. Vessels go into harbour and there are runs ashore -
a whole different story

I'm sure other experienced chappies will be able to contribute to this.

Hi all
As per my other post thinking about becoming an offshore medic i have a few questions i hope you will be able to answer!

What sort of accomodation do you get on rig/ship?
What do you do when your not working?
what facilities are there? (gyms etc)

sorry for all the quwstions but trying to get an idea of what quality of life will be like.

thanks all

Many thanks for the responses (Ally G, Grumbleguts & Tony), much apreciated. Still hanging in there waiting for the phone to light up.
You're right when it comes to the negative responses from some of the agency staff who's only medical experience THEY have is putting a band aid on a paper cut! But any way they will be as nice as pie when they are desperate to fill a position and running out of people to fill them, can't wait for the sarcasm to start flowing if I ever get in that position.
By the way the CP work has been put on hold for the time being so I can contact other people who have done this type of work to get the gen before having to make a decision.

Thanks again folks
I'll keep in touch.

55 60K wow now thats worth taking the plunge for

however i imafine jobs with BP are few and far between? and again is this type of salary with or without tax?

Really appriciate evryones help and advice?

 

Wow! Any jobs going with BP ?  hehe 

With BP its around 55k to 60k per year with other benefits including  bonus, pension and share options, platforms pay more than drilling even with Agency

Thanks Grumbleguts any info on the tax free issue!

B@ll@cks!

I thought Interdive was in Norfolk!

I'm getting confused (watch it!) with Medicos.