New article in Training section

[Moss]

Ever wondered just what kind of roles and duties Medics fill whilst offshore? Have a read of "Better than a real job" to get a rough idea of what to expect. You may be surprised at the diversity and amount that can be expected of us.

Now there may be people who disagree with some of what I say, but I have simply written of my own experience. If any of you ancient and wizened medics can add to it or point to any flat-out-errors, please do so

[Yvie]

Moss - after reading 'better than a real job' - you've really sold it to me - and I'm even more determined now!
I already do 12 hour shifts, 4 days a week as it is - so I'm quite used to the long days - getting no day off will be a bit of a shock to the old system - esp when I can't lie in until 9am! lol - but the pro's far out weigh the cons..
- it all sounds good man!!
Thanx again - hope I get there soon!!

[Dennis]

Moss
Yes the "better than a real job" does apply, even in my case.  I am on a
US Navy Merchant ship for six months of the year (most cases). My stateroom is next to medical, the galley is about 9 meters down the p/way.
I work eight hours a day, most of my work is done in three, and I do walk abouts to find things to do, safety, food and water sanitation checks, etc.
Most of the six months is dealt with medical supply issues and taking care of the medical needs of about 30 people.  We are at sea for about five of those six months, floating around in one or two locations. We are anywhere from two to five days away from the nearest medical facility in case of need.  Right now we are on our way in for a mid mission break, and to get two people evaluated: one for kidney stones and the other for a gyn problem.  Now where on land, can you find a job like this, world travel, great food, great pay, etc.  I do anticipate that the oil rig medic enjoys the same job satisfaction of knowing that they are out there to give the best medical care available to your fellow employees.  You all have a great day where ever you may be.  later gators,  dennis
ps  the "gators" comes from my Louisiana hertiage.     I hope to be on an
oil rig by early next year. 

[Grumbleguts]

Hi Yvie -

something it's weird getting used to is leaving a boat/rig -
and putting it out of your head the moment you leave.
You don't carry it with you like you do with hospital work.

Then you've got all this lovely time off to do what you like with.

It's a Brave New World - and I don't think I could ever go back!

[Ian]

you forgot to put in if your ona merchant ship that is not deep sea, you end up getting stuck with cleaning duties, along with chipping and painting, oh where the f**k have i gone wrong!!!!!

[Moss]

Hi Ian

Just noticed your post - never had to do that before. Testing firehoses yes - but not chipping and painting!! 

[steep]

Hi everyone would just like to let you know that the training centre at the old fire station in york is closed the man has retired today, i phoned this morning to try and book on the course.

[Moss]

Is that Medicos?

[steep]

yeah it is, they call it "the old fire station"  i think.? the man says he is retiring. I phoned because i was suppose to be doing a course with ex med on the 5th of Nov but they cancelled, was trying to re-book with someone else. I have done everything else to get offshore appart from this damn course.

[Moss]

Thanks for the heads up Steep - always a shame when a training provider shuts down as it limits our choices 

The good  thing about the Medic's course is they are usually held monthly by most providers - so if you cannot manage November, there should hopefully be one available somewhere in December.

Let us kinow how you get on

Cheers
Moss

[steep]

moss have you heard anything bad about interdive?? i am booked for the 3rd of december with them?? CAPITA did not sound to convinced when i mentioned them what do you think. Anything would be helpful

[Gsm]

Hi Steep, I did my course through interdive and they were really good. No one seems to be bothered ( in my short experience ) where you trained, as long as you've got your tickets at the end.

Cheers
  Glenn

[Grumbleguts]

Steep-
I don't suppose any training establishment is going to sing the praises of a competitor too highly.

As Glenn says - once you've got your ticket - you're ready.

I've worked with more than a few who have trained/refreshed their courses with Interdive.

If they are handy for you - I can't see there being a problem.
I use Capita - I like them and they're fairly local to me.

If I lived way down South in Hull - I'd probably use Interdive.
Have you booked yet?

[Moss]

Interdive is Plymouth 

Looks like the senility is kicking in already 

[Grumbleguts]

B@ll@cks!

I thought Interdive was in Norfolk!

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