Derrick Operators, Oil and Gas
Derrick operators (oil and gas) rig derrick equipment and operate pumps to circulate mud or fluid through drill holes.
A derrick crane operator digs holes for oil wells and pushes the drill pipes deep into the Earth.
The job of a derrick crane operator involves the responsibility of inspecting equipment or tools to be used in construction or excavation and maintaining drilling equipment. Besides, they clean equipment or facilities, mix substances or compounds needed for work activities and assemble temporary equipment or structures.
To be eligible to become an oil derrick, one needs a high school diploma with a relevant certificate. Moreover, one to two years of related work experience and good command of English such that you can understand and give oral and written instructions, provide adequate status reports, and solve problems is desirable.
The oil and gas industry mainly employs the derrick crane operator at drilling rigs and construction sites. They primarily work at offshore oil platforms drilling the ocean floor or in remote locations, which may require living onsite for long periods. Oil derrick work can be seasonal and often shifts around the clock. One must be prepared for extreme weather conditions and deal with heights as part of the job. To be successful in a derrick operator career, candidates should be proficient in mechanical skills, work under pressure, and be good at teamwork and decision making. The average derrick operator's salary varies on experience and skills gained in the educational career.
Qualifications
Every career requires an element of study and academic qualification, and there can be several study routes and pathways you can take. In following any academic pathway you will study subjects that contribute to the specialised knowledge required to achieve your career goals. These qualifications provide a future employer with the evidence that you have the desired knowledge, understanding and experience of their industry, so it’s important to consider the various types of qualifications available to you and to understand how they can boost your career and create opportunities for you.
- NSQF Level 4 Excavator Operator
- NSQF Level 4 Hydra Crane Operator
- NSQF Level 4 Crawler Operator
- Training Course Driving
Tasks
- Inspect derricks, or order their inspection, prior to being raised or lowered.
- Inspect derricks for flaws, and clean and oil derricks to maintain proper working conditions.
- Control the viscosity and weight of the drilling fluid.
- Repair pumps, mud tanks, and related equipment.
- Set and bolt crown blocks to posts at tops of derricks.
- Listen to mud pumps and check regularly for vibration and other problems to ensure that rig pumps and drilling mud systems are working properly.
- Start pumps that circulate mud through drill pipes and boreholes to cool drill bits and flush out drill cuttings.
- Position and align derrick elements, using harnesses and platform climbing devices.
- Supervise crew members, and provide assistance in training them.
- Guide lengths of pipe into and out of elevators.
Progression Routes
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