Kris Ebb has been working Offshore in the North Sea as a maintenance technician and mechanical engineer for some time. I caught up with him to learn more about his current role.
How long have you been working in the industry? I've been working as a mechanical engineer in the industry for the last five years.
How did you get into this line of work? Prior to working in the Offshore industry, I was in the Royal Navy as marine engineer for six years. After I left I simply transferred my skills to the offshore sector.
What does your job as mechanical engineer/maintenance technician involve? I am presently employed by Sparrows Offshore Ltd which is a crane and lifting contractor to the oil companies in the North Sea. My present role is to service and maintain the heavy lift cranes found on the Offshore platforms. My responsibilities on the rig include; inspecting hydraulic systems, checking splines on each motor, and running function tests on the crane and its components. Our cranes are sometimes in operation for 24 hours a day in a variety of harsh weather conditions, so it is essential they are inspected and serviced frequently to ensure they remain fully operational.
How long do you work on the oil rig? I'm currently contracted to work 154 days in each year, with a maximum of three straight weeks in one go. As my employer has heavy lift crane equipment in a number of locations, both in International locations and in the North Sea, my job means I'm never in the same location for long.
What aspect do you find most rewarding about your job? I really enjoy the challenge in my job, and the variety in working in different locations. I also enjoy the flexible lifestyle that goes with it.
What would you say is your memorable memory in the North Sea? It would be really hard to pick one as I have a lot of good memories working in the North Sea! However I would say that I have had some fantastic experiences working alongside some highly skilled and unique individuals. The folk that you work with Offshore really make a huge difference to your day at work.
What advice would you offer to those pursuing a career Offshore? Getting their first start is not easy. It takes a great deal of persistence and determination. I would advise them not to be afraid to spend the money to get the all essential Survival and medical tickets. They should do as much research as they can, and develop their skills into a discipline that's in demand. If they are hard working and professional their effort will be recognized and they will go a long way in the industry.
Thanks Kris, we wish you luck with the rest of your career in the North Sea!
How long have you been working in the industry? I've been working as a mechanical engineer in the industry for the last five years.
How did you get into this line of work? Prior to working in the Offshore industry, I was in the Royal Navy as marine engineer for six years. After I left I simply transferred my skills to the offshore sector.
What does your job as mechanical engineer/maintenance technician involve? I am presently employed by Sparrows Offshore Ltd which is a crane and lifting contractor to the oil companies in the North Sea. My present role is to service and maintain the heavy lift cranes found on the Offshore platforms. My responsibilities on the rig include; inspecting hydraulic systems, checking splines on each motor, and running function tests on the crane and its components. Our cranes are sometimes in operation for 24 hours a day in a variety of harsh weather conditions, so it is essential they are inspected and serviced frequently to ensure they remain fully operational.
How long do you work on the oil rig? I'm currently contracted to work 154 days in each year, with a maximum of three straight weeks in one go. As my employer has heavy lift crane equipment in a number of locations, both in International locations and in the North Sea, my job means I'm never in the same location for long.
What aspect do you find most rewarding about your job? I really enjoy the challenge in my job, and the variety in working in different locations. I also enjoy the flexible lifestyle that goes with it.
What would you say is your memorable memory in the North Sea? It would be really hard to pick one as I have a lot of good memories working in the North Sea! However I would say that I have had some fantastic experiences working alongside some highly skilled and unique individuals. The folk that you work with Offshore really make a huge difference to your day at work.
What advice would you offer to those pursuing a career Offshore? Getting their first start is not easy. It takes a great deal of persistence and determination. I would advise them not to be afraid to spend the money to get the all essential Survival and medical tickets. They should do as much research as they can, and develop their skills into a discipline that's in demand. If they are hard working and professional their effort will be recognized and they will go a long way in the industry.
Thanks Kris, we wish you luck with the rest of your career in the North Sea!
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