Industry focus

Every few months Northseaoiljobs interviews a chosen professional working in the UK oil and gas sector to gain insight into the Industry. By doing so hope we hope to share their knowledge, advice, and views with our candidates, and others interested in a career in the industry...

Voice of the Industry: Interview

David Emery has been working in the North Sea as a Non-destructive rope access technician for a number of years. Northseaoiljobs caught up with him to gain some insight into his career.

How long have you been working in the industry?

I’ve been working as an N.D.T technician in the North Sea for seven years now.

How did you get into this role/position?

I was in the armed forces until 2001. When I decided to leave I was offered a re settlement package and offered the opportunity to re-train in field of my choice. It was then that I decided I would like to work in the North Sea. I did some research and trained in rope access, before moving on to Non- destructive testing.

What does your job as a N.D.T technician involve? Where are you based?

As an N.D.T technician my job involves testing the integrity of metals and welds with various types of equipment to ensure they remain structurally sound. I’m currently working in the Brent Field for a company called RBG Ltd which is sub-contracted to Shell UK. I’m part of an eight man team. Our current duties involve maintaining the inside of the columns which sit underneath the rig. We gain access to the columns by abseiling via rope. Safety is of paramount importance. The columns are a gas tight sealed area, this means we have to use full breathing apparatus as it is a hazardous area. Once inside the columns my responsibilities include checking the integrity of the structure with various types of testing methods and equipment, such as Utltrasonic testing and Magnetic particle insppection. Other members of the team repair and clean it. Our goal is to ensure that this part of the rig will remain fully functional for the next ten to fifteen years.

What did the training involve, where did you train?

I trained in Aberdeen at company called Talon. My initial training lasted for four weeks and this qualified me in various methods of testing such as ultrasonics, magnetic particle inspection and dye-penetration. I have since been trained to Level 3 standard in these methods, and I'm frequently assesed to maintain my certificates.

Was the training difficult?

Certain parts of the course required a considerable amount of study and practice. Anything you learn new is always a little difficult to start with, but with time and practice your confidence grows and you get into a routine way of doing things and gradually it becomes second nature.

What do you enjoy most about your job?

Coming from an Army background I enjoy working as part of a team and the satisfaction gained from a job well done. The people you work with really make a difference to your every working day, and I’m lucky because the majority of people working in the North Sea are hard-working, and a pleasure to work with.

What is your most memorable experience in the North Sea?

I have one particular memory when I was working in the southern sector of the North Sea inspecting the unmanned satellite rigs. My colleague and I got dropped off by helicopter, and were left alone for around six hours to inspect the structure. It was an awesome experience, being alone on such as small structure in the middle of the North sea, so far from dry land. It was a beautiful sunny day and a moment I will never forget.

What advice would you give for people considering a career in the industry?

My advice would be to do as much research on the path they are interested in following before they commit to training. The training is expensive so I would urge them to make sure they not only have the money put aside for the training but also to have money to cover them for six months afterward, until they gain employment. The oil companies just now are keen on hiring people with experience, and there are a lot more qualified workers than there used to be. This means they can pick and choose who they want just now. I would also urge them to be as prepared as possible, and to persevere until they get their foot in the door with their first job. From my experience I found it worked better not to hassle the companies but to be polite and make them aware you are available and willing to work. It always helps if you get on first name terms with the person that’s in charge of recruitment. If you persevere, and are professional and courteous on the phone eventually you’ll get a call back.

Thanks David, we wish you luck with the rest of your career in the North sea!

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Archived on: Thursday 24th September 09