The Bald Rigger

Hi Mr Park: As this year draws to a close, I can’t help but feel a deep sense of relief. I’m ready to leave behind a heavy shackle I’ve been carrying for months, and to step into the new year with a lighter heart. But to do that, I need to let it all out the things I’ve been holding inside. The truth is, I have a new friend. I call him Mr. Park, because we’ve become somewhat familiar with one another, but his real name is Mr. Parkinson. He’s been living with me for the past three years, though I only got to know him a few months ago.  Back in January, I signed a contract with Heerema Marine Contractors. It was a dream come true for me. I had never been happier in my career, 5/5 rotation, salary paid at home, and the best working conditions I could imagine. But that happiness didn’t stay with me too long.  A few months later, Mr. Park arrived, his unmistakable British accent making his presence known. If you can imagine what it might feel like to get hit by Mike Tyson, that’s...

A Story of Struggles, Growth, and Resilience It all began in 2006, at the age of 26, when I took my first offshore job with Saipem. I remember that I had bought a hard case Emicio Tucci suitcase. Shortly afterwards I was disappointed because that type of suitcase was not allowed on the helicopter due to space and weight.     DP Reel                        I had no idea what to expect, and frankly, I had no real idea of what I was getting into. My first destination was Angola, where I boarded the DP Reel vessel to finish the Dalia project. At that point, I had zero knowledge of English and only one Spanish-speaking colleague, a seasoned worker who barely spoke any English himself. I had to learn English the hard way, using my trusty Casio translator as my guide. Far Sovereinq Soon after that, I moved to the Far Sovereign , where I encountered one of the most difficult and challenging people I've ever met in m...

Hi,  I'm the bald Rigger. For nearly 20 years, I’ve worked offshore in some of the most challenging and rewarding environments you can imagine. From pipelay vessels to offshore platforms, ROVs, and diving vessels, my career has spanned multiple roles ranging from a Rigger to Team Leader and ultimately Rigger Foreman. I’ve seen it all: the highs, the lows, and everything in between.  But, as life often does, health reasons recently prompted me to retire from offshore work. It was a bittersweet decision, as the sea and the oil and gas industry have been such an integral part of my life.  However, this blog is my way of staying connected to this world that has given me so much and sharing my journey with all of you whether you're an experienced offshore worker, someone considering a career in the industry, or just curious about what life offshore is really like. From Rigger to Foreman Looking back, my journey offshore wasn’t one I could have planned, but it’s been a ride I w...