The Bald Rigger

You’ll agree with me that the hardest part of working offshore is those last two days at home before leaving.  My mind was already on the vessel, thinking about packed everything in my suitcase, if I had all the documents in my carry-on bag, and wondering how long the campaign would feel.  On the last day, I particularly didn’t feel like seeing anyone. I preferred to stay at home, dealing with my nerves, my anxiety, the lack of appetite, occasional vomiting, and the tears I shed in secret as I watched my daughters go off to school or daycare, knowing it would be a couple of months before I’d see them again. All of that disappeared as soon as I got into the taxi on my way to the airport. It was like a weight lifted off my shoulders. Once on the ship, there was no trace of those nerves, and though it took me a few days to adjust to the routine, the days soon started flying by.  Suddenly, that last week arrivedthe toughest of them all, with endless shifts. My mind was alread...

Happy Birthday: Usually, the topic I write about comes to me spontaneously. However, today's is special it has always been marked on the calendar. Today is the birthday of the person who gave me life on July 10, 1980, around 9 p.m. I am the youngest of three, and to keep things simple, my sister and brother looked at the calendar and chose my name because it was Saint Christopher’s Day. I was a normal child or at least, that’s how I see myself. From an early age, my mother and I had our little battles, typical between a mother and her son. She, always strong and steadfast, managed the household while my father, a fishing captain, was often away for work. Until I was 14, my school qualifications were decent. But when I started high school and met the friends I still have today, things began to get complicated. Except for gymnastics, English, and geography, my qualifications started to slip. At 15, partying on weekends became a big part of my life. It was then that arguments with my ...

And finally... Today is a special day. After spending a lot of time thinking it over, I’ve decided to embark on a small yet meaningful project. Very soon, I’ll be launching my two exclusive products:  The Bald Rigger mug and t-shirt . As a special gesture,  the first 6 units will be personalized  as a tribute to 5 amazing friends who have inspired and supported me throughout this journey:  Carlos, Garri, Naxete, Novo, Roman and Tinaka . Feel lucky, this is just for you! 😊 Both products will be available individually or as part of the  Mug + T-shirt Pack . Beyond being a personal project, I also want it to make a difference. That’s why  1€ from every sale will be donated to the Spanish Parkinson's Federation , a cause I deeply connect with and one that needs our collective support to advance research and provide aid to those affected. You’ll be able to place your order soon via: 🌐  thebaldrigger.yupopstore.com 📱 WhatsApp:  +34 667 259 493 💻 Or ...

Someone told me once: "A smile is much cheaper than electricity and gives much more light." I've always loved pictures. Since the first time I boarded a ship in Luanda (Angola), a camera or a mobile phone has been my constant company on every journey. I’ve never been overly concerned with the quality of the images, but rather with what they represent. Every photo is tied to a memory. Boat ashore, camera with me. Dolphin in the water, camera in my pocket, ready to shoot. Sunset? "Sun, wait for me while I grab the camera." Moments like these have happened countless times. Believe me, I have a collection of very silly photos. From time to time, I revisit those photos, sometimes because I feel like it, and sometimes because my mobile’s app decides to remind me. But lately, I’ve found myself not enjoying them as much, especially the ones where I’m in the frame. From a year back, my photos would show me clowning around or smiling—a true reflection of my personality. N...

Has it ever happened to you that someone asks you this question:  "Why do you complain about your job if you earn a lot of money?"  And it’s true, the pay allows for a comfortable life. The problem is the moments you miss. Those important days: a doctor’s appointment when your wife is pregnant, your children’s birthdays, your friend’s wedding, the first day at daycare, the first tooth your child loses, your mother’s routine surgery, or even the chance to say goodbye to your father the day he passed away because you were in the middle of the ocean. None of that has a price. No amount of money in the world can make up for it. But never, ever question the job of someone who works at sea, no matter the sector. Think about what that person has given up. That person misses their children and family more than anyone could imagine. That person, no matter how tough they seem, cries in secret the day they leave for the ship. That person cries in secret when they’re at sea and there’s a...

The Colossus It was September 2015. After four months of staying at home and making little effort to find a job, my friend Naxete encouraged me to try my luck with the renowned company Allseas. A few days later, they contacted me, offering a position on the  Pioneering Spirit , one of the largest ships in the world. Upon my arrival, I joined the TLS (Tandem Lifting System) team—if I recall correctly. Our primary task was to complete the assembly of the beams that would later be used to lift platforms and either place them onto or remove them from their jackets. Adjusting to the work environment wasn’t easy, as I was joining a team that had been working together for years. However, over time, I gained confidence in myself and my abilities. That year spent assembling the TLS was likely the period in which I gained the most experience and fluency in my work. It was also one of the most dangerous environments I have ever worked in. Conflicting activities, heavy machinery, and equipment...

💘The Great Family of the  Normand Cutter💘 By The Bald Rigger Years ago, my father, an old sea wolf, told me something that stuck with me:  “Cris, you’ll make very few true friends at sea, but those few will be for life.”  He couldn’t have been more right. In late 2008, my company (Saipem) assigned me to the  Normand Cutter , a multifunctional vessel engaged in all kinds of construction and s ubsea operations. Little did I know that stepping aboard would mark the beginning of one of the most memorable chapters of my life. A Crew Like No Other It all started with Carlos, Carlos Papa, Rama, and Garri, one of the best crane operators I’ve ever worked with, and an even better person. Gradually, our circle expanded to include Nacho, Roman, Tinaka, and Novo. Together, with an outstanding crew from England and Scotland, we formed not only one of the most efficient deck teams I’ve ever been a part of but also the best family I’ve ever known. Some of the unforgettable names ...

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...