What’s a drilling contractor?
These are companies that own the drilling rigs. This might be a single company that owns the rig, or a small group of companies that are pooling resources. The drilling contractor drills the well, supplying the rig, and crew. The crew includes the roughnecks, drillers, toolpushers and other staff that tend to be less skilled, and local.
Examples include Transocean, Ensco or Patterson UTI. The contractors work for the operators and follow the carefully laid out drilling plan. The rules, guidelines and regulations are also set out for the staff of the contractor to follow. They usually supply the rig and personnel at a ‘day rate’ package for the duration of the contract. A version of a contractor is a consultant, who might work individually, or for a small group. These are specialists and subject matter experts. They might be called upon to support a drilling team during a particularly challenging well operation. Examples include high pressure, high temperature (HPHT) wells, or those that involve extended or directional drilling.
During the course of your career, you might move between companies, and types of companies.The first thing to consider is what your degree, or past experience covers, and what you want to do. It’s likely that the decision about whether to join an operator, contractor or service company will be obvious as you search for a position.
There’s a tendency to see the drilling operators as more stable and offering better opportunities. The sheer size means that you can move from job site to job site and stay busy. This means more travel destinations, and job security. Operators usually have downstream business sectors that create a more robust organisation during downturns.
There are downsides to working in a large company though, it might be hard to stand out and get promoted. As in most industries, there will be more politics, bureaucracy and seemingly stifling rules and regulations. It’s unlikely that you’ll gain in much upside no matter how well business is going.
Another issue is that, (depending on your position), you’ll be expected to be on call and on standby 24/7. Because the operator is in charge, you’ll need to deal with lots of requests from the drilling contractors, service companies, and local government agencies.
For these reasons, working for a drilling contractor might suit you better, when you make a difference, you’ll get noticed. Mid-sized companies find it easier to change direction, and reward those that help them.
Contractors and consultants can be hired by companies all over the world, so if you work on this basis you’ll see more variety. There will be opportunity to learn and experience a broad view of cultures, environments, and job challenges. This won’t happen if you work for a national oil company within a territory.
Small service companies might offer opportunities that suit your skill set and preferred working environment. The family feel of a small company is in stark contrast to working for a super major. Service companies are also under less pressure and can be more relaxed. If you want regular hours, holidays, and a more friendly environment, this might be a good fit for you.