The Basic Pathway

Your starting guide to breaking into the offshore industry

Offshore work covers oil and gas platforms, drilling rigs, support and supply vessels, and the fast-growing offshore wind sector. It offers strong pay, structured time off, and a career that looks nothing like a standard nine-to-five.

This guide walks you through exactly how to get started — what qualifications are actually needed, which jobs are open to complete beginners, and which companies can help you land your first offshore role.

What's inside

• How to get started — the sectors, the basics employers look for, and how to position yourself before you apply
• Qualifications by job type — a clear breakdown of what operators expect for common offshore roles, from roustabout to offshore wind technician
• Jobs with no qualifications required — real entry-level roles open to people with zero offshore background, including where trades, ex-forces, hospitality and labouring experience transfer well
• Core safety certifications — an overview of BOSIET, GWO Basic Safety Training, offshore medicals, and first aid requirements
• Recruitment and onboarding — how offshore hiring actually works and which specialist agencies to register with

Who this is for

Anyone starting from scratch who wants honest, practical guidance on getting offshore — no fluff, no vague advice, just a clear pathway from where you are now to your first role.

Ready to go further? The Advanced Pathway guide covers safety certifications in full detail.