What Is an Offshore Rigger and How to Become One

By ZipRecruiter Marketplace Research Team

The job duties of an offshore rigger are to monitor, inspect, move, or operate heavy equipment and machinery on an oil rig. One offshore rigger may set up and monitor drill activities and move heavy equipment related to drilling and extraction. Another may inspect and maintain equipment to ensure safe operations. A marine rigger, who also works at sea, handles the rigging responsibilities on a ship. Other positions for an offshore rigger focus on laying cable on the ocean floor or performing maintenance on an existing oil rig.

The qualifications that you need to start a career as an offshore rigger vary, but the Basic Offshore Safety Instruction and Emergency Training (BOSIET) certification is usually required. Employees may need to pass a medical exam to certify that they are fit to work at sea. Common duties of an offshore rigger are to monitor, inspect, move, or operate heavy equipment and machinery on an oil rig. Many people in this role start by developing their skills and experience in an entry-level roustabout or roughneck position.