A roustabout is an essential role in the oil and gas industry, and one that is often misunderstood. A roustabout is a person who is responsible for operating, maintaining, and repairing equipment on an oil or gas drilling site. This important job has a wide range of duties and responsibilities, and roustabouts are often considered to be the backbone of a drilling operation. The roustabout is involved in nearly every step of the process, from the initial setup to the dismantling of the drilling rig. Not only do roustabouts must have knowledge of the equipment and processes associated with drilling, but they must also have the skills to repair and maintain the equipment. In addition, they must be able to work in hazardous environments and abide by safety regulations. Roustabouts are an integral part of the oil and gas industry and are essential to the success of any drilling operation. In this blog post, we will explore what a roustabout is, what they do, and why they
What does a roustabout do?
Roustabouts can have several tasks that can change daily. The most common responsibilities of this job include:
Clean the drill site and vessel
Most roustabouts fulfill an important duty of cleaning the worksite. They typically move heavy debris, clean up spills, prepare work sites for painting, and handle spills. For operations to run smoothly, work areas must be kept clear of any hazards or obstacles.
Inspect and repair equipment
For a variety of reasons, drilling equipment and tools typically require routine maintenance. For instance, a drilling rig may experience corrosion due to weather conditions. A roustabout can maintain and fix the machinery to keep it working. As a precaution, they may also check it while performing extraction activities.
Transport and store materials
Machines may be used by both onshore and offshore roustabouts to transport and store materials from deliveries. Pipes, pallets, and other equipment can be delivered to a drilling site, and roustabouts are typically in charge of storing them properly. Roustabouts could also maintain inventory.
Operate heavy equipment
It might occasionally be necessary for a roustabout to operate heavy equipment, like a forklift or a load-lifter. For instance, some deliveries may come on heavy pallets. Roustabouts could also aid operators of heavy machinery by directing them and securing lifting slings to the cargo.
What is a roustabout?
An oil and gas drilling field’s primary manual laborer is known as a “roustabout.” To ensure the safety and proper operation of the equipment and tools on the jobsite, they carry out a variety of tasks, including inspecting machinery, cleaning work areas, and making repairs. The job frequently entails working offshore, offers a distinctive work environment, and offers on-the-job training for career advancement.
Roustabout education and training
Being an entry-level position, roustabouts are not required to have any formal education or training. A high school diploma or GED, however, can improve your job prospects. Additionally, you can finish courses on oil and gas drilling to give yourself a competitive edge. Most employers offer on-the-job training, where you study under qualified experts.
Skills for roustabouts
To help you become a successful roustabout, you can develop the following typical skills:
Physical strength and stamina
Many of the tasks that roustabouts perform call for some level of physical strength and endurance. Moving large debris, loading and unloading cargo, and stacking and storing deliveries are some examples of these jobs. Training is a great way to increase your physical endurance. Try to fit in regular exercise into your daily schedule, and you might notice improvements in your stamina over time.
Resilience
To be successful in their roles on drilling rigs, many offshore roustabouts may need to have some mental toughness. Consider asking your coworkers or supervisor for support if you’re having trouble handling the stress of working in a remote location. Having a strong support system can enhance your mental health and forge closer relationships with your coworkers.
Attention to detail
Roostabouts are typically diligent in carrying out their daily tasks because they are in charge of a variety of tasks, areas, and equipment. You may occasionally be in charge of overseeing a drilling operation to ensure everyone’s safety if inspections call for close observation. For instance, you might need to walk the flow lines and look for leaks visually. Attentiveness can be fundamental to a successful drilling operation.
Mechanical aptitude
Since roustabouts frequently maintain tools and equipment, many of them are very skilled mechanics. They can be knowledgeable in a variety of fields to inspect, maintain, and repair these items because they are in charge of a variety of machines, tools, and materials. Roustabouts typically develop their mechanical aptitude through on-the-job training, and some may pursue further education through vocational programs.
Communication
A roustabout’s workplace may involve direct interaction with a variety of personnel. A collaborative work environment, activity coordination, and drill site safety can all be enhanced by having strong verbal skills. Investigate various communication techniques to help you hone your verbal skills and advance in your career.
Time management
It can be advantageous to have time-management skills because roustabouts may have a variety of tasks that change every day. This includes being able to prioritize specific tasks throughout your shift and determining which tasks are essential to the operation’s success. Try setting goals for yourself during your shift. This can assist you in comprehending the steps you must take to reach your end objective.
Collaboration
Teamwork can be a major part of being a roustabout. During your employment, you may collaborate with roustabouts and drilling personnel. Working together with those around you can increase workplace productivity and help to ensure everyone’s safety.
Safety prioritization
Ability to put safety first is among the most crucial traits for roustabouts. Wearing the appropriate safety gear and being diligent about following safety procedures can help you protect your team and yourself. Review the specific safety procedures at your workplace if you have the time. This can assist you in becoming more prepared for the role of roustabout and demonstrate to others your commitment to their welfare.
What is a Oilfield Roustabout
FAQ
What are the duties of a roustabout?
Using hand tools and power tools, assembles or repairs natural gas or oil field equipment. Pipe is loaded and unloaded from a truck using either hand labor or equipment. Ensures that roughnecks and other oil rig workers have the tools and supplies they require.
What does roustabout mean?
Definition of roustabout 1a : deckhand. b : longshoreman. an untrained or semi-trained worker, particularly one who works in an oil field or refinery 3: a member of the circus who sets up and takes down tents, maintains the grounds, and deals with the animals and equipment
Is roustabout a good job?
Being a roustabout may be a good career path to choose if you have mechanical aptitude and both physical and mental endurance. In the gas and oil industry, becoming a roustabout can be a great way to advance your career.
What is a roustabout in oil field?
1. n. [Drilling] Any unskilled manual laborer on the rigsite. A roustabout may be a member of the drilling contractor’s workforce or may be stationed there for a limited time to perform special operations.
