How to Become an Offshore Engineer in the UK
Offshore engineers design, install, inspect and maintain equipment on oil and gas platforms, offshore wind farms and the vessels that serve them. Depending on your discipline you could look after rotating machinery, electrical and control systems, pipelines or subsea equipment, often on a rota such as two or three weeks offshore followed by time at home.
The usual way in is an engineering degree or engineering apprenticeship, followed by onshore experience and the mandatory offshore safety and medical training. Many UK roles are based around Aberdeen, East Anglia, the Humber and the North East.
Quick facts
- Starting salary
- £45,000 - £55,000
- Mid-career salary
- £65,000 - £90,000
- Senior salary
- £110,000 - £180,000+
- Work environment
- Offshore platforms, vessels, rota
- Time to entry
- 3 - 5 Years (degree + offshore training)
- Degree required
- Preferred - engineering degree
- Category
- Maritime and Offshore
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What a Offshore Engineer does
Design and maintain offshore oil, gas and wind installations - mechanical, electrical or subsea.
How to become an offshore engineer in the UK
Most offshore engineers hold a degree in mechanical, electrical, chemical, subsea or petroleum engineering, though technicians can progress from a Level 3 engineering apprenticeship plus an HNC or HND. Before you travel offshore you need an offshore medical and basic safety training: OPITO's BOSIET with CA-EBS for oil and gas, or GWO Basic Safety Training for wind. Employers then train you on site-specific systems and permit-to-work rules. Over time you can register as an Incorporated or Chartered Engineer through a professional institution such as IMechE, the IET or the Energy Institute.
- Choose an engineering discipline that offshore operators hire for, such as mechanical, electrical, instrumentation, subsea or chemical, and study it through a degree or Level 3 apprenticeship.
- Apply for graduate schemes or apprenticeships with operators, engineering contractors and offshore wind developers, many of which recruit through Aberdeen and East Anglia offices.
- Gain one to three years of onshore engineering experience, as many companies want you to know the systems well before you work offshore.
- Pass an offshore medical and complete BOSIET with CA-EBS for oil and gas work, or GWO Basic Safety Training for offshore wind.
- Learn permit-to-work systems, isolation procedures and risk assessment thoroughly, because you will use them on every offshore shift.
- Work towards IEng or CEng registration through IMechE, the IET or the Energy Institute to move into senior and lead engineer roles.
| Route | How long | Cost | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engineering degree, then graduate scheme | 3-4 years + 1-2 years | Tuition fee loan | Design and lead engineer roles |
| Level 3 engineering apprenticeship | 3-4 years | Paid by the employer | Technician and maintenance roles |
| Switch from onshore engineering or the armed forces | 1-2 years | Offshore safety courses, often employer-paid | Experienced engineers and technicians |
| Offshore wind technician to engineer | 3-5 years | Training often employer-paid | People entering through wind |
How long it takes
Expect three to five years from starting an engineering degree to your first offshore role, including onshore experience and offshore safety training. Experienced onshore engineers can move offshore within months once they pass the medical and safety courses, and an offshore wind technician can progress into engineering roles with further study.
Offshore Engineer salary in the UK
Offshore engineers usually start on around £45,000 to £55,000, which reflects rota work and time away from home. Mid-career engineers earn £65,000 to £90,000, and senior, lead or specialist engineers can earn £110,000 to £180,000 or more. Pay depends on your discipline, whether you are staff or a day-rate contractor, how many days you spend offshore, and the oil price cycle, which affects hiring in oil and gas. Contractors usually earn more per day but have less job security.
Key skills
- Engineering fundamentals
- Offshore safety
- Problem solving
- Stamina
Offshore Engineer FAQs
How do I become an offshore engineer?
Take an engineering degree or Level 3 engineering apprenticeship, gain onshore experience, then pass an offshore medical and the required safety training, such as BOSIET with CA-EBS for oil and gas or GWO Basic Safety Training for wind. Employers usually provide site-specific training.
Do I need a degree to work as an offshore engineer?
For design and lead engineer roles, usually yes, in mechanical, electrical, chemical, subsea or a related discipline. Technician and maintenance roles offshore are open through apprenticeships, HNCs and trade experience, and some technicians progress to engineer roles later.
How much do offshore engineers earn in the UK?
Starting pay is typically £45,000 to £55,000. Mid-career offshore engineers earn £65,000 to £90,000, and senior or specialist engineers can earn £110,000 to £180,000 or more. Contract day rates and time spent offshore have a big effect.
What is an offshore rota like?
Common rotas are two weeks on and two or three weeks off, though they vary by employer. Offshore you usually work 12-hour shifts every day, live on the installation or vessel, and travel by helicopter or boat. Your time at home is fully your own.
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