David Emery has been working in the North Sea as a Non-destructive rope access technician for a number of years. Jack Kane caught up with him to gain some insight into his career.

How long have you been working in the industry?

It’s been seven years since I started work as an NDT tech in the North Sea.

How did you get into this role/position?

I was offered a re-settlement package after I left the UK armed forces in 2001. I did some research and decided I would like to relocate to work in the North Sea. It was then I made the decision to train in Non-destructive testing and rope access.

What does your job as a N.D.T technician involve? Where are you based?

As an N.D.T technician my job involves testing the integrity of metals and welds with various types of equipment to ensure they remain structurally sound. I’m currently working in the Brent Field for a company called RBG Ltd which is sub-contracted to Shell UK. I’m part of an eight man team. Our current duties involve maintaining the inside of the columns which sit underneath the rig. We gain access to the columns by abseiling via rope. Safety is of paramount importance. The columns are a gas tight sealed area, this means we have to use full breathing apparatus as it is a hazardous area. Once inside the columns my responsibilities include checking the integrity of the structure with various types of testing methods and equipment, such as Ultrasonic testing and Magnetic particle inspection. Other members of the team repair and clean it. Our overall goal is to ensure that this particular part of the rig remains fully functional for the next ten to fifteen years.

What did the training involve, where did you train?

I trained at a company called Talon in Aberdeen, Scotland; The training which lasted for four weeks qualified me in a range of testing methods such as magnetic particle inspection, Dye-penetration, and Ultrasonic. I am now trained to Level 3 standard and am often re-assessed to maintain my qualification.

Was the training difficult?

Anything you learn which is new is always going to be difficult to start with, and certain parts of the course do require a considerable amount of study and practice. Once you get into a routine way of doing things, your confidence grows, and with time and repetition it eventually becomes second nature.

What do you enjoy most about your job?

The people. I enjoy working as part of a team and the satisfaction form a well done job. As I come from an army background I really working with people as they make such a difference to your every working day. I find the majority of people employed in the UK North Sea are a pleasure to work with.

What is your favorite memory working in the North Sea?

There is one memory which stands out in particular when I was working in the southern sector of the North Sea inspecting the unmanned satellite rigs. We were dropped of by helicopter and left alone for six hours to inspect the rig. It was life changing experience feeling so remote and isolated on such a small structure in the vastness of the ocean. It was a glorious sunny day and a time in my life I will never forget.

What advice would you give for people considering a career in the industry?

My advice would be to do as much research on the path they are interested in following before they commit to training. The training is expensive so I would urge them to make sure they not only have the money put aside for the training but also to have enough money to cover them for six months after, until they gain employment. The oil companies just now are keen on hiring people with experience, and there are a lot more qualified workers than there used to be. This means they can pick and choose who they want just now. I would also urge them to be as prepared as possible, and to persevere until they get their foot in the door with their first job. From my experience I found it worked better not to hassle the companies but to be polite and make them aware you are available and willing to work. It always helps if you get on first name terms with the person that’s in charge of recruitment. If you persevere, and are professional and courteous on the phone eventually you’ll get a call back.

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categories: oil careers,offshore,engineering,Energy,Recruitment