Offshore Rig Drone Inspector Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the era of technological advancements, the focus on offshore rig drone inspectors has become more significant than ever.

As technology continues to evolve, the demand for skilled individuals who can effectively operate, assess, and ensure the safety of our offshore drilling operations increases.

But let’s delve deeper: What’s truly expected from an offshore rig drone inspector?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker trying to understand the scope of this role,
• A hiring manager defining the perfect candidate,
• Or just fascinated by the world of offshore rig drone inspections,

You’ve come to the right place.

Today, we present a customizable offshore rig drone inspector job description template, designed for straightforward posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s dive right in.

Offshore Rig Drone Inspector Duties and Responsibilities

Offshore Rig Drone Inspectors are professionals who use drone technology to conduct inspections and surveillance of offshore oil and gas rigs.

They use the captured data to identify potential faults and issues, contributing to the safety and efficiency of rig operations.

Their main duties and responsibilities include:

• Operating and maintaining drones used for inspection of offshore rigs
• Planning and executing drone flight paths to ensure comprehensive coverage of inspection areas
• Monitoring live feed from drones and documenting findings
• Analyzing drone-captured data to identify potential structural faults or damages
• Communicating findings and recommendations to rig management and engineering teams
• Ensuring compliance with safety and operational guidelines during drone flights
• Updating and maintaining inspection records for future reference
• Staying updated with latest drone technology and applying them to improve inspection processes
• Collaborating with other teams on the rig to facilitate maintenance and repair based on inspection findings

 

Offshore Rig Drone Inspector Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are looking for a highly skilled Offshore Rig Drone Inspector to join our team.

Your main responsibility will be to operate and oversee the maintenance of drones used for inspection on offshore oil rigs.

Offshore Rig Drone Inspectors are expected to ensure drones are in good working order, conduct inspections of the rig’s infrastructure, and detect any potential safety issues.

The ideal candidate should have a strong technical background, excellent drone operation skills, and the ability to work in challenging offshore environments.

 

Responsibilities

• Operate and maintain inspection drones for offshore oil rigs
• Conduct detailed inspections of the rig’s infrastructure
• Document and report any detected safety issues
• Perform routine checks and maintenance on drone equipment
• Ensure compliance with safety regulations and standards
• Collaborate with the technical team to address any issues found during inspections
• Train other team members on drone operation and safety protocols
• Stay up-to-date with the latest drone technology advancements

 

Qualifications

• Proven work experience as a Drone Operator, preferably in the oil and gas industry
• Familiarity with drone operation and maintenance
• Experience with safety regulations and standards in offshore environments
• Ability to work under challenging conditions and maintain composure
• Strong technical and problem-solving skills
• Excellent communication and reporting skills
• FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certification or equivalent
• BSc degree in Engineering, Computer Science or relevant field is a plus

 

Benefits

• 401(k)
• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Retirement plan
• Paid time off
• Offshore allowance and hazard pay
• Professional development opportunities

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Offshore Rig Drone Inspector
• Work Environment: Offshore oil rig. This position requires extended periods of time on offshore facilities, often under harsh weather conditions.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Offshore Operations Manager.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $70,000 minimum to $130,000 maximum
• Location: Various Offshore Locations (specify the location or indicate if remote)
• Employment Type: Full-time
• Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
• Application Instructions: Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does an Offshore Rig Drone Inspector Do?

Offshore Rig Drone Inspectors primarily work in the oil and gas industry, operating and managing drones that inspect offshore drilling rigs.

They pilot drones around offshore rigs to capture high-resolution images and video footage, which are then used to inspect the structural integrity of the rig.

This includes looking for any signs of corrosion, damage, or other potential safety hazards.

Offshore Rig Drone Inspectors are also responsible for maintaining the drones, ensuring they are functioning correctly, and are equipped with necessary hardware and software.

Their role includes collecting and analyzing the data captured by the drones, and then generating comprehensive reports to help in making informed decisions about maintenance, repair work, and safety measures.

They also collaborate with other team members, such as engineers and safety personnel, to discuss findings, suggest solutions, and implement remedial actions.

Besides, they must comply with aviation regulatory bodies’ guidelines and maintain safety protocols while operating drones.

As drones are being increasingly used for inspecting difficult-to-reach or dangerous areas, the role of an Offshore Rig Drone Inspector is becoming more and more critical for ensuring the safety and operational efficiency of offshore drilling rigs.

 

Offshore Rig Drone Inspector Qualifications and Skills

An effective Offshore Rig Drone Inspector should possess qualifications and skills that match this job description, such as:

• Technical knowledge of drones and drone operations to conduct thorough inspections of offshore rigs.
• Experience in offshore operations and understanding of safety protocols specific to the offshore industry.
• Excellent observational skills to identify potential issues, malfunctions or safety concerns during drone inspections.
• Strong problem-solving skills to interpret inspection data and propose solutions for identified issues.
• Ability to work under pressure and in challenging weather conditions, as offshore environments can be unpredictable and demanding.
• Strong communication skills to effectively report findings and suggestions to relevant parties and to collaborate with team members.
• Good physical health and fitness, as the job might involve long hours and potentially physically demanding tasks.
• Basic knowledge of mechanical and electrical systems to understand and manage potential drone malfunctions or repair needs.
• Ability to use related software for data analysis and drone operation.

 

Offshore Rig Drone Inspector Experience Requirements

Entry-level candidates for an Offshore Rig Drone Inspector role typically need 1 to 2 years of experience, often through an internship or part-time role in drone operation or inspection.

They may also gain relevant experience through positions related to offshore operations, rig maintenance or other positions in the energy sector.

Candidates should have a significant understanding of drone technology and its application in industrial inspections.

This can be achieved through academic studies in fields like mechanical engineering, robotics, or remote sensing, or through vocational training in drone operation and maintenance.

Candidates with 3 to 5 years of experience are often sought after as they have a deeper understanding of drone inspection procedures and safety regulations.

Their experience often includes the operation of various types of drones, data analysis from drone operations, and handling emergency situations.

Those with more than 5 years of experience are usually considered experts in the field.

They may have extensive knowledge of regulatory compliance, advanced technical skills, and substantial experience in managing complex drone inspections.

They are often suitable for supervisory or managerial roles, overseeing the operations of the drone inspection team.

Regardless of experience level, Offshore Rig Drone Inspectors are expected to have relevant certifications and licenses, such as a drone pilot certification, demonstrating their understanding of drone operations and safety regulations.

 

Offshore Rig Drone Inspector Education and Training Requirements

Offshore Rig Drone Inspectors typically require a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field such as engineering, marine technology, or unmanned aerial systems.

These professionals need to have a strong foundation in drone operations, maintenance, and repair.

They also need to be knowledgeable about offshore rig operations, safety standards, and inspection procedures.

A background in mechanics, electronics, or computer science can be beneficial.

Some roles may require inspectors to hold a master’s degree in a related field, or extensive work experience in offshore rig operations or drone technology.

Offshore Rig Drone Inspectors are required to have a drone pilot license or certification from an authorized aviation body.

This entails passing a knowledge test to demonstrate understanding of drone laws, safety, and operations.

Further professional certifications, such as Certified Drone Operator (CDO) or Certified Offshore Rig Inspector (CORI), may be beneficial and demonstrate the candidate’s dedication to their profession and ongoing learning.

In addition, because of the nature of the work, Offshore Rig Drone Inspectors must be prepared to work in challenging and potentially hazardous conditions, and should complete safety and emergency response training.

 

Offshore Rig Drone Inspector Salary Expectations

An Offshore Rig Drone Inspector can expect to earn an average salary of $69,470 (USD) per year.

The actual compensation can vary depending on factors such as years of experience, level of expertise, the employing company, and the geographical location of the offshore rig.

 

Offshore Rig Drone Inspector Job Description FAQs

What skills does an Offshore Rig Drone Inspector need?

Offshore Rig Drone Inspectors should have strong technical abilities to operate and maintain drones.

They must be detail-oriented to identify issues or risks in the offshore rig during inspections.

They should also have sound knowledge of safety and regulatory standards of offshore operations.

Being comfortable with heights and possessing good hand-eye coordination are also beneficial in this role.

 

Do Offshore Rig Drone Inspectors need a degree?

While a degree is not always necessary, having a background in engineering, robotics, or a related field can be beneficial.

However, what’s crucial is acquiring a drone pilot license or certification from a recognized authority, as this role involves flying drones for commercial purposes.

 

What should you look for in an Offshore Rig Drone Inspector resume?

When reviewing a resume for an Offshore Rig Drone Inspector, check for experience with drone operations, especially in an industrial or offshore environment.

Look for any licenses or certifications related to drone piloting.

Knowledge of safety protocols and regulations for offshore operations is also important.

Any additional skills such as data analysis, technical report writing, or advanced drone maintenance should be considered favorably.

 

What qualities make a good Offshore Rig Drone Inspector?

A good Offshore Rig Drone Inspector is meticulous and detail-oriented, able to spot potential issues or malfunctions during inspections.

They must be responsible and safety-conscious, adhering strictly to operational and safety guidelines.

Good physical fitness and endurance are also important as offshore environments can be demanding.

They should also be comfortable working independently and be able to make crucial decisions under pressure.

 

What is the working environment for an Offshore Rig Drone Inspector?

Offshore Rig Drone Inspectors typically work in offshore oil and gas exploration sites.

They work in varying weather conditions and may need to stay offshore for extended periods.

Their work can be physically demanding and require long hours.

However, they play a critical role in ensuring the safety and efficiency of the offshore operations.

 

Conclusion

So there you have it.

Today, we’ve delved deep into the intricacies of being an offshore rig drone inspector.

Surprising isn’t it?

It’s not just about navigating drones.

It’s about shaping the future of offshore oil operations, one drone flight at a time.

With our easy-to-use offshore rig drone inspector job description template and real-world examples, you’re well-equipped to take the next step.

But why end the exploration here?

Dive further with our job description generator. It’s your vital tool for creating precise job listings or fine-tuning your resume to perfection.

Remember:

Every drone flight is part of a larger mission.

Let’s navigate that future. Together.

How to Become an Offshore Rig Drone Inspector (Complete Guide)

The Career Cry: The Most Hated Jobs That Get Zero Cheers

Bizarrely Brilliant: Unusual Jobs That Exist

Lazy Day Dream Jobs: Easy Ways to Earn Big Without Breaking a Sweat!

Bored at Work? Not Anymore! Check Out These Fun Jobs That Pay Well