A large majority of the offshore oil workers have to spend considerable amount of time, often more than a couple of weeks at their place of work, which is usually a mobile drilling rig or a production platform. Offshore recruitment thus calls for the employer to provide accommodation facilities, food, transportation and other recreational facilities. This is also referred to as ‘long distance commute’ appointment. It was formulated to cater to the requirements of the offshore industry. It was not possible for the local workforce to commute to work on a regular basis.

Like all other systems of work, this particular system of employment also has its share of advantages and disadvantages.  It projects its share of challenges for people with health and safety concerns, are bothered by employment related problems or training issues. It also comes across as a possible barrier to the personal lives and family life of the individuals employed in offshore engagements.

The health and safety of the offshore workforce has always emerged as a point of concern. People in project controls jobs are often required to carry on with their duties in a hazardous environment, work in extended shifts on a rotation basis, carry on with hazardous commuting options and adapt to the remote nature of the operations.

The appointment of senior people and women in offshore jobs also raises multiple concerns. These are often related to the social environment at the workplace, the management approaches, accommodation problems and human resource policies.

Moreover, married individuals find it difficult to work at offshore locations. This tends to jeopardise their family life. These job profiles end up been extremely demanding for the incumbent and thus the increasing number of cases of marital discord come across as no surprise.  Offshore work opportunities thus present multiple problems for familial relationships.