DPO jobs?

[BPB1981]

I am looking for any advice or guidance for getting on with a drilling company as a DPO or watch officer. I have an unlimited 2nd mates license (maritime grad), and have been working on ATBs for the last 8 years. Really I just don't know where to go with the search anymore, I've applied to many different companies but haven't heard a thing. I've done a good deal of searching and it seems that all the companies which are hiring require DP experience, or the unlimited DP certificate, along with a whole slew of other certs. that most people wouldn't have unless they work for MSC or for an offshore driller. Would going to a DP Induction course, BCO course, or some of the other courses pave the way or is that a waste of time and I just keep plugging away? Any feedback would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

[Jemplayer]

Getting a job on an OSV will be your best bet for getting a DPO ticket right now.

[BPB1981]

Thanks for the input. Any companies looking at this time? Just out of curiosity what kind of a day rate could I expect? Also would it be better to approach an employer with the NI DP Induction course in hand?

[tengineer]

I am looking for any advice or guidance for getting on with a drilling company as a DPO or watch officer. I have an unlimited 2nd mates license (maritime grad), and have been working on ATBs for the last 8 years. Really I just don't know where to go with the search anymore, I've applied to many different companies but haven't heard a thing. I've done a good deal of searching and it seems that all the companies which are hiring require DP experience, or the unlimited DP certificate, along with a whole slew of other certs. that most people wouldn't have unless they work for MSC or for an offshore driller. Would going to a DP Induction course, BCO course, or some of the other courses pave the way or is that a waste of time and I just keep plugging away? Any feedback would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

If you're a maritime grad., network. Contact former classmates that are in the field you want to be in. It's who you know in this business, more so now than in the past.

[salt'n steel]

Go do the induction course on your own- its not cheap but will put your resume on top of those without it. Keep checking rigzone website.

[JP]

BPB1980,
Try Noble or Transocean. I know both will send people to DPO training. I don;t know how to get hired by either but Noble is always looking. Try going through C-Mar.
On another subject. I wonder if anyone here can give advice about how it is working for the different drilling companies as a DPO or mate/DPO. I would like to find out about the day to day life onboard a drillship or other DP platform. I have been working as DPO/SDPO since 2002 and have chief mate unlimited. I am thinking about transitioning but wondering how it compares to a regular ship. I have mostly been working ROV/DSV for the last few years.
Can anyone give details on the different companies like Transocean, Diamond, Ensco, Noble, Seadrill, Maersk, Vantage, Pacific, Petrobras, etc. Any advice on living conditions, pay, travel, training, etc.
I would appreciate hearing anything anybody would like to share.
Thanks,
JP