Because the work on an offshore rig is never ending, the majority of workers are required to work 12-hours shifts, seven days a week, for seven to 28 days at a time. Additional overtime is required on an emergency or project basis. It is not uncommon to work upwards of 80 hours per week.

How many hours a day do you work on an oil rig?

Work Patterns Rigs are operational 24 hours a day, all year round. The standard working pattern is two weeks on, two weeks off or for some more high-level positions two weeks on, three weeks off. Shifts are usually 12 hours on, 12 hours off.