Within the world of offshore drilling, you can find yourself with a surprise: the nature of 28/28 rotation jobs. Though you can deduce what that means by its name, working for 28 days non-stop on the rig so you can have 28 days free afterwards may sound good for some and bad for others. What does this type of work entail? Let’s check it out together.

What is the 28/28 Rotation?

The term “28/28 rotation” refers to a work schedule where employees work for 28 consecutive days, followed by 28 days off. This rotational work pattern is commonly used in industries such as oil and gas, mining, and offshore drilling. The goal of this schedule is to provide a balance between intensive work periods and extended rest periods, which can help maintain employee well-being and productivity.

Who Can Work in a 28/28 Rotation?

The 28/28 rotation schedule is typically used in physically demanding and remote jobs. Here are some of the common roles that adopt this schedule:

Oil and Gas Workers

The oil and gas industry heavily relies on the 28/28 rotation schedule, especially for offshore operations. Key roles include:

• Engineers: Responsible for designing and overseeing the construction of drilling sites, engineers play a crucial role in ensuring that operations run smoothly and safely.

See also: Why work as a Piping Designer? | WTS Energy

• Drillers: These professionals are tasked with operating and managing the equipment used to drill oil wells. Their work is critical for the extraction of oil and gas.
• Rig Operators: They oversee the day-to-day operations on drilling rigs, ensuring that all activities are conducted efficiently and safely.

Mining Workers

In the mining sector, the 28/28 rotation is common in remote and often harsh environments. Important roles include:

• Miners: These workers are directly involved in the extraction of minerals from the earth. Their work is physically demanding and often requires long hours in challenging conditions.
• Engineers: Mining engineers design and implement extraction plans, ensuring the efficient and safe removal of minerals.
• Technicians: These professionals maintain and repair the equipment used in mining operations, ensuring that machinery operates correctly and efficiently.

Construction Workers

For large-scale construction projects located in remote areas, the 28/28 rotation helps maintain continuous progress. Key positions include:

• Laborers: Responsible for various manual tasks, laborers are essential for the groundwork and construction phases of projects.

Supervisors: They oversee the work on construction sites, ensuring that projects are completed on time and within budget, while also maintaining safety standards.

Healthcare Professionals

Healthcare services are vital in remote job sites like offshore rigs or isolated mining camps. Roles in this sector include:

• Medical Staff: Nurses, doctors, and paramedics provide essential healthcare services to workers, handling everything from routine check-ups to emergency medical situations.
• Support Staff: These individuals assist medical professionals in various capacities, ensuring that healthcare facilities operate smoothly and efficiently.

Locations

Most 28/28 rotation-based jobs are located offshore.

This work schedule is especially popular in locations where the job sites are far from civilization, making daily commuting impractical. Common locations include:

• Offshore oil rigs: the North Sea, Gulf of Mexico, and off the coast of Brazil

• Remote mining sites: commonly located in areas like Western Australia, Northern Canada, and the Andes Mountains in South America

• Isolated construction projects: frequently found in Amazon rainforest, and desert regions of the Middle East

• Remote healthcare facilities: typically situated in the rural areas of Alaska, Northern Canada, and parts of Africa and South America

Advantages and Disadvantages of the 28/28 Rotation

Advantages

Disadvantages

Curiosities and Fun Facts about 28/28 Rotation

The 28/28 rotation schedule was first adopted in the oil and gas industry to maximize efficiency and minimize the costs of transporting workers to remote locations. Nowadays, this schedule is popular in extreme environments like the Arctic and deep-sea drilling operations.

Can you imagine being away for so long and not being able to communicate with your loved ones back home? Advances in technology, such as improved communication systems, have made it easier for workers to stay connected with loved ones during their work rotations. Numerous offshore workers benefit from onboard laundry, leisure options, movies, and a gym. Ping pong is a very common game.

Read also: How to keep connections strong with your loved ones when you work away from home | WTS Energy

Finally, while commonly used in the oil and gas industry, the 28/28 rotation is also gaining traction in other industries that require remote workforces.

Having read this, would you work a 28/28 rotation? Certainly this routine is not for everyone, but, is it worth a try? Maybe something to think about.

Above, a model of the inside of an oil rig dorm. You will normally share it with a roommate. Link.

WTS Energy and the 28/28 Rotation

At WTS Energy, we understand the unique demands of working in remote and challenging environments. We specialize in providing staffing solutions for industries that commonly use the 28/28 rotation schedule. Our expertise ensures that we match the right professionals with the right opportunities, optimizing both employee satisfaction and operational efficiency. With a global presence and a commitment to excellence, WTS Energy is your trusted partner in navigating the complexities of rotational work schedules.