Decoding Lies About Offshore Oil Rig Employment: Duration and Verification

Many engage in fabricated stories about working on offshore oil rigs, particularly on social media. These tales often include claims of video calls, social media activity, and jobs on these challenging platforms. Understanding the realities of oil rig work can help in recognizing such false narratives.

The Common Lying Techniques

Online contacts claiming to be oil rig workers frequently use several deceitful techniques:

Frequent Contact Claims: They often insist on being able to video chat or make phone calls, despite the harsh reality that such communication is extremely limited on offshore rigs. Excuses for Money: They may fabricate stories about needing money or overstates the duration they have worked on the rig, without any actual experience. Social Media Illusions: They claim to be actively present on social media sites, which is virtually impossible given the restricted internet access and intense working schedules. Unclear Employment Terms: They confidently state their career as oil rig workers, leading to immediate suspicion.

Realities of Offshore Oil Rig Work

The typical duration of an oil rig stay varies from 12 to 3 weeks, with a similar period off once the work is completed.

12-3 Weeks: Workers typically go on a 3 to 12-week cycle. This is because the job involves intense work, living conditions, and safety protocols that require a consistent rotation between the rig and shore. Living Conditions: Workers often live in tight quarters with limited privacy, which limits their ability to use personal devices or maintain a social media presence. Internet Access: The internet access on oil rigs is limited, and personal devices are either restricted or heavily monitored, making false claims about social media activity unreliable. Physical Demands: Oil rig work is physically demanding, with long shifts that negate the possibility of frequent communication. Technological Limitations: Technology on offshore locations is often outdated or restricted, which is another reason why online claims should be scrutinized.

What to Do if Someone Claims to Be an Oil Rig Worker

Recognizing these red flags and understanding the realities of the role can help in verifying claims:

Fact-Checking: Verify their claims by checking recent news, industry reports, and asking for evidence (e.g., photos, videos, certificates). Consult Industry Experts: Speak with actual oil rig workers or consult industry associations for insights into the work. Check Work Experience: Ask for detailed information about previous jobs, employment history, and work reference checks. Use of Technology: Since communication is limited, ask for specific details about their last communication or involvement on the oil rig. Contact Employers: Reach out to oil rig operators or recruitment firms to verify the individual’s claims.

Conclusion

Determining if someone is lying about working on an oil rig is crucial in today's age of digital storytelling. By understanding the typical work duration, living conditions, and technological limitations, you can better assess the authenticity of their claims. If someone seems dubious, it’s wise to conduct a thorough verification process to avoid falling into scams.