Offshore Jobs: What Offshore Rotations Are Really Like

Candidates often apply for Offshore Jobs with the understanding that they’ve secured a well-paid job with travel benefits, global locations, and challenging environments. Part and parcel with offshore oil and gas jobs are rotations, the various shift patterns that enable offshore operations to run continuously, 24/7. If you haven’t experienced rotations before, you won’t be prepared for how they affect your pay, well-being, and long-term lifestyle.

Rotation patterns like 2/2, 4/4, and 28/28 are standard across offshore jobs and offshore oil rig jobs. Still, many candidates don’t understand how these schedules actually work, especially if they are used to a 9-to-5 work routine.

As an experienced oil and gas recruitment agency, we explore in this blog how offshore recruitment works, outline the most common rig rotation schedules, compare their pros and cons, and help candidates choose the right path for their careers.

Common Offshore Rotations and What They Mean

Put simply, rotations refer to the number of days worked relative to the number of days off. 

This could be:

• 2/2 rotation: Work 2 weeks offshore, then have 2 weeks off at home.
• 3/3 rotation: Work 3 weeks offshore, then have 3 weeks off.
• 4/4 rotation: Work 4 weeks offshore, then have 4 weeks off.
• 28/28 rotation: Work 28 days (4 weeks) offshore in a row, then have 28 days off.

Similarly, it can be written in days:

• 7/7 (1 week on, 1 week off)
• 14/14 (2 weeks on, 2 weeks off)
• 21/21 (3 weeks on, 3 weeks off)
• 35/35 (5 weeks on, 5 weeks off) 

They typically equal each other, but can differ to balance working hours over the year or comply with specific regional regulations, such as in Norway, where 2 weeks/4 weeks off is common.

Factors Influencing Rotation Schedules

Depending on the project, rotations can be different due to several factors:

Industry

The oil and gas industry is well known for demanding long rotations. Compared with offshore oil rig jobs, a specific construction or maintenance project for an offshore wind farm might have different, potentially shorter, schedules depending on the project's phase.

Location/Region

Rotation patterns for an offshore contractor can differ geographically due to local labour laws, cultural norms, and travel logistics. For example, a 2-on/2-off schedule is typical in Europe's North Sea, but other regions might use 3/3 or even 4/4 patterns.

Project Duration and Phase

Short-term projects/maintenance: Projects with a defined end date, such as a drilling project or a specific maintenance operation, may require workers to stay on-site until the job is finished, which can result in variations to standard rotas.

Long-term operations

Established production platforms typically follow fixed, long-term rotation schedules to ensure continuous, 24/7 operation.

Company Policy

Individual companies set their own schedules, which can vary even within the same industry. Some companies are moving towards shorter rotations to improve work-life balance and mental health, and to attract talent.

Role and Seniority

Supervisors or specialised experts might work different hours or be on call 24/7, whereas general operational staff work strict 12-hour shifts. 

Whatever your next project is or wherever it will be, be sure to check the rotation plans in advance as an offshore contractor.

How Rig Work Schedule Impacts Offshore Pay

Though wages have faced pressure in recent years in the oil and gas industry, offshore rotations can significantly boost pay through higher base rates (day rates) and overtime opportunities. Tax advantages can also offset the challenges of offshore oil rig jobs (time away, harsh conditions) by offering potentially lucrative salaries, free accommodation/food, and extended leave.

Key Ways Rotations Increase Pay:

• Premium for Remoteness & Conditions: Pay for offshore oil rig jobs often reflects the challenges of being away from home, harsh environments, and difficult shift patterns.
• Higher Day Rates: Instead of an annual salary, many offshore oil rig jobs earn a high daily rate, which can be substantial.
• Overtime: Long shifts (e.g., 12-hour days) often mean significant overtime, boosting overall earnings.
• Tax Benefits: Depending on location and time spent offshore, workers on offshore oil rigs, particularly offshore contractors, may qualify for tax deductions (such as the UK’s Seafarers’ Earnings Deduction) or be paid gross, reducing immediate tax liabilities.

 If you’re an offshore contractor, then you can be paid higher gross rates as companies try to attract talent, potentially using limited companies for tax planning purposes. 

Junior and mid‑level offshore personnel in oil rig jobs are more likely to have overtime paid explicitly (hourly or via guaranteed overtime). At the same time, senior officers, supervisors, and some professionals often receive higher consolidated pay that already includes compensation for anticipated overtime.

Offshore Jobs Lifestyle: Fatigue and Time at Home 

While offshore jobs are desirable, they affect the work-life balance more than most other jobs. And depending on what rotation you end up with, the work–life balance is the top reason candidates choose one rotation over another. The longer you work without days off, the more recovery time you’ll need, and that’s before extra overtime is considered. 

As well as the work-life balance, other more significant factors have to be taken into account that affect safety and the operation itself:

Safety and fatigue

Long shifts increase fatigue, slowing reactions and raising accident risk in hazardous tasks. 

The busier the campaign and the more sustained the overtime, the higher the chance of errors and incidents.

Sleep, health, and wellbeing

12‑hour shifts cut into sleep, often leaving workers with too little rest to recover properly.

Over multiple rotations, this can contribute to chronic tiredness and longer‑term health issues.

Performance and productivity

After a point, efficiency per hour drops, leading to more mistakes, rework, and absenteeism.

Mental health and lifestyle

Offshore rotation workers show higher levels of stress and psychological distress, driven by isolation, long periods away, and limited control over work patterns.

Family and social impact

Weeks away at a time can strain relationships and parenting, as partners at home shoulder more responsibility, and everyone has to readjust when the worker returns repeatedly.

At the end of the day, it’s all about the individual’s choice and what they prefer. Over time, seasoned offshore personnel become accustomed to shift patterns and can perform as usual. If you’re a novice, it can come as a shock – so be prepared!

Rotations for Early Career vs Experienced Workers

Depending on what stage you are at in your offshore career, whether you're working as a permanent employee or an offshore contractor, your rotations can be very different. As an oil and gas recruitment agency, Orion sees that early-career and experienced offshore workers usually share the same core rotation patterns (like 14/14, 21/21, or 28/28), but differ in the control and stability they have over their work.

Early-career workers generally fit into the existing rota, with more nights and fewer choices. At the same time, experienced staff can often negotiate patterns, secure more predictable shifts, or move into hybrid/office‑leaning roles over time.

Drilling & well services

Drilling crews (roughnecks, drillers, toolpushers, company men, mud logging) often follow the rig’s core hitch, such as 14/14 or 21/21, sometimes 28/28 in remote areas.

Maintenance and production technicians

Mechanical, electrical, instrument, and production technicians on fixed assets usually have the most standardised rotations, commonly 14 days on/14 off, with fixed day or night tours or swing patterns (e.g, 7 nights then 7 days).

Subsea / ROV / project disciplines

Subsea engineers, ROV pilots, and project engineers may nominally be on 4/4 or 5/5 weeks, but in practice often work trip‑based rotations driven by campaign length, weather windows, and vessel schedules.

Marine crew (vessels, FPSOs, shuttle tankers)

Marine officers and ratings usually follow maritime crewing patterns such as 4 weeks on/4 weeks off, 5/5, or sometimes 6/6, aligned with flag‑state and STCW fatigue rules.

Rotations are also dependent on other factors. They are also heavily influenced by company policy, geography (e.g., the UK Continental Shelf vs. the Gulf of Mexico vs. the Middle East), and whether you are on a fixed installation or a vessel.

How Orion Supports Offshore Rotations

As an offshore and oil and gas recruitment agency with nearly 40 years of experience, Orion is here to guide you through everything about your new role, how it works, and how you can make the best of it.

We’ve been handling offshore and oil and gas recruitment for decades and have secured 1000s of offshore roles worldwide for the largest operators. During that time, we’ve supported every individual in performing their rotations and responsibilities, helped them with mobilisation, and prepared them for all eventualities.

If you’d like to take the next step toward your next offshore role, contact our team members or discover the roles we have available.

Still Have Questions? Read Our Offshore Jobs FAQ’s

New or seasoned offshore workers should ask the following important questions before they arrive on site to understand fully what they have signed up for, and don’t wait until you’re on-site. As an oil and gas recruitment agency, Orion regularly supports candidates and offshore contractors through these discussions to ensure there are no surprises.

What rotation patterns do Offshore Jobs offer, and how flexible are they?

Offshore jobs typically operate on fixed rotation patterns such as 14/14, 21/21, 28/28, 2/2, 3/3, or 4/4. These schedules are usually set in advance, though flexibility can vary by role, project, and employer. In some cases, workers may be required to stay offshore longer due to weather delays, travel issues, crew shortages, or operational needs. Extra time offshore is normally compensated through overtime, extended day rates, or time off in lieu, depending on the contract.

If you want to read more, visit our blog here. 

What are standard offshore working hours and shift patterns?

Standard offshore working hours typically involve 12-hour shifts, with workers assigned to day, night, or a combination of both shifts during a rotation. Some roles follow fixed day or night patterns, while others operate on swing shifts where workers alternate. The frequency of day/night changes depends on the installation and company policy. Fatigue is managed through regulated rest periods, controlled shift transitions, limits on consecutive working hours, and compliance with offshore safety and fatigue-management regulations.

How do offshore crew changes, travel, and delays work?

Timings can vary depending on location, weather, and operational requirements, and delays due to weather or logistics are common in offshore work. If a worker is unable to return home as planned due to weather or travel disruptions, the extra time spent offshore or on standby is typically recorded and compensated under the contract, often through day rates or overtime.

How is offshore pay calculated on a rotational role?

Offshore pay on rotational roles is calculated in several ways, depending on the employer and contract. It may be structured as a day rate, a salary with an offshore allowance, or an inclusive rotational package. Over time, additional days offshore and work on travel days are typically calculated and approved in accordance with contract terms and company policy, with extra time often paid at an agreed rate or included in a consolidated pay structure.

For more pay information, visit our blog.

How do leave, public holidays, and sick pay work on offshore rotations?

The notice you get for your rotation schedule can vary. Some roles offer plenty of advance notice, while others may change at shorter notice due to operational needs. Likewise, some rotations are very stable, whereas others can involve last-minute changes or short-notice call-outs, especially during busy periods or unexpected events.

What are living conditions like on an offshore rotation?

Offshore living conditions can vary depending on the installation, vessel, and company. Cabin arrangements may be shared or single, and they don’t always stay the same from one rotation to the next. Facilities on board also differ between assets and operators. Many offshore locations offer gyms, laundry facilities, internet access, and recreational spaces, but availability and any limits on personal phone or internet use can vary.

What training do I need before my first offshore rotation?

For more support, visit here.

How does offshore rotation affect family and home life?

How far in advance rotation schedules and any changes are communicated, allowing planning for family life and personal commitments, depends on the employer and the project. Whether rotations are generally stable or subject to last-minute changes and short-notice call-outs varies by role, company policy, and operational requirements.