An FPSO processes and stores oil from subsea wells before offloading to a shuttle tanker, and stays moored on one field for years at a time. A drillship is a self-propelled vessel built to drill new wells in deep water, and often relies on Dynamic Positioning instead of anchors.
Size classes
Life aboard
Closer to working on a fixed installation than a trading ship — long, rotational contracts (commonly 28 days on/off) rather than months-long voyages.
Port time
Stationary for the length of the contract — an FPSO on one field for years, a drillship for the length of the drilling campaign.
Courses this trade needs
On top of standard STCW basic safety and your rank's Certificate of Competency, officers and crew on this trade need:
Other Offshore
Details last checked 27 Sep 2026. Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Floating_production_storage_and_offloading. Individual ships vary — always confirm specifics with your company.
📶 Staying connected
Being fixed in one place for weeks or months makes an eSIM especially useful — set it up once and it works for the length of your rotation.
📶 eSIM for Mariners
Stay connected wherever this trade takes you — set up your eSIM on the website before you sign on, so it's ready the moment you're in range. Use code SEA10 for 10% off your first order.
eSIM for seafarers →