How to Start a Career in Offshore Energy: A Guide for Those Looking to Get Offshore

The offshore energy industry offers exciting opportunities for people looking for a challenging and rewarding career. From offshore wind and oil & gas to marine, subsea, and support operations, there are many different pathways into the sector.

However, for those looking to secure their first offshore role, knowing where to start can sometimes feel challenging.

At Select Offshore, we regularly speak with professionals who are interested in beginning their offshore careers. While experience is highly valued by employers, there are several steps individuals can take to improve their chances of securing their first opportunity.

Understand the Industry and Available Roles

The offshore energy sector includes a wide range of roles, from technical and engineering positions to marine, operations, and support roles.

Before starting your journey offshore, it is important to understand the different areas of the industry and identify where your existing skills may be relevant.

Transferable experience from industries such as:

• Construction
• Manufacturing
• Engineering
• Maritime
• Energy
• Defence
• Industrial maintenance

can provide a valuable foundation for an offshore career.

Gain the Right Qualifications and Certifications

Offshore roles often require specific training and certification requirements depending on the project, location, and role.

Common certifications may include:

• BOSIET / FOET
• Offshore medical certificates
• GWO training for offshore wind roles
• Trade qualifications
• Technical certifications relevant to your discipline

Understanding the requirements for your target role can help you invest in the right training and avoid unnecessary costs.

Build Relevant Experience

One of the biggest challenges for new offshore professionals is gaining that first opportunity.

Experience from related industries can help demonstrate practical skills, safety awareness, and the ability to work in demanding environments.

For many offshore professionals, careers develop through a combination of:

• Technical experience
• Strong safety culture
• Continuous learning
• Flexibility around opportunities
• Willingness to build experience over time

Every offshore professional starts somewhere, and building a strong foundation is an important first step.

Keep Your Documents and CV Updated

Offshore recruitment often moves quickly, particularly when projects require urgent mobilisation.

Keeping your CV, certifications, medicals, and supporting documents organised can help you respond quickly when suitable opportunities become available.

A strong offshore CV should clearly highlight:

• Relevant technical experience
• Certifications and training
• Previous project environments
• Equipment or systems experience
• Availability and flexibility

Be Open to Different Opportunities

Many offshore careers develop over time rather than through one single role.

Being open to different sectors, locations, project types, and entry points can help build valuable experience.

As offshore energy continues to evolve, transferable skills are becoming increasingly important across oil & gas, offshore wind, marine, and subsea projects.

Work With Specialist Offshore Recruiters

Specialist offshore recruiters understand the requirements of the industry and can help connect professionals with suitable opportunities.

At Select Offshore, our specialist teams focus on specific areas of the offshore industry, giving them a deeper understanding of the roles, skills, qualifications, and project requirements within their markets. Our teams cover areas including marine, deck and lifting, officers, dredging, engineering, cables, catering, subsea, survey, and ROV.

They can provide insight into:

• Current market demand
• Required qualifications and certifications
• Suitable roles based on experience
• Project and mobilisation requirements
• Skills and experience sought by employers

Building a relationship with a specialist recruiter can help professionals better understand where their experience may fit within the offshore market and prepare for future opportunities.

Looking Ahead

Starting a career in offshore energy requires preparation, commitment, and a willingness to continue learning.

While offshore experience remains highly valued, every experienced professional began with their first opportunity.

By developing relevant skills, gaining recognised qualifications, and understanding the industry requirements, individuals can build a strong foundation for a successful offshore career.

At Select Offshore, we support offshore professionals at every stage of their careers, connecting skilled personnel with opportunities across oil & gas, offshore wind, marine, and subsea projects. If you’re looking to take the next step in your offshore career, get in touch with our team to discuss current and upcoming opportunities.