Salam w.b.t and hi
all,
How are you guys
doing? I am doing great. Hopefully all of you are doing great as well.
Actually, before I
start writing these, I wanted to watch a movie called "Sinister". But
after 16 minutes, I think the movie is a bit scary for me to watch alone
although it is 11.00 am in the morning here. So, I decided to write an entry.
It is been awhile.
Several important things happened lately.
I was offshore for
two weeks. I was assigned to Brent Bravo platform, of course as a trainee,
which means I observed the job. No responsibilities yet. This was my first time
going offshore, ride on the chopper, and being in the middle of the ocean.
In the middle of
North Sea, with the risk anything could happen at any time.
Before I left, the
senior engineer said I will be there for seven days or less as the bed space
limitation might require me to leave the platform at a short notice. We done
the job on the fifth day, and I thought, "This is great. I am able to see
the job from start till finish before I down manned".
We done on the fifth
day. On the sixth day, I called the base, they said, "You will not be
relieved until next week". This means I had to stay another week.
"Oh my
god".
It is not that I
don’t like there, but I was worried. You know, as a female, you will have
period every month. And, it was about time and I did not prepare. I don’t think
there is women tampon sell at the Bond. (Ladies, be prepared. Bring it and extra whenever you are going to somewhere and only God knows when you will return)
Also, on the third
day, there was an unfortunate event happened in Norway. A chopper outbound for
one of the platform in the North Sea was crashed. The passengers were all oil
and gas workers, and they are all dead. Let me tell you, everyone onboard was worried
including me. This particular specification of chopper is mostly used in the
North Sea. It can cover long distance from onshore to offshore.
These are only some
factors that made feel nervous.
Even though there is
nobody wait for me in Aberdeen, but I was homesick when I am offshore. The
homesick feeling was difficult. It is like the feeling of wanting to go back to
my comfort zone. I am sure it is normal to experience this, I saw many personnel
on the platform sometimes sit and stare blankly at the wall.
Being away is tough.
You have to learn to control this feeling, in the meantime keep your head
straight.
 |
| The view from Computer Room in Brent Bravo |
Anyway, long story
short, I stayed there 15 days. Everything went well. I also got the chance to
see they pulled out the completion using our tool on the day 13. So, it was
great.
Everything was
massive. It was really huge and old platform. Everyone on the platform was
really, really, really helpful and nice. From OIM, DSV, DE, drilling crews, and
everybody onboard.
They shared their
knowledge and experience to me. They are really good at what they are doing.
"Good" is so understatement, I would say excellent. They are very
excellent at what they are doing. Even though in some occasions, the language
become a little bit to understand. They come from all over the UK, so
difference accents. My ears are not used to listen to various accents, so it
took a bit of effort to understand them.
When I was there, it
was like what I read on textbook come to life. It is surreal to able to see,
experience, and become part of it.
The first job was to
section mill 85 feet of window, but the client decided to extend the window to
180 feet due to certain circumstances. We were continuously milling for nearly
3 days, and I was hoping our tool will not fuck up. We were really pushing the
limit. When we were arrived at 150 feet, the client said that’s fine. 150 feet
is fine.
I did not know, but
when I back onshore, the senior engineer said, this is the world record. 150
feet. So, you should be proud to be there and see it. Around 6 persons only can
come onboard to operate this tool and involve with the operation.
Well, I know you
don’t really understand on this bit as it is a bit technical. In short, I am
glad to be there even though as an observer.
There are a lot more
to learn, and I have to remain focus on developing my knowledge and skills. It
is tough with the current business environment for the Oil and Gas industry.
Also, I am looking
forwards to the next trip, which I don’t know when. But, I look forward to it.
I think that’s all
from me for now. I will see you in the next entry.
Salam w.b.t and take
care guys.
P/S - Bond, is the
shop name on the platform. Most platforms have the Bond.
