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Discover the requirements, salaries and first steps to working on board in the oil, gas and energy sectors in 2025.
Starting a career on board may seem challenging, but with planning and qualifications, it is possible to land a job in this sector that continues to grow. In 2025, job openings on board will continue to be strong, especially in the oil, natural gas and energy sectors. This guide brings together the main requirements for working on board, average salaries and the first steps for those who want to enter this market.
Which sectors offer onboarding vacancies?
Most opportunities are concentrated in oil platforms, offshore support vessels and offshore units focused on gas exploration and production. Companies such as Petrobras, Modec, Ocyan, SBM Offshore and Subsea 7 are some of those that maintain ongoing selection processes for various offshore jobs.
Offshore jobs are known for offering above-average salaries, but they require technical preparation, mandatory courses and good physical condition.
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Main requirements for working on board
Anyone who wants to work on board in 2025 must meet a series of requirements, which vary depending on the role. In general, the basic requirements include:
- Minimum age: 18 years
- Education: elementary to higher education (depending on the position)
- Mandatory courses: salvage course (CBSP) and HUET
- Medical APT: health check for offshore activities
- Previous experience: may be required for technical and operational positions
- Availability for shifts: boarding regime varies from 14×14 to 21×21 days
Additionally, it is common for professionals to undergo safety and first aid training before being released for their first boarding.
Lifesaving course: mandatory for anyone wanting to embark
One of the first steps for those who want to enter this sector is to invest in the life-saving course (CBSP). Required by the Brazilian Navy, it teaches notions of survival at sea, firefighting and evacuation in emergency situations.
- Duration: 5 business days
- Average price in 2025: between R $ 1.200 and R $ 2.000
- Shelf life: 5 years
- Where to do it: institutions accredited by the Navy, such as CIAGA, LabOceano, among others.
The HUET (Helicopter Underwater Escape Training) course, mandatory for professionals traveling by helicopter, is also frequently required.
How much do people who work on board earn?
According to Glassdoor data updated in April 2025, salaries for onboarding professionals vary greatly depending on position and experience. Below is a table with average estimates:
| Role | Average salary (monthly) | Required level of education | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Offshore General Helper | R$3.200 | Elementary School | Ideal for beginners |
| Offshore mechanics technician | R$7.800 | Full technician | Technical course + practical experience |
| Offshore Production Operator | R$9.000 | Full technician | Highly sought after on oil platforms |
| Industrial painter on board | R$4.500 | High school + qualification | Frequent vacancies with required NR35 course |
| Production engineer | R$15.000 | complete higher education | Competitive vacancies, require solid experience |
| Onboard cook | R$5.000 | High school + technical course | Intense shifts, but high turnover |
These values may vary depending on the size of the company, location of the boarding unit and the shift system.
How to get the first opportunity?
For those who are starting from scratch, the most common path is to look for vacancies for general helper, service assistant, or industrial painter, roles that require less experience. Some important strategies:
- Take the required courses in advance (CBSP, HUET, NR33, NR35)
- Register your CV on websites such as Gupy, Vagas.com, Abase, Gente e Gestão
- Keep an eye on the social networks of the hiring companies (LinkedIn, Instagram)
- Participate in groups specializing in offshore employment
- Seek support from maritime recruitment agencies
Many companies value candidates who demonstrate prior knowledge of safety regulations and onboard behavior.
FAQ – Frequently asked questions from those who want to work on board
Do you need experience to work on board?
Not always. Some operational positions accept beginners, as long as they have completed the required courses and are in good physical condition.
Is it possible to work on board with elementary education?
Yes. There are vacancies such as helper, kitchen assistant and cleaning assistant that only require basic education.
Is it safe to work on board?
The sector follows strict health and safety standards. Constant training is part of the routine.
Can women work on board ships?
Yes, more and more companies have increased the female presence on platforms and ships.
Is it worth working on board?
It depends on the profile. For those looking for high salaries, stability and who don't mind long periods away from home, it can be a great option.
Languages required to work on board
Although many operational roles only accept Portuguese, knowledge of English has become increasingly valued — especially on international vessels or platforms operated by multinational companies.
When is English required?
- On foreign ships or vessels operated under international flags
- In companies based outside Brazil, such as SBM Offshore, TechnipFMC or Subsea 7
- For technical leadership, engineering and logistics positions
- For radio communication with aircraft or other units overseas
Most requested languages
- Technical and operational English (reading manuals, commands and reports)
- Spanish, in some contracts involving partnerships with Latin American countries
Tip: Platforms such as Duolingo, BBC Learning English or specific technical English courses for offshore workers can speed up your preparation.
Companies hiring the most for onboard work in 2025
Several companies continue to have open selection processes for offshore professionals, both for operational and technical positions. It is essential to know these companies and follow their official channels. Learn about the companies with the highest volume of hires in the offshore sector:
- Petrobras – Main Brazilian state-owned company, focused on pre-salt
- modec – Works with FPSOs (platform ships) and hires various functions
- SBM Offshore – Dutch multinational based in Brazil
- Ocyan – Strong performance in the Campos Basin and pre-salt
- Subsea 7 – Hire professional technicians, engineers and divers
- Seadrill – Specialized in drilling and subsea engineering
- GranEnergia – Management of offshore units with a focus on logistics
Where to follow the vacancies:
- Recruitment sites like Guppy, Vagas.com and Abase
- Official LinkedIn of companies
- Specific platforms such as “People and HR Management Offshore” and “TAM Offshore”
Advantages and disadvantages of working on board
The offshore routine has its ups and downs, and it is important to be aware of all aspects before applying for an onboard position.
✅ Advantages
- Salaries above the national average
- Food, accommodation and transport included
- Shifts that allow long breaks (e.g. 14 days on board x 14 days at home)
- Opportunity for rapid career growth
- Experience valued in the national and international market
❌ Disadvantages
- Distance from family for long periods
- Work in confined and isolated environments
- Exposure to adverse weather conditions
- Need to undergo frequent medical examinations
- High physical and psychological demand
Being aware of these points helps you make a safer decision about whether or not to continue on this journey.
Highest-paying shipping positions in 2025
Salaries on offshore platforms vary widely, but some roles stand out for offering very attractive compensation — especially those involving technical responsibility, leadership, or international specialization. Highest-paying offshore positions (based on Glassdoor, April 2025):
- Offshore Installation Engineer – R$ 18.000 to R$ 22.000
- Production supervisor – R$ 15.000 to R$ 19.000
- Reservoir Geologist – R$ 14.000 to R$ 17.000
- Instrumentation and Automation Technician – R$ 10.000 to R$ 13.000
- Panel Operator – R$ 11.000 to R$ 14.000
- Offshore Occupational Physician – R$ 12.000 to R$ 16.000
- Safety Coordinator (SMS) – R$ 13.000 to R$ 15.000
These positions generally require higher education, fluent English, previous onboard experience and additional certifications such as NR10, NR13 and NR33.
Working on board vs. working on land: understand the differences
One of the most common questions people have about a career in the oil and energy sector is the differences between working onboard and working onshore. Although both models are part of the same industry, they offer very different professional experiences — in terms of routine, pay, requirements and lifestyle.
The main difference is in the work environment. While onshore professionals work in offices, refineries, operational centers or logistics terminals, offshore workers work on offshore platforms, ships or floating units (such as FPSOs). This means an isolated routine, on the high seas, traveling by helicopter or boat, and staying on site for weeks.
Another point is the work shift system. In work on board, the most common system is 14×14 or 21×21 — that is, the professional spends 14 or 21 days on board and then has the same period off. In land-based work, the work schedule generally follows the traditional system: 8 hours a day, 5 days a week, with weekends off.
Other differences in the sector: Salary, benefits and routine
In terms of salary, jobs on board tend to offer higher pay, precisely because of the harsh conditions and extra requirements (such as mandatory courses, rigorous medical exams and isolation). In addition, most companies provide food, housing, laundry and even internet access for those on board, which significantly reduces personal expenses.
On the other hand, working on land is more suitable for those seeking a stable routine, proximity to family and less physical strain. There is also less risk of accidents, as the environment is more controlled.
Summing it Up
| Appearance | boarded | Onshore |
|---|---|---|
| Environment | Platform at sea | Office or ground plan |
| Work scale | 14×14, 21×21 or similar | Monday to Friday, 8h/day |
| Salary | Higher | Stable but smaller |
| Comfort and personal routine | Limited Time | Greater freedom |
| Contact with family | Limited Time | daily |
The choice between working onshore or offshore depends largely on your professional and personal profile. Those who enjoy challenges, want to accelerate their earnings and are willing to spend time away from home may adapt well to an offshore routine. Those who prioritize stability and an active personal life may prefer onshore options — which also offer good opportunities, especially in administrative, engineering and maintenance areas.
Source: The gazette e Glassdoor
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