I began working offshore three years ago. Before my first hitch, I was pretty clueless as to what working offshore entailed. I was prepared to hop onto my first helicopter flight outfitted with my crisp, blindingly bright orange coveralls and shiny, green hardhat. Luckily, I mentioned my new wardrobe enthusiasm to a college buddy, who informed me that if I sported my new gear on the chopper, I’d most certainly look like a ‘dorky carrot‘ in a sea of normal street clothes. He instructed me to wear something comfortable and to make sure I donned long pants and closed toed shoes. I was then, and am still, grateful for that sound advice!
Since then I have flown to work on plenty of *hotshot choppers and feel rather confident that I have, not only a correct flight wardrobe, but also my packing checklist, down pat. I did go through some trial and error to get to this point so when my boss asked me to throw together a packing guide for some of our company’s new hires, I figured an offshore packing guideline might be a handy resource to have on the internet for preparing for an offshore job.
(*Hotshot: Hotshot drivers are freelance drivers for the land-based freight and oil and gas industry. These drivers transport goods for any company or carrier without signing an obligation agreement – CAD/US. In the US, the helicopters assigned to personnel transfer to the rigs are also incorporated under this term.)
Small disclaimer: I work in the Gulf of Mexico. Therefore, this offshore packing list is geared towards that working environment. However, a lot of the basics should be applicable across the globe. This guide is also a working list so, feel free to add comments below if you see something missing or have any questions. Have a safe hitch!
Baggage Weight
As a general rule of thumb, it is best to check with the local heliport as to the restrictions on items and baggage weight for their helicopters. Baggage weight allowances range from 25-35 lbs. per bag. It is typical that you are able to bring on two bags – one being your PPE/personal clothing/toiletries bag, and the other being your backpack that contains your electronics and laptops.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
- Hard hat with removable hearing protection
- Steel-toed boots
- Coveralls (2 sets)
- Safety glasses
- Impact gloves
Toiletries
- Toothpaste/Tooth brush
- Floss
- Mouthwash (Must be sealed.)
- Hair brush
- Face Wash
- Shampoo/Conditioner
- Soap
- Deodorant
- Razor
- Lotion/Moisturizer
- Contact Solution
- Nail Clipper/Nail File
- Shower Shoes
- Hair Ties/Rubber bands
- Feminine Hygiene products
- Prescription medicine (Ensure you have enough filled for a 4-week hitch.)*
*If you have a monthly prescription and explain your work situation to your doctor, most doctors can change your prescription, to up to 3 refills at once, which should cover a full hitch’s worth of medicine. This is typically covered by insurance so that you don’t get charged for having to fill the prescription early/prior to your hitch.
Notes:
Most Rig Medics will have basic medicine easily available but sometimes it’s nice to have your own basics like Advil, Melatonin, and cough drops on hand.
It’s always a good idea to check with the heliport on which medicines you are able to take. For example, on the east coast of Canada, it is prohibited to bring Advil and Aleve offshore. Also, all medications need proof of the original prescription and must be in the original prescription bottle – no mixing pills!
Clothes
- 4 T-shirts/Work Out Tops
- 4 Sports bras
- 4 Pairs of athletic pants/shorts (yoga pants)
- 4 Pairs of long cotton socks for your steel-toed boots
- 4 Pairs short socks for tennis shoes
- 5 Pairs of underwear/boxers
- 1 Light jacket/hoodie
Notes:
It is hot, out there in the Gulf of Mexico. I recommend light-weight, loose clothing and/or athletic clothing to wear under your coveralls. Every rig I have ever been on has had a lightning-fast, complementary, 24/7 laundry service. If you drop your clothes off before bed you should have them back when you wake up.
Some rig galleys (lunch rooms) allow you to wear your coveralls in them as long as they are not super dirty or muddy. However, a few rigs do not and typically ban tank tops and shorts in the galley. I recommend that if you are going to a new rig either check beforehand and/or make sure you pack a pair of longer pants and a t-shirt or light jacket, just in case you need to change into them in the locker room before going to eat.
Shorts and tank tops are typically acceptable in the gyms. I would also pack a light jacket because the heliports and the even the accommodations can get chilly, as the A/C in accommodations and units on deck, is top-notch! Most rigs allow you to wear crocs in the accommodations. Crocs are wildly popular offshore- get excited, you will see all different kinds: Camouflage, football teams, bright orange, classic black, etc. If you can’t stomach wearing crocs, or your rig doesn’t allow them, then just wear your tennis shoes.
When you fly to/from the rig you will need to wear long pants and tennis shoes/boots. Almost everyone wears jeans, tennis shoes/boots, and a T-shirt. Again, I also recommend a light jacket or hoodie. You can wear jewelry/wedding rings on the flights in the U.S. but they are banned on most rigs so you may want to opt to leave them safely at home for your hitch. In Canada, all jewelry is banned from being worn both, at the heliports and offshore.
Electronics/Work Items
- Company Laptop and Charger
- Cell Phone and charger
- Converter – most rigs were built in geographical locations that need converters for the outlets to be able to use them with North American electronics.
- Headphones
- USB storage stick
- Backpack
Notes:
As with most questions, check with your local heliport to inform yourself on the restrictions they may have in place for your electronics. Some helicopter contractors will not allow any cell phones, e-cigarettes or any other personal electronic device on board the chopper. Alternately, some of these electronic devices are not allowed in the cargo hold of the aircraft and must be kept on your person.
Lighters and matches are never allowed offshore!
Miscellaneous/ Optional Items
- Sunglasses
- Snacks/candy (Sharing, sparingly, is a good way to make fast friends!)
- Books/magazines
- Protein Powders
- Playing Cards
- Vitamins
- Power Adapter
- Guitar
- iPod/iPad/Kindle
- External Hard-drive
- Water bottle/coffee cup
Notes:
I recommend purchasing an external hard drive – 1 or 2 terabytes. Most of your co-workers will have ones with TV shows and movies, which you can watch during your down time. The internet isn’t strong enough for streaming, so having an external hard drive is nice. The rigs also have tons of food but some people like to bring candy or sunflower seeds as a snack. Also, check to make sure your rig has outlets that will work with your chargers- you may need an adapter or converter. Most rigs have packs of recyclable bottles of water, but some use jugs of water. Meaning, it might be nice to have a personal water bottle or coffee cup to fill up and cut down on waste.
I forgot something!
Depending on the rig, some installations will have ‘stores’. Not only for extra PPE and industrial items that you may need in the field to fix equipment (billed back to your employer), but also a store that you may be able to purchase extra shampoo, conditioner, cigarettes, candy bars, etc. Cash is always essential to bring! If not for these instances, but there is always a raffle, draw, poker/bingo game or someone in need of borrowing a couple bucks. These events will help to better acclimate you into offshore life and may help to expedite your face’s familiarity and friendliness towards the rest of your new crew.
Please feel free to leave your comments and additions to this working list. Are there any differences in the locales that you are working in? Drop us a line and help us make this the ultimate, master list!
Thank you so much for the info, I will be going offshore just for 2 weeks but this makes a world of difference!
Thanks for stopping by Emily! Please reach out if you have any questions. Best of luck during your time offshore!
Thank you so much. I’m off for my first trip next week, I’ll be sure to utilise this list. Appreciate it.
Thanks, Vicki! We are glad the list can help. Best of luck out there! Please reach out if you have any questions!
Perfect list!
I also recommend loading up your phone with fitness apps that can be used offline to give yourself some motivation and guidence. After a 12hr shift it can be hard to stick to going to the gym.
My helo trip is a lengthy 2 hours long, plus a 3 hour commercial flight so a good big book is a must. Its not counted towards the helo luggage and passes the time if you are not a sleepy flyer.
Thanks, Noni! Excellent advice! Very much appreciated!
Why wouldn’t a book count towards the helo luggage? I’m flying out to a rig next month and am told I can bring 44lbs. I don’t see how that’s possible since my backpack alone weighs 28lbs. Plus I’ll have my CPAP machine. Do they not count carry-ons?
You will most likely be able to carry on a book, but all luggage will need to be stored away and carry on luggage is normally never allowed.
Thanks! It’s great to see this kind of post.
I pack in small nylon dry bags and bring a thin duffle for dirty laundry. The dry bags can be clipped to a bunk with underwear, sox, and toiletries to keep things dry and sorted. They are light and don;t take up any room. The small duffle can be checked for the flight home if your point of deployment has stuff you want to buy on your way out.
The dry bags and thin duffel bag are excellent ideas! Brilliant!
Fantastic list. I’d like to suggest bringing a yeast infection treatment kit. I got one during my time offshore, and the medic did NOT have it, and it took days for the treatment to come in on the supply boat. I was so uncomfortable due to the symptoms, and the symptoms got worse every day. It was also very embarrassing for the medic and me to talk about. 🙁
Yes, such a good point. We are sorry to hear you went through that uncomfortable situation. Thank you for sharing so other women know to bring the kit with them.
You’re welcome. There are certain things we tend to take for granted, when we have stores and pharmacies everywhere! But we need to remember that in a remote location with mostly men, they won’t plan for these types of issues, since it’s not such a common ailment for them. So think hard about anything that you are susceptible to, and plan ahead!
Never feel embarrassed to talk to a medic about it. We have received the training, and it is not uncommon to get a yeast infection offshore.
Can you elaborate on the convert you use a little more? What size of duffel bag is appropriate for above list? Just trying to be prepared.
Good question I wondered this too!
Thanks for your list. I’m always curious as to what other people pack. One thing I always make sure to do is update my downloaded songs (workout playlist) and download any books I may want to read BEFORE I get to the rig because we all know the internet offshore can be… lacking… at best sometimes!
I usually over pack on lady products and leave a spare box out in the open in the women’s change room; just in case I (or any other females) forget to pack them.
Thanks you Ladies for sharing your list and all the extra comments too. I’m going offshore in the Caspian for the first time next month and shall be using your suggestions to pack. ????
I seem to remember when I did my safety training that hoodies can’t be worn on the helicopter. Just wondered if others have experienced that?
They gave us a list before we did our first work term when i was cadet. but is was so much more for men. This list i wish i had when i was first going to sea!
a few things i try to take with me is extra boot laces ( i have had a few laces break) lip chap ( on the tugs and some AHST boats i find the air super dry) always have a extra phone charger for my phone and tablet ( they do not last super long and it sucks being the person always asking to borrow a charger. and for female products as of right now my menstrual cup has been amazing! you can keep it in for up to 12 hours, once you get the hang of it it is super easy to use and a bottle of soap for it lasts forever! and there are now wipes you can get to clean them. ( its what just works for me) if you have a laptop and a TV in your cabin a HDMI chord is really helpful.
Also having a half decent bag to carry all of your stuff is a must for me. a bag that is falling apart will most likely get even more damage. and keeping your certification in my carry on. I have seen a bag or two show up late to a airport or go missing.
Thanks so much for this list and if i hear of any new women coming to boats for their first time I am am for sure going to send this to them !
One easy way to reduce the weight of your bag is to use shampoo bars and conditioner bars instead of the bottles. Not only is this way lighter, it is also better for the environment. Swap out body wash for soap bars too. These bars last considerably longer than the bottles so not only are you reducing weight, helping the environment, you are saving money too!
If you have a lot of cable for electronics, invest in an electronics cable organizer from Amazon. It ends up saving a lot of space in your bags. Also with organization, buy a large enough makeup bag from walmart or whereever to keep all your toiletries organized.
Thanks for the advice!! 🙂
Thanks so much for posting this! It will be a big help for me as I pack for my first offshore hitch in Brazil!
We’re not allowed to bring any food on the rig that I work for.
Our PPE is stored in storage room on the rig so basically my baggage will be less than 10kg everytime I mob and demob
This is so helpful! Going to the Caspian in January. Can I keep my acrylic nail extensions on?? Never been able to get a definitive answer on this.
It depends on how long the extensions are, how well you can function with them, and what you will be doing. If you are expected to be out on deck, it is not recommended. Always remember to wear your gloves! Hope that helps!
Why does the mo7thwash have to be sealed?
Because people try to bring alcohol on board this way.
When you work in the government Mexico doing pipe under the water did they supply you with a electric jacket?