Oilfield Projects...big and small

Oilfield projects - this is where the oilfield decides to 'build some new iron' and for the lay man, that has nothing to do with golf clubs, although quite a lot of project cash can be spent on the golf course and I am certain the biggest and best rigs are built in the 19th hole!
Contrary to the belief of some old oilfield hands, the rigs do need to be upgraded and even new ones built.
Technology is moving so fast and the oilfield is doing a great job of keeping up and many systems are automated. The last rig I was on even had a flushing toilet and running water.
The oil company boss on board (company man) has always took the lead on technology and had as far back as I can remember an automatic hand and arse washing machine called a geologist!

On a new project a deal is reached with the shipyard, whereby a price is agreed to build one or several rigs. The price agreed generally means nothing and is often doubled by the completion of the contract.
Penalty clauses are often written in the contract to cover for late completion of the contract and again these are open to discussion, after the late delivery...usually by lawyers!
Generally the shipyard will do the work and the owner of the new rig, will oversee and use there experienced personnel to help iron out any misunderstandings and this can vary from shouting at non understanding shipyard worker to taking his boss out for lunch/dinner.

The project would then have a site team that could consist of the following;

Site manager - this guy needs to watch over the whole contract, keep to targets and the the contract falls behind he will need to prepare the lies...sorry facts to take to the bosses higher up.

Deputy site manager - this guy could really be anyone, but being a friend of the boss is a great asset. He needs to be able to sort out serious issues like who gets the best parking spaces...

Drilling superintendents - there could be several of these depending on the contract size and the amount of rigs getting built. There could be Drilling superintendents and senior drilling superintendents and the difference will be the business card, but not the job details or salary, but the respect is important!

Electrical/Mechanical superintendents - here too there could be Senior superintendents and the differences would be, you would get a better car parking space, but would have to take a cut in salary.
Obviously as a Senior Superintendent you need to be able to bluff your way out of every situation and if you can't, then you need the ability to quickly blame someone else.

Office Administrator - this is someone who generally takes charge of the day to day office duties which include, ordering pizza, arranging birthday lunches and handing out expenses...if you are in the mood.

Safety officer - This guy has to be seen everywhere with full safety equipment adorned, with ear muffs,safety glasses,flashlight, hard hat complete with chin strap to be worn at all times and the sight of the safety harness hooked up to the laptop on the desk is a great invention!

More will follow on the life of an oilfield hand....
Whatever floats your boat I suppose?