Life as an Offshore Surveyor: Behind the Scenes
Working offshore isn’t just a job, it’s a lifestyle. From international travel and long shifts to the satisfaction of delivering mission-critical data, the life of an Offshore Surveyor is demanding, diverse, and incredibly rewarding.
We recently caught up with Tim Bishop, a highly experienced Offshore Surveyor, to hear first-hand what life offshore is really like, how the industry has evolved, and what advice he has for those considering the career path.
Starting Out: A Career Born at Sea
Tim’s offshore journey began on a milestone day:
“I joined Decca Survey on my 20th birthday as a trainee. They specialised in survey and navigation equipment. I became a senior test engineer and eventually went offshore to repair and operate equipment in the field.”
This early hands-on experience provided the technical grounding that would shape a long and diverse career at sea.
What Does an Offshore Surveyor Actually Do?
The role of an Offshore Surveyor isn’t limited to data collection. It requires adaptability, calm under pressure, and strong teamwork.
“Offshore Surveyor is a key part of the survey team. Must be able to chip in with other jobs and keep a cool head when things go wrong.”
Key responsibilities often include:
- Equipment setup and calibration
- Navigational support during subsea operations
- Data acquisition and interpretation
- Liaison with engineers and clients
- Critical real-time input during operations
A Day in the Life Offshore
Offshore schedules are intense and require stamina. As Tim describes:
“12-hour shift is a norm but may be asked to do extra. 18 hours is not uncommon.”
While not for the faint of heart, this career offers profound rewards for those who thrive in high-energy, fast-paced environments.
The Best Bits of the Job
From travel to autonomy, there are plenty of reasons to love the role:
“Travel to exotic places. Be involved with multi-million-pound projects. Telling the Captain what to do…!!”
Tim’s passion for the job shines through, and it’s clear that working on large-scale international projects brings both pride and purpose.
Tackling Challenges Offshore
While the job comes with many highs, it’s not without its frustrations.
“Sometimes you have to work with people who lack offshore experience. Some Client Reps come in with ideas that just don’t make sense out here.”
Managing those dynamics takes patience, professionalism, and teamwork
Rotation Life: Weeks at Sea
Time offshore typically spans several weeks, with downtime in between.
“4–6 weeks is a normal rotation.”
While extended time away can be a challenge, the off-periods offer an opportunity to rest, recover, and reconnect with life onshore.
How the Role and the Industry Has Evolved
The offshore industry has streamlined significantly over the years, and Tim has had to evolve with it:
“We used to be a 4-man team but cost constraints and cabin space compressed this down to 1 person. You are expected to be Multi skilled: Surveyor, Engineer, Reporting, Client liaison.”
Modern surveyors need a broader skill set than ever before, and versatility is essential.
Advice for Aspiring Offshore Surveyors
Tim’s advice is direct, based on years of practical experience:
“Must be a team player. Remain calm under pressure. Open minded to work with a multi-national crew.”
If you’re just getting started, our Introduction to Offshore Survey course is designed to give you the foundational knowledge, skills, and confidence needed for success in this role.
Qualifications & Training
To step into the world of offshore survey, Tim outlines the essentials:
“Degree level qualifications. HNC/HND Electronics. Computer and networking skills. Offshore Survival course—3-day course includes survival techniques and helicopter dunking simulator. Offshore medical.”
It’s a role that demands both academic grounding and specialist training.
A Mission to Remember: Connecting the Solar System
One of Tim’s proudest career moments came during a groundbreaking project:
“I was part of an operation to lay a fibre optic cable between Norway and Svalbard. Half paid for by Norwegian Government and the other half by NASA. The NASA rep on-board asked if we were proud of what we were doing. When I asked why he said: ‘You guys are building the first part of the Intergalactic Internet…!!’”
“It was the fibres that were upgrading the Deep Space Dish on Svalbard to talk to the deep space probes that are on their way out of the Solar System…!”
A once-in-a-lifetime job that quite literally reached for the stars.
Final Thoughts
Offshore Surveying is more than a technical career, it’s an adventure that requires resilience, versatility, and a passion for precision. For those willing to put in the work, it offers unparalleled opportunities, from global travel to working on frontier technology projects.
If you’re ready to take your first step toward a career offshore, check out our Introduction to Offshore Survey course—your gateway to an exciting and rewarding journey at sea.