[Posted on June 3rd, 2013 by Gulfland Structures]

Workers aboard offshore drilling rigs make a valuable contribution to the economy by extracting the petroleum that keeps millions of vehicles on the road and which is used as a raw material in thousands of everyday products. In previous decades drill rig workers lived in sparse, crowded quarters that offered little comfort, little privacy and little contact with loved ones onshore. However, due to improvements in the quality of offshore oil rig living quarters, modern drill rig workers are housed in more comfortable accommodations with all the conveniences of home.

Additional Living Space
Most modern drill rigs have been outfitted with modular housing units that provide hotel-like cabins for workers. Instead of a large communal barracks, one to four workers now occupy a space that may include a sitting area, satellite television, computer with Internet service and even a kitchenette. Because of the ease of installation of these modular units, many older rigs have also been retrofitted with this type of housing. The offshore oil rig living quarters, which are constructed onshore and moved onto the rig by crane, can be connected with other units, stacked to save space and removed if no longer needed.

More Amenities
Modern amenities found on drill rigs include workout areas, game rooms, mini-theaters and snack bars. Bathroom facilities are also significantly improved over the facilities available to workers in previous decades and resemble the bathrooms found in homes or hotels.

Contact with Family and Friends
Before Internet service became available on drilling rigs, contact with the outside world was extremely limited. However, today’s workers can communicate daily with family and friends using email, instant messaging, Skype and Facebook. Drill rig employees are also able to receive pictures and even view onshore events, like a dance recital or baseball game, live via streaming video. This type of contact is especially important because many workers on drill rigs are young men with young families. These workers are able to be “present” at important family events that they would miss if Internet technology was not available.

Quieter Accommodations
Drill rigs operate 24 hours a day and workers must try to relax and sleep while noisy drilling equipment is running. Modern drill rig housing units are designed to block much of the ambient noise, providing a better opportunity for rest and sleep.

Improved Safety
Improvements, such as noise reduction, that enhance worker comfort can mean that workers get better quality sleep, thus increasing worker alertness and safety. In addition to being designed for greater comfort, drill rig housing modules are also designed to withstand the high winds and storms that are commonplace at sea.

Better Food
The most popular fringe benefit to working on a drill rig is the restaurant-quality meals waiting for workers at the end of a long shift. Most rigs feature large, modern kitchens and dining areas, and drilling companies hire professional chefs to prepare meals and snacks that are delicious and healthy. Menus generally include everything from steaks, seafood and fried chicken to pasta and pizza, as well as freshly-prepared vegetables, fruit and desserts.

All of the above factors have led to greater satisfaction for the workers who call a drill rig home for weeks at a time. Improved offshore accommodations have helped to make a demanding job more pleasant for both the workers and their families onshore.

Share this blog here!

• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 

[Original Post on May 20th 2013 by Gulfland Structures]

The life of an offshore drilling worker is not an easy one: drilling companies expect them to live away from their families for long periods of time and work extended shifts in often dangerously inclement environments. Although many consider the pay excellent and vacation time generous, prudent drilling companies look for other ways to improve the quality of life of offshore drilling professionals to retain experienced talent. One of the most prominent improvements made to the lifestyle of the drilling workers relates to their offshore living quarters.

From Spartan To Almost Luxe In A Few Decades

Offshore drilling has been a key part of the oil industry since the late 1940s in the United States and the mid-1960s in Canadian oil markets. For the workers who have dominated the world of offshore oil drilling, they normally slept in sparsely furnished sleeping quarters, consisting of a bunk bed, perhaps a desk, a shared lavatory, and not much else. The reason is that the floating metal islands that the offshore drilling workers call their second home has space constraints. Over the years, manufacturers of offshore living quarters managed both utilitarian and luxurious improvements to the materials and layout of the quarters. The results of these updates are safer, inviting, and more durable portable apartments for the drilling workers.

After the living quarters manufacturers implemented numerous safety upgrades throughout the rigs, they soon started improving the living amenities on board oilrigs. Although the accommodations are still not totally posh, there are many more modern luxuries available now than there ever were before.

Modern Amenities Of Offshore Drilling Quarters

Offshore drilling living quarters manufacturers revamped the dormitory style bedrooms that packed six or more people into a room, and now many of the rigs feature dorm layouts that sleep only two to a room. There is more space in the rooms for workers, and the layout is reminiscent of a business class, double bed hotel room. The offshore drilling galley was always a center of attention for the crew, and it featured a professional chef and a well-stocked pantry. Updated rigs now feature satellite television-equipped lounges where drilling workers can eat, relax, and socialize.

Previous rigs left very little space for crew members to exercise, and those desiring to stay physically fit had to creatively devise functional exercises from things found in their offshore environment. Now there are modest gyms equipped with cardiovascular exercise machines and free weights to improve the health and morale of the workers. Most rigs are equipped with Internet connections that enable workers to remain in contact with their families via Skype, phone calls, email, or social media.

Which Drilling Operations Have The Best Offshore Housing Options?

Choosing the right rig could mean the difference between landing living space that has a modern movie theater room or being stuck watching how many seagulls land on the oilrig for entertainment. Although some offshore oilrigs go through renovations that result in better living amenities, it is the newer rigs that are likely to have the best living quarters. Since offshore living space manufacturers get to design these rigs’ quarters from scratch, they do not necessarily have the typical space constraints as the older rigs. With advances in technology, the larger modern rigs have begun to effectively rival the older ones for operational efficiency while providing some of the little comforts of home.

Share this blog here!

• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 

[Original Post on May 6th Apr 2013 by Gulfland Structures]

As easily accessible oil reserves have been depleted it’s become necessary to seek oil in more remote locations, including under the sea. The first offshore oil rigs were constructed immediately adjacent to the coast, which made the logistics of transporting workers to and from the rig simpler. As rigs are located ever-farther out at sea it’s become necessary to provide living quarters offshore instead of providing daily shuttles to and from the rig.

History of Living Quarters Aboard Offshore Rigs

In the early years of offshore drilling living conditions on an oil rig closely resembled those of a military barracks or the hold of a ship. In fact, most early oil rigs resembled ships and some even were converted ships or barges. Workers were housed in sparse cabins or dormitories. Climate control was non-existent and there were few amenities. Noise from the drilling process constantly intruded making it difficult for workers to relax and sleep while off duty. Contact with the outside world was limited to occasional radio communication. In short, living quarters offshore were less than ideal, until recently.

Improving Living Conditions through the Years

As oil production increased, drilling companies began making improvements to the living quarters on their rigs to attract more qualified workers. Heating and air conditioning became commonplace, as did modern kitchens. Other improvements included access to the Internet and cell phone service. Both technologies allow workers who are away from home for long periods to stay in touch with families and stay informed of current events. Some older oil rigs still offer more primitive accommodations but even many older rigs have been retrofitted with modern housing units.

Today’s Living Quarters

Living quarters aboard modern oil rigs generally consist of cabins occupied by one to four workers that resemble a nice hotel room or efficiency apartment. Common use areas including gyms, game rooms, hot tubs, and saunas are available on many rigs. All rigs are equipped with satellite television service and most have individual televisions in each cabin plus a movie theater or common TV area. One of the most popular amenities on an oil rig is the delicious food prepared for the workers. Oil rigs have large full-service kitchens and some cabins even come with kitchenettes or microwaves so workers can prepare their own food and snacks.

Revolutionary Modern Housing Modules

Newer, larger oil rigs may include built-in housing units, but many rigs depend on modular housing. Housing modules configured as cabins, bathrooms, kitchens, common areas, or offices are generally constructed at offshore locations, carried to the rig by ship, and placed by a crane. Units are designed with doors and hallways to connect with other modules, or may be stacked to save space. Constructed of aluminum or fiberglass, the units are light enough to be portable and strong enough to be moved without collapsing. The modules are designed to withstand moderate hurricane-force winds without damage. Interior spaces are soundproofed to block the noise generated by the drilling equipment. These modular housing units can be permanently installed or rented during times of increased production and then removed later if production slows.

Although accommodations on oil rigs vary from company to company and rig to rig, the living conditions on a modern oil drilling rig are much more inviting than in previous decades. Specially designed housing units for offshore workers bring many of the comforts of onshore living to the middle of the ocean.

Share this blog here!

• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 

[Posted on April 16th, 2013]

Industries operating crews offshore need living quarters and offshore living quarters manufacturers for their teams of workers. Investing in the right structures will improve productivity levels and increase employee job satisfaction levels. Gulf Land Structures offers offshore living quarters that are efficient, conserve space and can be customized to meet the needs of different companies.

Versatile

Choose between 4-, 8-, 10- and even 12-Man living quarters based on crew sizes and other considerations. In addition to bunks and a lavatory, the structures may also include office space for handling paperwork and other assignments. Systems are stackable, so they can be combined with galley kitchen units for cooking basic meals and relaxing. They also have an available laundry facility for washing clothes during long-term assignments. It is important to enlist trusted offshore living quarters manufacturers in order to ensure that the structures are built to code and needs of each facility.

Quality

Workers need to be able to rest in between shifts both for safety and high productivity levels. Gulf Land Structures are the highest quality systems available. They are safe and comfortable, so teams of workers can get the rest they need when not on shift. Their stackable nature makes them one of the most versatile options available. They withstand the extreme weather found a few miles offshore, including the salt weather and the sun’s UV rays.

Comfort

Sleeping facilities are a requirement for offshore teams, and it’s important to make sure they are comfortable. When employees are more comfortable, they rest better and will perform better. This improves safety numbers as accidents are more likely to happen when people are working while suffering from exhaustion or sleep deprivation.

In addition to making teams safer, they will also become more productive. They are better able to work through projects and meet deadlines when they are rested. The margin of error is reduced, and that reduces expenses and increases profit levels.

Finally, employees are more likely to remain with a company when they feel that their needs are being taken care of. Overtime, teams working with the company are older and more experienced. Companies will enjoy steady improvement in product quality and efficiency, and clients will appreciate the steady performance.

Available Services

In addition to selling quality living quarters, GulfLand also offers other important services. Offshore agencies can purchase the structures outright or rent them. The company also offers refurbishment services to updated older living structures. They provide HVAC and refrigeration repair and maintenance, safety coatings and mold abatements. Customers who need a specific design can also meet with GulfLand to have their living quarters custom designed to meet specific needs.

GulfLand Structures is committed to providing oil and gas operators with the most elite offshore living spaces available. They feature that latest innovations and improvements in technology in all of the modular spaces. Whether companies need temporary or permanent accommodations, GulfLand is prepared to help them.

This impressive company focuses on meeting their customers’ needs through prompt service, the highest quality products and the attractive pricing that is highly competitive. They have a team of professionals working for them who are conscientious, committed and dedicated to their customers. Whether a business needs a single living structure or a full fleet of living quarters, galleys, and laundry facilities, GulfLand will meet their needs and exceed their expectations. Their unparalleled service and quality products are what set them apart from the competition and make their living quarters the gold standard among offshore industries.

Share this blog here!

• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 

Many times, when employees decide to leave their jobs, it is not directly related to pay, but rather it is most often what many would consider secondary or extraneous considerations that most often cause workers to leave or stay with their jobs. It so happens that working conditions for those who are in high-pressure jobs that are often also dangerous, in remote areas, and far from friends and loved ones, have the most difficulties. That’s why it is critical for employers to provide Living Quarters Offshore that are safe and comfortable as well as giving a “home away from home” feeling to the employee.

In the United States, offshore oil platforms number in the thousands and are an important place for quality Living Quarters Offshore. Fortunately, those dedicated to retaining employees by providing these quality quarters have discovered that the key to creating these facilities.

 Comfort and Convenience

Those who provide quarters for workers offshore need to consider more than a place to hang one’s hat when workers are off duty. Having a place that is clean, and comfortable to sleep, is nice, but there’s also a need for places to decompress and relax. That’s why it is important to have other locations for workers besides sleeping areas. A clean area to eat meals is also important, as is an area where workers can enjoy company with fellow workers in a recreational environment is also critical to mission success. Other important amenities include restroom facilities, a store and others.

More than a Place to Sleep

Offshore facilities are often the target of huge storms and other natural disasters. Workers should be able to use their quarters and other areas and feel safe from these issues. Fortunately, technology has allowed production of structures that can withstand the elements and provide places that are safe and out of reach of harm.

Feeding Frenzy

There’s nothing to cap off the hard work of a day than a good meal and nothing can make a good meal first class than a clean area where meals can be enjoyed with others. Even those who work to provide these meals require a place to work and live to ensure the continuation of these services.

Downtime

It’s nice to have a place where workers can sit and enjoy their offshore surroundings, read a newspaper or enjoy a television show or a movie. A place where workers can forget the cares and concerns of their work lives is important in ensuring work hours are productive.

Office Hours

Offshore quarters aren’t exclusively built for fun and off-hours. Frequently, an office is needed where it is out of the hustle and bustle of day to day work. Managers and others deserve a place where they can do paperwork and keep up with the pace of life on an offshore facility.

Regardless of the mission needs of an offshore facility, there should be plenty of room for not only direct service of that platform, but for the lives of workers. The rewards to both company as well as employees can be enormous.

Share this blog here!

• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 

Unbeknownst to many Americans, thousands of people are living on offshore setups on any given day, of any given calendar year. The most common are offshore oil rigs, which are massive and highly impressive works of architecture and engineering that are now being built hundreds of miles away from the nearest dry land. While the initial inkling may be to feel pity on these brave souls who are isolated from the rest of society, the plain truth is that they live a life that is comfortable and full of common, modern-day amenities. Here’s a glimpse into some of the many comforts of home that can be found on offshore living quarters.

Food

Not only do many offshore living quarters have elaborate and well-stocked kitchens, the majority of them have professional chefs on staff who take care of all the food preparation duties. Bulk amounts of staple foods such as chicken, beef, potatoes, rice, beans and other vegetables are often brought aboard every week or so, typically by way of a helicopter.

As a result of the abnormally high amount of calories burned during a workday on an offshore operation, an abundance of foods that are high in carbohydrates and protein are on stock at all times. Much like a student can place an order in the dining commons area of a college, offshore workers are often free to do the same in the kitchen. On oil rigs with hundreds of workers, breakfast, lunch and dinner often consist of a long buffet line featuring a variety of tasty and nutritious options.

Gyms

The one obvious limitation that comes with living offshore is the fact that a person can’t simply go for a walk or jog around the neighborhood. In order to provide people with ample opportunities to stay fit, many offshore oil rigs have elaborate gymnasiums, complete with free weights and a variety of machines.

Home Theaters

Home theaters have become very popular in American homes over the course of the last decade, and many offshore living facilities are equipped with rooms that feature large, comfortable chairs set in rows in front of an even larger flat screen television. Big antennas allow people to watch programming from all around the world, and certain times of certain evenings are designated for watching movies.

Social Gatherings

A variety of social gatherings take place at any offshore living facility on a regular basis. Karaoke is of growing popularity, and it has proved to be a great way for people of different backgrounds and from different countries to connect and interact. An offshore working facility often brings together people from all over the globe, so community-based recreation is an excellent way for people to form relationships and friendships.

Living Quarters

The personal living spaces are often arranged in a manner that resembles a dormitory or hotel, where front doors are beside one another along a long pathway. The level of luxury varies and is largely based on how recently the rig was constructed, but the people who build the living quarters understand how important it is for people to feel comfortable and as at-home as possible. High-quality materials are often used, and the occupant is encouraged to personalize their personal space with things such as pictures, posters and bedding.

Share this blog here!

• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 

When you have employees ready to work on an oil or gas offshore project for an extended period of time, it’s important to make sure that you provide them with suitable accommodations.

Offshore work is often harsh and demanding, which underscores the importance of workers having a safe, clean place to get cleaned up at the end of a hard day, enjoy some recreation and have a meal before getting a good night’s sleep. Because of this, many companies prefer to go with a company such as GulfLand Structures, for the company offers a wide variety of offshore accommodations. Your workers deserve the best possible accommodations, which we deliver through smart design practices and the best amenities.





Stackable Living Quarters



Space is a premium when it comes to living quarters, which is why we are proud to offer the finest in stackable living quarters. Eight-man living quarters are available immediately, as well as 12-man quarters with four-man living compartments. They are designed using the latest and most innovative technologies in modular space, providing rugged and comfortable places for your workers to stay while doing offshore work.



Pressurized Blast-Rated Buildings



Safety for crew accommodations is the highest priority for a facilities manager, which is why so many companies want to take advantage of GulfLand Structures’ pressurized blast buildings. While they are designed to protect workers in the unlikely event of a blast, they are also useful because they can withstand natural disasters, such as gale-force winds or fire, making them suitable for emergency evacuation for the entire crew.



Office or Recreation Rooms



Your offshore accommodations typically will require some space for offices. We have office and recreation room units that are great for focusing on business tasks, such as planning for the next day’s tasks and adjusting the crew’s schedule to accommodate the company’s workflow needs.



No offshore accommodations would be considered complete without some type of recreational facilities. Our recreation rooms are ideal for when your workers need to take some time to relax and restore their energy. They can watch videos, have conversations with one another and listen to music, or catch up on their reading in our recreation rooms.

Restrooms and Shower Units

Offshore work tends to be a business where workers get dirty doing their daily tasks, so we have established excellent restroom and shower units. Creature comforts are vital to maintaining employee satisfaction, which is why we provide state-of-the-art bathroom facilities. When your workers have access to clean showers following a heavy work day with your oil or gas operations, they will be able to restore themselves and start relaxing, ready to hit the ground running the next day.



Galleys and Diners



Nothing says “home” like a well-cooked meal, and because our customers demand only the best, we are pleased to offer excellent options for galleys and diner units. Your workers depend on you to provide them with an inviting place to prepare and eat their daily meals in a comfortable and clean environment.



Laundry Facilities



Your workers require laundry facilities, and we aim to please. Our laundry units are designed with efficiency in mind, enabling your crew to get fresh changes of clothing whenever they need it. 

Workers who receive high quality accommodations while working offshore will be able to get sufficient sleep and enjoy many of the comforts of home. Prudent managers know that choosing GulfLand Structures to handle offshore accommodations will help improve moral making for an optimal work experience.

Share this blog here!

• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 

When a company is running an oil rig, it may not occur to those in charge that a superb offshore accommodation is crucial for their success. If a business wishes to be successful, employees must feel safe and comfortable when they are not working.

Employee Safety and Comfort

Employees may be working with hazardous materials, and they should be able to discontinue their tasks and leave work behind at the rig. An offshore accommodation that meets safety standards will ensure your workers are able to sleep at night, while also enjoying many of the comforts they would find at home. This will help them to avoid serious injuries due to exhaustion. If an employee suffers from exhaustion, this could potentially impair their judgment and cause them to make errors on the job that at risk their safety.

It is vital for employees to experience comfort. The business should ensure that the employees have basic amenities, and employees should be able to offer feedback if they so choose. It is not enough to say that comfort is paramount, it is vital to the overall productivity and satisfaction of employees. If an employee is comfortable and satisfied, they are more likely to accomplish the task at hand.

Increase Productivity

Hard work plays a role in any successful business. If an employee is comfortable and well rested, they are more likely to complete projects and meet deadlines. This is not only beneficial to the employee, but this is beneficial to the company. By providing superior offshore accommodations to workers, the company will be receiving a refined product to offer their clients as an adequate amount of rest will decrease the margin of error. A higher quality product will generate more business. A company with satisfied employees will be in a better position to provide the consumer with a quality product.

Benefits for New Employees

It is not unusual for a worker to leave a business after a few years of employment. The employee may feel they need to move on for a variety of reasons including the need to be closer to family members and the desire to seek other employment. If a business loses a worker due to the latter reason, it is crucial for the business to offer incentives and benefits to future employees. If a potential worker is aware of the fact that the business has excellent offshore accommodations, the selling point may be the benefits that will be awarded upon employment. As a result of these benefits, the business may receive a higher volume of people that apply and who would like to work at the rigs.

Oil rigs require skilled and experienced workers. If a business wishes to attract workers of this caliber, it is crucial for those in charge to think about taking the right steps. Offshore accommodations that are clean and comfortable ensure that employees will be diligent and thorough in their work and will turn-out a quality product that will positively represent the company and keep a strong clientele. A supervisor does not have to worry about losing time and money. The information above may help a business come to a decision.

Share this blog here!

• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 

[Posted on Jan 31]

Comfortable employees make for happy employees—and happy employees make for productive employees. Making sure you have both can be a struggle, especially if the employees are away from home. Being offshore makes for an even tougher accomplishment; however, there are ways to assure your offshore productivity does not suffer just because your employees are away from home. Gulf Land Structures is the premier company for Offshore Accommodations that are sure to provide comfort and safety for employees. They have been researching needs in keeping employees comfortable for many years and have incorporated as many of these amenities as possible within the portable structures provided for offshore accommodations. These structures are constructed to be safe and secure in an offshore rig environment and are customizable to specific needs. Assuring the safety of your largest asset, the workforce, is a top priority. A feeling of safety and security plays a large part in the overall comfort of employees.

Floor Plans

Gulf Land Structures, the top Offshore Accommodations specialists, construct living quarters with comfort in mind.. Integrating personal space within bunk areas, a private area for contact to home, large bathroom and shower facilities, and adequate lighting are just some of the built in comforts to keep employees happy. Having separate galley, dining, and laundry facilities is paramount in allowing the most comfortable living accommodations too. All of these aspects have been considered and are able to be adapted when working with Gulf Land Structures for your accommodations. Customizing new or revamping old living quarters to assure safety and comfort of your staff is all a part of making the most of available resources in order to assure happiness.

Happiness Important for Offshore Workers

Much research has been done to examine the correlation between employee happiness and production levels. According to Business Week, some research finds that there are pros and cons to having happy employees; however, every situation needs to be researched individually. Production is shown to increase when employees are comfortable and happy, but complacency is also shown to occur with happiness. Offshore workers cannot be placed within the complacent ideal of such research simply because of the demands of the job. There is no mundane everyday routine that occurs while working offshore; therefore workers do not often become unaware or complacent. The environment is so stressful and ever-changing that happiness and comfort within accommodations becomes even more important.

Offshore employees deal with many stresses that do not occur in land based work environments. Weather is one huge factor that has to be considered, along with constant noise, vibrations, safety concerns, and 24-hour operation times. Living and working in the same small area for extended periods of time, no matter the environment, is an additional cause of stress. Thus, providing comfort in the living accommodations is of utmost importance. Restful sleep and quiet areas become extremely important, along with the ability to easily contact home and be involved with the lives that are left onshore. Gulf Land Accommodations considers all these factors when designing and building offshore residences and common use areas.

Happy offshore employees who have comfortable accommodations, areas for privacy and normalcy, and the feeling they are important by being given the top of the line accommodations will certainly increase production. Using the best quality products available to build for and house offshore crews will reduce stress levels and contribute immensely to increased happiness. Considering the harsh environment, a quiet bed and a secure, comfortable mattress will make a world of difference.

Share this blog here!

• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
•