The usual working pattern for people offshore is 12 hour (day or night) shifts, and it is normal for North Sea workers to spend two or three weeks offshore and then two or three weeks onshore.

Generally speaking holiday entitlement is included in the time off. However, different companies have different arrangements, so you should check at the time you apply.

Outside of the UK work trips may be longer – perhaps four or even six weeks – but your time ashore (or ‘on the beach’ as it is known) would be correspondingly longer as well.