Denzil Southwell, a young Guyanese man from Sandvoort Village, Berbice, has quickly risen through the ranks in the offshore oil and gas industry, serving as Assistant Oxide Driller with Noble Drilling. Just three years ago, Denzil saw a job opening on Facebook, sparking a journey that has been marked by hard work, resilience, and a passion for learning.
“I got up to the rig floor, started working as a roughneck, which is a floor hand, eventually made my way to a shaker man and right now, Assistant Oxide Driller,” Denzil explained in on a recent episode of ExxonMobil Guyana’s Offshore Diaries.
Through Noble’s Operations Management Program, he gained a comprehensive understanding of rig operations, preparing him for future leadership roles. “The program is set up so you go through all departments on the rig. Eventually, you can manage it,” he said.
Denzil credits his upbringing and family support for shaping his determination. Inspired by his father, a former vessel captain, he initially aspired to work in electrical engineering but embraced the unexpected career path that led him offshore. “Life has a different path for you. You just have to be willing to open up to it and accept change,” he shared.
Safety is a priority in his role. He follows strict protocols to ensure the well-being of his team. “You plan, communicate, check your equipment, prepare the area, control energy, validate, and eventually start the job. Most importantly, it’s supervising your crew to keep them safe,” he explained.
Despite missing his family during weeks offshore, Denzil values the camaraderie among the crew. “The relationship with the crew out here is phenomenal. They make sure you have a home away from home,” he said.
Looking ahead, Denzil is optimistic about his future in the oil and gas sector. “You can become anything out here as long as you have that work ethic and dream. Who knows, I could be Operations Manager or Rig Manager soon,” he remarked.
Denzil’s advice to others is simple yet powerful: “Don’t be afraid of change. Jump at the opportunity to get knowledge and experience. It’s going to pave the way for other Guyanese too.”
