As Suriname builds out its offshore oil industry, more local workers are considering careers at sea. The opportunity can bring valuable experience, but life offshore also requires long shifts, strict safety practices, mental resilience, and weeks away from family.
Uriel Freedrik experienced those realities during a 28-day rotation as a wellsite coordinator with Halliburton on a nearshore project in Suriname. His experience offers Surinamese workers a glimpse of what to expect before accepting their first offshore assignment.
Freedrik entered the oil and gas industry at Staatsolie Maatschappij Suriname N.V. in 2012 and remained there until 2017. He joined Halliburton in March 2019. The nearshore project ran from early 2019 to early 2020.
“I said ‘yes’, because for me it was a great opportunity whereby I was making the switch from working onshore to offshore. And I know it would give me the chance to gain more experience in the O&G industry,” Freedrik recalled to OilNOW.
His first assignment also required an adjustment at home. Freedrik’s wife remained onshore with their three-month-old son.
“It was a calm conversation, marked by many sighs from her end, during which we reached clear agreements on the best way to handle the new situation,” he related.
The reality of the rotation became clearer as the crew vessel approached the rig during the early morning.
“I remember just looking at the rig and thinking ‘this will be my home for the coming 28 days. I left my family at home for a reason, so I will have to make this work, do my work as it should be done and above all, work safe so I can make it back home,” Freedrik recounted.
Most offshore personnel work one of two 12-hour shifts. Day crews generally work from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m., while night crews take over from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. Senior personnel may remain on duty beyond those hours until their work is completed.
“It is a 24/7 operation so unless there are some issues which need to be addressed, the work will continue until finalized,” Freedrik explained. “Everyone is expected to work in a safe and disciplined manner. Offshore operations are very costly, so you cannot afford to have unproductive time.”
The rig becomes both the worker’s home and workplace. Meals, snacks, and drinks are available throughout the day. Clothing is washed, and beds are made daily, allowing personnel to concentrate on their duties and health. Workers must still adjust quickly to spending several weeks in the same environment.
“You need to adjust quickly or else you won’t be able to focus, so for me by the end of my first week I was starting to adjust,” Freedrik noted.
Family separation can be one of the hardest parts of offshore work. Personnel may miss birthdays, weddings, milestones, home-cooked meals, and everyday moments with relatives. Internet access allowed Freedrik to communicate with his family when his schedule permitted.
“Luckily, we have the internet and are able to keep communicating with our families back home. On the rig there is Wi-Fi, and you can voice call or video call whenever you have the time during the day to do so,” he explained.
The working environment can also create pressure and conflict. Freedrik recalled being spoken to unprofessionally by a supervisor. He raised the matter with his direct supervisor, and it was eventually resolved.
“Looking back, the experience taught me the importance of handling conflict professionally, communicating openly, and staying true to my values even in a high-pressure environment,” he stated.
Difficult days required him to reset mentally. He would return to his room when possible, pray, and encourage himself to continue. Crew-vessel travel can also be physically demanding. Freedrik experienced seasickness during some trips, particularly after eating a full meal. Workers heading farther offshore are generally transported by helicopter.
He identified Basic Offshore Safety Induction and Emergency Training, Helicopter Underwater Escape Training, and a valid medical certificate as useful qualifications. Employers also consider discipline, reliability, teamwork, safety awareness, and willingness to learn.
Freedrik joined RAMPS Logistics in August 2020 and remained there until July 2025. He established Black Gold Consultancy on May 17, 2023, to develop talent, connect industry participants, and strengthen local content in Suriname’s energy sector.
“One of the biggest misconceptions is that offshore work is just about earning a high salary,” he cautioned. “The reality is that it’s a demanding lifestyle, you work long hours, spend weeks away from family, and must follow strict safety procedures every day.”
His advice to Surinamese preparing for their first rotation: prepare mentally, ask questions, and remain professional.
“Your attitude and work ethic will leave a bigger impression than trying to prove you know everything,” Freedrik advised.
