Working on the Hibernia platform off the coast of Newfoundland was an experience I’ll never forget. It was 2016, and I was on a six-month rotation, living on the rig in the middle of the Atlantic. At first, it felt thrilling, but as time went on, the reality of life on a remote oil rig set in.
Each day began at 6 AM with a hearty breakfast. The galley staff worked wonders, making sure we were fueled up for the long hours ahead. After breakfast, we’d suit up and head out for our shifts, often working 12-hour days. The work was tough, but there was always camaraderie among the crew.
One evening, we were in the middle of a critical operation when the weather took a turn for the worse. The skies darkened, and the wind picked up. Within hours, we were in the midst of a fierce storm, with waves crashing against the platform. I’ll never forget the moment the rig shook violently; it felt like we were on a roller coaster.
During the storm, we had to secure equipment and monitor the situation closely. My buddy Mike was on the controls, and watching him focus under pressure was inspiring. We banded together, sharing jokes and stories to keep our spirits high amid the chaos.
After the storm passed, we emerged from our stations, soaked but relieved. The crew gathered to share our stories, laughing at the absurdity of it all. Those moments brought us closer together, forming bonds that felt unbreakable.
But it wasn’t all storms and hard work. We had our downtime too. Evenings were spent in the recreation area, playing cards, watching movies, or just chatting about life back home. It made the isolation a bit more bearable.
Living on the Hibernia platform taught me a lot about teamwork, resilience, and the value of camaraderie.