INTRODUCTION

Job Title: Drilling Superintendent
Name: Paul Goodyear
Company Overview: Paul Goodyear is a Drilling Superintendent with Husky Energy, a role that places him at the heart of both technical operations and complex team management on an offshore oil production installation.

Job Overview

Paul works on a 21-day on/21-day off rotation offshore, completing daily 12-hour shifts that begin before dawn. His day starts with a critical update from the Night Supervisor, followed by a series of briefings, team meetings, and strategy sessions with both offshore and onshore teams. His role involves overseeing operations with a focus on clear, continuous communication between multiple teams and contractors, coordinating their work to meet common objectives safely and efficiently.

Career Path

Paul holds a Diploma of Civil Technology from the College of the North Atlantic. His pathway to the oil and gas sector began in civil engineering, where hands-on experience and on-the-job training transitioned him from civil technician roles to drilling operations. Early in his career, Paul worked in construction for the Hibernia Gravity Based Structure (GBS), where he gained his first exposure to the industry. Even in high school, Paul displayed dedication by independently studying physics, a course not offered at his school, to prepare himself for a technical career.

Day in the Life

Paul’s offshore rotation includes long, structured workdays where he constantly coordinates across teams and manages operations on the installation. The physical and social environment offshore requires a careful blend of technical and interpersonal skills. Managing such a varied team of contractors and service providers necessitates adaptability and excellent communication to maintain cohesion, ensure safety, and keep operations running smoothly. The demands of offshore life—long hours, strict schedules, and the need for vigilance in a challenging environment—require both physical and mental stamina.

Skills and Tools

Technical Skills: Team coordination, operations management, offshore logistics, adherence to safety protocols. Soft Skills: Communication, teamwork, strategic planning, and active listening. Tools Used: Drilling and production management software, scheduling and reporting tools, safety monitoring systems.