ARAMCO Hiring Process and Offshore Job Requirements Explained
Joining an ARAMCO-approved offshore vessel or jack-up platform takes more than just experience. It’s a structured selection process involving document approval, onboard evaluation, and certification tests. SeaEmploy, a reliable source for offshore job guidance, breaks down what offshore workers need to know to succeed.
For anyone pursuing a high-standard offshore career, ARAMCO remains one of the most challenging—and rewarding—employers. Their requirements go beyond sea time. From paperwork to onboard assessments, it’s a rigorous path.
ARAMCO – How the Hiring System Works
Saudi ARAMCO operates in shallow waters in the Arabian Gulf, where conditions demand precision and compliance. Most of their offshore production relies on jack-up rigs, self-elevating platforms, and specialized support vessels.
Their key offshore fields include:
- Safaniya
- Zuluf
- Marjan
- Manifa
- Berri
These environments are crowded, sensitive, and strictly regulated. That’s why ARAMCO screens every offshore worker in detail.
Before even joining a vessel, the crewing department of the operator or ship manager must submit the candidate’s:
- CV
- Sea service records
- Copies of all certificates (including OPITO-approved BOSIET or FOET training)
- Evidence of relevant jack-up or offshore platform experience
This data is submitted through ARAMCO’s SQM (Ship Quality Management) portal, where each candidate undergoes initial screening. If the candidate passes, they receive conditional approval to proceed.
ARAMCO Hiring Process – Onboard Trial and Testing
Once approved on paper, the seafarer is placed onboard an ARAMCO-chartered vessel under a two-week familiarisation period. This is not a formality.
During this time, the crew member performs their regular duties under observation. After approximately 14 days, ARAMCO sends a QA/QC (Quality Assurance / Quality Control) officer to the vessel to check the compliance with their SSMS system.
The QA/QC representative is responsible for verifying that all crew meet ARAMCO’s operational and safety standards. They check:
- Validity and authenticity of certificates
- Competency in safety, emergency response, and technical systems
- Familiarity with the ship’s equipment and protocols
- Behavior, communication, and compliance with procedures
After the QA/QC evaluation, each crewmember must travel to an ARAMCO-approved training facility to sit for a Marlins English language and safety test.
This test is computer-based and designed to evaluate:
- Language proficiency
- Situational judgment
- HSE knowledge
- Familiarity with offshore safety language and protocols
Failing the Marlins test can lead to rejection from the job, even after two weeks onboard. In some cases, rejected candidates are disqualified from future applications for a certain period.
Oil and Gas Hiring & Offshore Compliance Culture
In the world of oil and gas hiring, ARAMCO’s process is seen as a gold standard. It demands:
- Proven experience on offshore rigs or ships
- Completion of OPITO-approved BOSIET/FOET training
- Documented compliance with maritime laws and safety practices
For those working in offshore environments, ARAMCO’s jack-up operations are particularly strict. High-risk shallow-water conditions and tight operational zones mean that every crew member must be fully aware of hazards and protocols.
Crew shifts typically follow a 28/28 or 42/42 rotation and longer, depending on employer and job role. Life onboard includes long hours, desert temperatures, and very little margin for error.
Closing Thoughts – How to Prepare for ARAMCO Hiring
The ARAMCO hiring process is rigorous but fair. It starts with CV and certificate review, followed by a 14-day shipboard trial, QA/QC examination, and Marlins test at a certified training facility.
To qualify, you’ll need:
- Strong service records
- Valid STCW and OPITO BOSIET/FOET certificates
- Excellent safety and communication awareness
- Confidence under observation and testing
SeaEmploy strongly recommends preparing thoroughly before applying to ARAMCO-chartered vessels. Talk to crew who’ve gone through the process, review Marlins test materials, and ensure your documents are updated.
If you’re ready for the challenge, ARAMCO offers one of the most respected positions in offshore oil and gas.
