I am a second engineer and have worked for MSC for five years. The limited time off with government employment is becoming a big problem for me. I understand oil rigs are 4 weeks on and 4 weeks off. For anyone that has worked for MSC and the oil rigs, how does overall employment (work, people, quality of life, retirement) compare between the two? So far, I know the vacation is much better with oil rigs, although I will probably make (and save) more money with MSC. Thank you for your time. 
Well I think that it is a choice you need to make, I also hold a 2nd Eng License and believe me there is plenty of work for a good engineer. There is the offshore supply boat companies, that usually work 28/14 or if you work international some are working 35/35 and I heard one say they might go 70/35. The day rates for Chief on a supply boat is going from 600 - 800 day. And that is with a Chief Limited License on most vessels. Some of the bigger ones you can get Large OSV endorsement and get that higher pay with experience and time. With that kind of money if you cant save any then there might be a problem. No way I would ever work for MSC, I have heard nothing but nightmares about getting relieved and never being home, they can have that. At least here you have a schedule, get paid every 2 weeks for the most part. And there is plenty of work. Give it a try, you have nothing to lose, and you can always go back to MSC… but honestly I dont think you would.
Good luck
[QUOTE=lacanterra;63662]Well I think that it is a choice you need to make, I also hold a 2nd Eng License and believe me there is plenty of work for a good engineer. There is the offshore supply boat companies, that usually work 28/14 or if you work international some are working 35/35 and I heard one say they might go 70/35. The day rates for Chief on a supply boat is going from 600 - 800 day. And that is with a Chief Limited License on most vessels. Some of the bigger ones you can get Large OSV endorsement and get that higher pay with experience and time. With that kind of money if you cant save any then there might be a problem. No way I would ever work for MSC, I have heard nothing but nightmares about getting relieved and never being home, they can have that. At least here you have a schedule, get paid every 2 weeks for the most part. And there is plenty of work. Give it a try, you have nothing to lose, and you can always go back to MSC… but honestly I dont think you would.
Good luck[/QUOTE]
Where do you work and what do you do?