I have worked with several women in the oil field over the years, there are several 3rd and 2nd mates with DPO cert that work on the rigs. I have seen one or two assistatant engineers, several women diver’s and tenders. a couple female ROV techs, a couple mud engineers, several female medics and clerks, even one Norwegian female crane operator. I don’t think you are going to want to come out here and work as a roustabout or roughneck, unless you like being around a bunch of grumpy dirty guys spitting tobaco everywhere. You really have to bust ass and the chance for advancement is far less than most other positions. The mate DPO spots require a license or a degree from a maritime academy, which is 4 years, then another 2 basically to get the unlimited DPO. The mud engineers require a 4 year degree in petroleum engineering. The money is good in those positions. A medic or clerk would probably be the simplist positoin to get into without a bunch of time in school. A crane operators position is not all that hard to get into without a degree, you just need some time as a rigger, or roustabout, then go to a crane school, to get your first cert then work your way up with a API, or Sparrows program. I guess it will all depend on which way you want to go and what will interest you the most. The hardest part you will probably encounter is getting someone to give you a break with no offshore experience. It usually takes atleast 4 or 5 years to start making good money probably like most any career. I have 2 women on my ship right now and they do get respected as long as they respect others. Just realize that you are wanting to work in a mans world, and you need thick skin, and a good atitude and you will be fine.