oil and gas prospects

[usinph]

Hi,

As a way of introduction, I am an American currently residing in the Philippines. I have been working as an HSE Drilling Specialist within the oil and gas industry for the last 12 years. I am however interested in moving to Singapore for a non rotational HSE position.

I understand such positions are not easy to come by however I do have a few contacts. I was however wondering whether someone could assist me with determining what institutions and qualifications MOM typically recognizes?

I do not have a degree however several years ago I completed an OHS Diploma through the International Petroleum Institute (theipi.com). Does MOM recognize such qualifications or only degrees and higher?

Am I correct in the fact that if I am offered a position over $7k pm then no formal qualifications are necessary?

Thanks in advance for your assistance.

[sundaymorningstaple]

You are correct. Once your income exceeds S$7k/mo you qualify for a P1 employment pass and that is not subject to any basic qualifications. The thought processes behind it are easy. They figure if a company is willing to pay that kind of money then the guy's on the ball and really doesn't need the qualifications in order to make a contribution to the country.

Which is kind of pragmatic if you think about it. In order to make that kind of money here, you would already have a 'track' record. The lower Passes require the educational certifications to ensure they've got at least something on the ball even if their earning power isn't that high yet.

sms

[usinph]

Hi SMS,

I appreciate your reply, that shall make it much easier.

Thank you!

[sundaymorningstaple]

No Problem. I spent 20 years in the O&G exploration industry myself. I left it back in '92 to stay home and watch the kids grow up! I more or less did similar. Only I left the industry entirely and when back to my roots (pre-Oil) in HR & Finance to finish out my tour. Hoping to go home in around 3 to 5 more years - figure 30 years is long enough to be overseas.

[usinph]

Oh yes, I could be mistaken but I believe I read previously that you are also from the US and have a little farm back home?

I still have the South East Asia bug, so I see myself being in this location for a while to come. I still have quite a while to go until I can match your 30 years!

I remember you stating you used to also rotate out of Singapore, just on a social visa each time. I have considered that however thought I would be better off staying here in the Philippines until I am able to find a full-time job in Singapore.

[sundaymorningstaple]

Yeah, the rotation stuff we used to pull back in the 80's & early '90's they'd cottoned to pretty good now. Works for about 1 or 2 tries max. Was hard on the wife & kids as coming in on a tourist visa for 11 years, not knowing if Immigration was going to stop me at some point, I figured it was best to try to get my PR here. Doing so meant finding a job behind a desk. So, I went back to my roots. Now the kids are 19 & 25 but I'm over 60 so it's been a bit too long to try to go back now. (Though I sorely love to and if the opportunity presented itself I'd jump on it in a flash!)

Sounds like putting up in the 'peens is the best idea for the short term until you can find something shore-based here.

Yeah, kinda chaffing at the bite to get back to my farm where the deer & ducks & geese abound!