UK Offshore FIFO Rotas Explained (2/2, 3/3, 14/14)
The standard UK offshore rota is two weeks on, two weeks off, which gives roughly 182 paid days a year. Production platforms often run three on three off, offshore wind campaigns run 14/14 or 21/21, and inspection work is call-out based with the highest rates.
UK offshore rotas compared
A rota is simply the pattern of days you spend offshore against days at home. In the UK the pattern is set by the installation and the contract type, not by you, so it is worth knowing what each one means for your pay and your home life before you accept a job.
| Rota | Paid days a year | Where you see it | What it feels like |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 on / 2 off | ~182 | North Sea drilling, most contractor roles | The UK default. Half the year at home. |
| 3 on / 3 off | ~182 | Production platforms, catering crews | Fewer flights, longer stints away. |
| 4 on / 4 off | ~182 | FPSOs, international assignments | Suits workers travelling in from abroad. |
| 14 / 14 or 21 / 21 | Campaign based | Offshore wind construction and commissioning | Vessel or SOV accommodation, seasonal. |
| Call-out / ad hoc | Variable | Rope access, inspection, shutdowns | Highest day rates, least predictable. |
What a day on rotation actually looks like
Offshore days are 12 hours, usually 6 to 6, with a handover at each end. You are on a fixed shift for the whole trip, either days or nights, and you do not normally swap mid trip. Meals, laundry and accommodation are provided, so the only money you spend on rotation is what you choose to spend.
Check in at the heliport is early. Most operators want you there two hours before the flight, which means travelling the night before if you live any distance from Aberdeen, Norwich, Humberside or Sumburgh. That night in a hotel is normally booked and paid for by the employer.
Travel days, standby and how they are paid
- Most UK contracts pay the day rate for every day of the rotation, including the fly out and fly back days.
- Weather standby at the heliport is usually paid at the full day rate once you have checked in.
- Back to back cover, where you stay on beyond your rota because your opposite number cannot travel, is normally paid at the day rate and sometimes at a premium.
- Training days onshore, such as BOSIET refreshers, are commonly paid at a reduced rate or as a flat allowance rather than the full offshore rate.
Which rota should you aim for
If you have young children or a partner who works shifts, 2/2 gives you the most predictable home time. If you live outside the UK, 3/3 or 4/4 cuts your travel costs and airport time dramatically. If you want the highest hourly value and can handle uncertainty, call-out inspection and rope access work pays the most per day but you carry the gaps.
Recruiters expect you to know this. Stating your preferred rota clearly on your CV, along with your notice period and passport and visa status, removes a phone call from the process and gets you shortlisted faster.
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More on FIFO offshore work
Back to the FIFO offshore jobs hub or compare offshore day rates by role.
FIFO rotas explained: common questions
What is the most common offshore rota in the UK?
Two weeks on, two weeks off is the standard North Sea pattern and covers most drilling and contractor roles. It works out at roughly 182 paid days a year with 12 hour shifts throughout the trip.
Do you get paid for travel days offshore?
On almost all UK offshore contracts, yes. The day rate is paid for every day of the rotation, including the day you fly out and the day you fly back, and the employer covers flights, the hotel the night before check in and the helicopter transfer.
How many hours a day do you work offshore?
Twelve hours a day, every day of the trip, normally 6am to 6pm or 6pm to 6am. There are no days off during a rotation, which is why the time at home is a full block rather than weekends.
Can you choose day shift or night shift offshore?
You can state a preference but the installation allocates shifts based on crew balance. New starters are frequently put on nights first. You stay on the same shift for the whole trip rather than rotating within it.