Oil and natural gas drilling rigs now operate in water as deep as two miles. Offshore oil and natural gas production is much more expensive than onshore (land-based) production.

How far out to sea are oil rigs?

Depending on the rig type, offshore rigs are rated to drill in water depths as shallow as 80 feet to as great as 12,000 feet. The greatest water depth a jackup can drill in is 550 feet, and many newer units have a rated drilling depth of 35,000 feet.

Where are offshore oil rigs located?

The North Sea and the Gulf of Mexico (United States) are home to many offshore rigs, totaling 184 rigs and 175 rigs, respectively as of January 2018.

Is there cell phone service on oil rigs?

Even cellular services can be accessible at some locations offshore. Specifically, the US Gulf of Mexico has cellular towers installed offshore that allow cellular communications from rigs and platforms near the coast to onshore locations, allowing offshore workers to communicate through their own private cell phones.

Can you see oil rigs on Google Maps?

Most oil platforms can not be seen in Google Earth. This is because Google and its imagery providers do not bother with imagery of the oceans far from the coast unless there is something of particular interest. Many of the oil rigs show plumes of smoke but these are normal gas flares.

How far are oil rigs off Galveston?

In the warm subtropical waters of the Gulf of Mexico, roughly 100 nautical miles off of Galveston, Texas, one platform has become a hotspot for divers and snorkelers.

Can you have your phone on an oil rig?

Taking pictures on an offshore oil rig is serious business. For starters, due to the risk of flammable gas coming up the oil well, normal electronics are banned outside the living quarters. Smartphones are strictly forbidden and regular cameras require “hot work permits” be opened prior to use.