While entry-level jobs on oil rigs are plentiful and technically don't require any experience, few companies will hire a "green hand" to work on their billion-dollar platforms. In general, oil rig workers only need to be 18 or older, have a high school diploma, and pass a pre-employment drug test. Successful applicants have usually pursued oil rig training independently or bring transferable skills to the job. All workers must meet certain minimum standards and certifications to work on an oil rig. Since many oil rigs are in international waters or even in foreign countries, it is important to be aware of what documents you'll need if you must enter another country for the work. Most companies will arrange for a current work visa for people working outside their native country. Oil rig jobs are available in some of the world's most exotic locations, including the coasts of Africa and the waters of Southeast Asia. Workers from other regions often get jobs in these areas, but they must complete a full course of immunizations before they will be hired. Some of the most common required vaccinations include Hepatitis A; Hepatitis B; Tetanus; Polio; Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR); Meningitis; Typhoid Fever; Seasonal Influenza; and Yellow Fever. Many trade schools and colleges offer classes on various facets of the oil industry, including oil rig work. Most classes blend coursework with hands-on field experience. Companies often provide training for workers looking to advance their careers in specialized fields. All offshore workers are required to earn an Offshore Survival & Firefighting certificate. Specialized workers like electricians, scaffolders, and welders must hold a state-issued license or certificate in order to work on a rig.

Summary: Determine whether you meet the basic requirements. Ask about the work visa requirements. Get the necessary immunizations. Find specialized training courses. Complete the required certifications.

We all have different thresholds for functioning while sick. You are allowed to let yourself feel bad and rely on your support system. If you have children or other important responsibilities that can't be missed, delegate them to people you trust. Being sick can make you lonely and temporarily stop your social life. While it's good to take time for yourself, realize when you need support and who best can fulfill this need. Specifically, calling your mom can bring you the feeling of ease that only she can bring. Remember when she used to bring you chicken soup when you were young? Whether you're asking someone to help with your kids or a co-worker to take over a presentation, be as detailed as possible. Write down all pertinent information and ask them to repeat it so you know that they've understood. Utilize a checklist to help keep track of every detail needed to be done.

Summary: Acknowledge that you are too sick to perform your normal functions. Call a friend or family member. Give detailed instructions.

A good policy is to breathe in as one arm leaves the water, then breathe out as the other leaves the water. Repeat this pattern with deep breaths to keep your breath steady. Deep, steady breathing is important even though the backstroke allows you to breathe whenever you want. Breathing at a regular pace allows you to keep your backstroke up (with good form) for as long as possible. As you approach a wall, turn over on to your front so you can see where you're going. Make sure to get a stroke count (the number of backstroke strokes it takes you to get from the flags to the wall), as it will help greatly with your flip turn. When finding your stroke count, count from the flags all the way until you hit the wall. Try taking one stroke off of your stroke count when you do your flip turn. Experiment a little bit, and see what works and is the most comfortable for you. Once you've figured your stroke count, as you take your last stroke on your back, gradually flip your body over, and simultaneously take one freestyle stroke, and use the stroke to pull yourself into the wall. This motion might feel a bit awkward at first, but keep practising it, and it will soon feel natural. Then, somersault forward underwater, then stretch your legs out to plant your feet on the wall. Kick off with your legs as you squeeze your arms to your ears and make a "point" with your hands. Stay in a tight streamline until you resurface. Keep up a streamline kick until you break the surface, then start your stroke again. It can take a little practice to learn when exactly to turn over onto your front. Ideally, you want to do it when you're just a stroke or two from the edge of the pool. When you're swimming in an indoor pool, you can use the ceiling to make sure you don't veer off-course. Look for a line or pattern in the ceiling material. As you swim, keep your eyes open and focused on the ceiling. Keep this pattern oriented the same way as you swim to keep yourself travelling in a straight line. If you're swimming outside, you have fewer options. If there are clouds out, you can keep the clouds oriented the same way to travel in a straight line. If not, try keeping the sun on the same side of your body. Keeping your bearings when it's overcast is difficult since you have few visible reference points.

Summary: Breathe once per arm cycle. Use flip turns to turn around quickly. If indoors, use the ceiling to keep yourself straight.

Fill the blender carafe halfway with warm water. Then, add a few drops of liquid dish detergent. Blend on a low setting for about a minute until the carafe is thoroughly sudsy. Then, pour out the soapy mixture and rinse until clean. Make sure that the lid is secure! If the lid comes off, then you'll get soapy water everywhere! After you clean the inside of the carafe, leave the jug upside-down on a drying rack. At the very least, wait to put the lid back onto the blender jug until the inside is completely dry. A moist interior can lead to condensation and provide an environment for bacterial growth.
Summary: Blend dish soap. Allow the blender to air-dry.