Yes, OI GOM offers one of the lowest, if not lowest, rates around. But for someone looking to get into the business and not have to pay for one of the useless ROV Schools out there then its a good idea. Most that make the cut and go on to work offshore and do their required term to repay their schooling will eventually get tired of the offshore life and quit or will move on to greener pastures with experience under their belts and make more money.
What alot of people don't take into account is that the cost of living is alot cheaper in the U.S., and especially in the Southern U.S. where Oceaneering is located, than it is in the U.K./Europe, so a lower rate here is actually equivalent to most (but not all) rates overseas when you take that into account. It is actually a decent living for the Gulf Coast area in America. A lot better than working construction on land or in the local factories in their home towns. But once they get out into the world, as someone already stated, they start to see that there are other options and opportunities available for them doing the exact same job they are doing in the GOM, but for alot more money! They just have to be willing to travel overseas and risk their heads, eat Fish Head Stew every night, and take the chance of catching some god awful disease. Or they might end up in some tropical paradise...its all up to them and how hungry they are for more. Some will, some wont. I am one of those that wanted more and am thankful for the start I was given but I decided I wanted more for myself and my family once I saw I could be paid double or triple what I was making doing the exact same thing I had been doing for a decade in the G.O.M. I don't regret the choice I made.
