Blade Stall wrote: One of the appeals for me for these companies is the fact they do a lot of SAR and medical helicopter work, is this a possibility for an offshore pilot with one of these companies? Or is it another case of apply for it when it comes up like everyone else?
For me this is at least a decade and a bit away, so if no one has an answer it's not a really big deal.
In answer to the first part, CHC have dedicated SAR machines serving on RAAF contracts around Australia although there is generally not too many hours to be had. Some reports suggest an average of 150hrs a year for some of the quieter bases. Despite the low annual flying rate, this is a great way to gain an entry level position as a co-pilot and work your way slowly up the ladder.
CHC also operate EMS machines on community and full government EMS/SAR contracts although these positions, as far as pilots are concerned, are for those with a reasonable amount of experience.
In general, offshore flying is just that...offshore. That said, a level of basic SAR capability is maintained and both CHC and Bristow regularly perform SAR training as a secondary role. This 'slowly' looks like changing to hopefully a more full-time role as oil and gas producing companies look to fund a dedicated capability for SAR for their offshore work force.
The final part of your post, suggesting you are around 10 years away from this, may not be entirely true. Some people aiming for offshore slots gain entry as a co-pilot in as little as 2-3 years out of a licence once they have completed their IREX and preferably ATPL subjects. It was suggested to me very early on to plan your career into the future...and this does not mean into week!!!