Anatoliy joined the Company in 1991 after completing his military service. Almost 35 years have passed since then, and oil production has become his lifelong profession.

With the passage of time, equipment and technologies have advanced, manual labor has been substituted by automation in numerous processes, and Anatoliy is now imparting his knowledge to his junior colleagues. 

Here is his story about his first day at the oilfield, his work as an operator, and his crew.

On the first day in the profession.

“I remember my first day very well – August 27, 1991. Before that, I had never seen oil or a Well, so everything was new and exciting for me.”

With respect to today’s work

“I am the shift supervisor, so I am responsible not only for my own work but also for supervising my younger colleague. We monitor the equipment that pumps oil from the field and control the parameters on computers. If we see any deviations, we must react in time and resolve everything.”

On how the work has changed

“When I started, a lot of things were done manually. We used to open valves with an iron wrench, and you had to drive to the Well yourself, turn it on, and check how it was working on-site. Today, these processes are controlled automatically, and it has become much easier.” 

About young colleagues

“When young guys join us, we train them and guide them. I always say one thing: listen to the foreman, he knows this job and has the experience. The rest depends on the person and their willingness to learn and master the profession.”

About the crew

“We have a very close-knit crew. If something happens to someone, everyone pitches in immediately. When medical treatment is required, we combine our funds; if someone needs support, we visit them. We don’t leave our people behind.” 

Which led to a career that lasted a lifetime

“What does it mean to me to be an oilman? For me, it is no longer just a profession – it is a part of my life.”