Tales from the oil and gas fields and thereabouts

Originally, the author attempted to write an autobiography covering his career in the oil industry. This spanned a period of 34 years from its commencement in 1960 until 1994, although he is still employed occasionally as a consultant.The story starts when major discoveries were still being made, many at reasonable cost, the Seven Sisters still controlled the marketing and distribution of oil, concessions were awarded rather than production-sharing contracts and the rents were very reasonable. The whole corporate structure was much simpler - no one would dream of calling Exploration, a Business Generating Unit - the pace of activity much gentler and company loyalties sacrosanct.The author's aim, on joining, was to achieve various levels in exploration management over a spread of countries in which the company operated and to retire between 60 and 65, as a Regional Geologist in Head Office. He would be like one of those wise sages who interviewed him when he joined, with a wealth of experience behind him and possessing the geological skills necessary to pass judgment on come-what-may.As it happened, he was to experience several exciting years where he was closely associated with such giant discoveries as the Sarir Field in Libya, and Prudhoe Bay, Kuparuk River and Endicott in North Alaska. He wishes immediately to point out that he does not claim any responsibility for finding these fields. He defies anyone to do that. The discoveries were mostly due to luck, and, if anyone should be commended, it would be those individuals who were aggressive enough to ensure the company was in the right place at the right time. That, coupled with a judgement that was geologically sound, recognizing that most geologically feasible prospects are dry or unproductive.After this exciting interlude during which he was extremely fortunate to enjoy eight summers of field geology in Alaska, turmoil set in in the Industry. This was marked by mergers and acquisitions, incessant reorganizations and massive lay-offs. Economics and planning much of it unnecessary and fictional, played an even greater role in the business. The quick return on investment, so hostile to the exploration environment, was the order of the day.Thus, the latter part of his career marked the commencement of the decline of the major oil company. It was a period of continuous adjustment to changing circumstances as these companies were faced with ever-dwindling reserves and increasingly heavy rents, both from the countries where their resources lay and in those where they tried to sell them.This latter period has not been as happy a time as that of his earlier years. Obviously, there are few large discoveries about which to comment, but there also seem to be fewer characters around. Apparently, the pressure of today's business environment does not allow them to breed. There are probably more rogues and charlatans around who thrive on the uncertainties related to Exploration. With their glib tongues you can never prove them wrong and there is little to distinguish them superficially from the genuine and dedicated oil-finder.Two things postponed my effort to write an autobiography. I had to write the whole thing at once using a consistent style which did not easily allow for the many changes of mood. He would probably have passed over some of the many characters who contributed so much to his memories.