I take a sketchbook with me whenever I go offshore, and take every opportunity to record anything and everything that captures my attention. Operations in the offshore oil and gas industry routinely involve the most precise, delicate handling of some of the world's largest machinery, in an unforgiving environment. None of these operations could be successful without the expertise and dedication of the people who man these vessels and platforms, many of whom may spend months, or even up to a year, away from home at a time.  It a peculiar world that is perhaps a mystery to anybody who has not experienced it.