Muscat Muscateers
Join Date: Aug 2000
Location: Middle East
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DD....
Hah! Yeah classic mate, I had forgotten that moment. I always remember when leaving NZ and Oz comments to the affect of 'why the hell would you want to go out there, no rain, no women, no beer and no fun!' and our photo from that day if I remember correctly was standing in a street of rain water with cans of beer in our hands, girlies in tow and idiot grins on our faces!
OK so we had to give the girls back to their owners but it was the principal of it that made it a magic moment!
Hah! Yeah classic mate, I had forgotten that moment. I always remember when leaving NZ and Oz comments to the affect of 'why the hell would you want to go out there, no rain, no women, no beer and no fun!' and our photo from that day if I remember correctly was standing in a street of rain water with cans of beer in our hands, girlies in tow and idiot grins on our faces!
OK so we had to give the girls back to their owners but it was the principal of it that made it a magic moment!
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: United Macedonia
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Info for everyone
Hi all,
I have read all the posts in the topic since I'm planning to move to the "lands of the sand" soon and I have to tell everyone who would choose Europe over ME that I've made million of calculations and my oppinion is that life in Europe is way toooo expensive.
I've been all over the world for the past couple of years and I'm trying to run away from Western Europe as far as possible(preferably ME).
So,if anyone wants my calculations etc. let me know.
BTW some info on the life in Oman would be highly appreciated.
I have read all the posts in the topic since I'm planning to move to the "lands of the sand" soon and I have to tell everyone who would choose Europe over ME that I've made million of calculations and my oppinion is that life in Europe is way toooo expensive.
I've been all over the world for the past couple of years and I'm trying to run away from Western Europe as far as possible(preferably ME).
So,if anyone wants my calculations etc. let me know.
BTW some info on the life in Oman would be highly appreciated.
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: SOMALIA
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hi
OMAN
after so many pages on this fourm,
some loves it and some hates it
we all (i think) came to one conclusion
*come here yourself and give it a try*
see for your self if it suit you or not
OMAN
after so many pages on this fourm,
some loves it and some hates it
we all (i think) came to one conclusion
*come here yourself and give it a try*
see for your self if it suit you or not
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: earth
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I’ve been reading this thread for a while. Most things Jaws wrote are 98% true, of the working conditions anyway. The point is, (no disrespect to BHD’s country), this is not on the standard of a 1st world country. This is a 3rd world developing country, put emphasis on developing. This indicates that the ACC is below what most expats expect. Strips are still being used (lots of them); procedures are nudging to get into shape and form. Point is, don’t take your contract on promises of future salaries or new ACC or new procedures, it most likely won’t happen while you are in Oman. The thing is, because of the fact that Oman is a developing country, you can still drive out to the dessert or beach, go camping or fishing, enjoy time with you family, depends on your priorities. I’m not talking about camp sites; I’m talking about raw beach where you can swim or camp more or less anywhere you would like. So, my advise; let someone know (controllers if you don’t know anyone else) when you will be arriving at Muscat Airport, there most likely will not be anyone from DGMAN waiting. Most important, not that I think you will be there that soon, don’t sign your contract with start date from now till December, you can’t carry over leave, so if you sign to start let’s say November, you will only have 8 days leave for December every year.
Join Date: May 2001
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So, my advise; let someone know (controllers if you don’t know anyone else) when you will be arriving at Muscat Airport, there most likely will not be anyone from DGMAN waiting.
Can't say what it is like now, but what was written by cripton was certainly not my experience.
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: SOMALIA
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DD you are a vip,they should have put the red carpets for you mate
cripton:what about the 2% that you dont agree with jaws on?and can we go totaly naked on those beaches you mentioned,coz that could be a bouns for some
cripton:what about the 2% that you dont agree with jaws on?and can we go totaly naked on those beaches you mentioned,coz that could be a bouns for some
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: USA
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Muscat ACC schedule
Just looking to clarify how the rotation works there. Is it a 9 or 10 calendar day rotation? (or did I misunderstand this totally) Where you lose me is coming off the last 11PM to 7AM. I hear about this "sleep day" that I assume is the remainder of the day in which you come of the last 11-7. Does this count as one of your 3 days off?
Is it:
a) Six work shifts over part of 7 calendar days, "sleep day" as first day off and then 2 more days off.
b) Six work shifts over part of 7 calendar days,"sleep day" (not as a day off) and then 3 other days off.
c) Other
What is the minimum number of hours between scheduled shifts?
How often are you scheduled overtime and what is the pay for overtime?
Thanks in advance. Very likely inbound early next year. Job offer in hand.
Is it:
a) Six work shifts over part of 7 calendar days, "sleep day" as first day off and then 2 more days off.
b) Six work shifts over part of 7 calendar days,"sleep day" (not as a day off) and then 3 other days off.
c) Other
What is the minimum number of hours between scheduled shifts?
How often are you scheduled overtime and what is the pay for overtime?
Thanks in advance. Very likely inbound early next year. Job offer in hand.
Join Date: Aug 2000
Location: Middle East
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Shifts when I was there and don't think it has changed greatly:
M M A A N N sleep Off Off Off
M : 0700 -1500
A : 1500 -2300
N : 2300 - 0700
There was an evening shift as well but I won't complicate things with that as I am not sure if it is still being used?
M M A A N N sleep Off Off Off
M : 0700 -1500
A : 1500 -2300
N : 2300 - 0700
There was an evening shift as well but I won't complicate things with that as I am not sure if it is still being used?
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: New Zealand
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Hi Fox,
Long time, no see. When are you in Muscat next? Stop in, bro.
Every evening shift, we have one guy/gal start at 2100 and they work until 0200-0300ish. Otherwise, the roster cycle, as stated, hasn't changed for 12 years or so.
For everyone contemplating Muscat as an employment option, just remember that money is not everything. It's not nothing but you'll never survive if it's your only aim. I always advise anyone coming here to have a firm plan B so that psychologically and physically, you can move when you want, when that last straw goes on the camel's back.
From someone who's been here 18 years, it's been a great time and I haven't regretted my time here regardless of the challenges. The traffic is a challenging mix and hectic at times, the lifestyle is what you make of it and my colleagues, both Omani and expat are, for the most part, a great bunch of poeple who laugh easily, a good sign.
In a nutshell, the pros far outweigh the cons. Come on over!
Long time, no see. When are you in Muscat next? Stop in, bro.
Every evening shift, we have one guy/gal start at 2100 and they work until 0200-0300ish. Otherwise, the roster cycle, as stated, hasn't changed for 12 years or so.
For everyone contemplating Muscat as an employment option, just remember that money is not everything. It's not nothing but you'll never survive if it's your only aim. I always advise anyone coming here to have a firm plan B so that psychologically and physically, you can move when you want, when that last straw goes on the camel's back.
From someone who's been here 18 years, it's been a great time and I haven't regretted my time here regardless of the challenges. The traffic is a challenging mix and hectic at times, the lifestyle is what you make of it and my colleagues, both Omani and expat are, for the most part, a great bunch of poeple who laugh easily, a good sign.
In a nutshell, the pros far outweigh the cons. Come on over!
Join Date: Aug 2000
Location: Middle East
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ATCO me ol mucker! Well things have been a little busy on the travel front chasing these environmentally challenged Formula 1 cars around the traps and my excuses for getting back down to the jewel of the Middle East have run out so I will see you in October! Ironically it is another F1 related issue that is bringing me there but that's another story, a few cold ales will be mandatory! 
Just piecing the days together now so hopefully we can get a cathcup and track down some of the other lads as well....blimey most of you must be in zimmer frames by now!!??
Will drop a line again soon, in the meantime I have to get back to this flow control malarki that some mob down the road...woops, wrong audience to be airing my dirty flow laundry!
Just piecing the days together now so hopefully we can get a cathcup and track down some of the other lads as well....blimey most of you must be in zimmer frames by now!!??
Will drop a line again soon, in the meantime I have to get back to this flow control malarki that some mob down the road...woops, wrong audience to be airing my dirty flow laundry!
Join Date: Jun 2007
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Muscat Shift Cycle
Vector361
Yes it is a 10 day Calendar rotation. Option B is correct.
As Fox3 said, rotation is; M,M,E,E,N,N,Rest,OD,OD,OD = 10 days
- M=0700-1500, E=1500-2300, N=2300-0700
- Finish at 0700L on your 7th day of the cycle, Go home and sleep.
- Days 8,9,10 are Off Duty.
- Day 11 = Day 1 of new Cycle. M shift starting at 0700L
All rostered times between shifts are either 16hrs or 24hrs. Maybe once a month 11.5hrs for an LE Shift (see below)
Minimum time between shifts is 9hrs. This will only happen if you make a shift swap at YOUR discretion. e.g. You agree to do an Evening shift (1500-2300) before a morning shift (0700-1500) i.e. only 8 hrs between shifts. You will get either last hr off Evening shift, or first hr off Morning shift, providing 9 hrs between shifts. With good negotiation you can get both hrs off, i.e. 10 hrs between shifts. Remember this only occurs due to a shift swap at your discretion.
Late Evening (LE) Shift - ONCE per calendar month you MAY be rostered the LE shift.
- It will replace either of the E shifts in one of your standard cycles.
- Start time is 2100L (normally that day you would have started at 1500)
- You are rostered on duty until 0330L i.e. 6.5hr shift length, however...
- If the Night shift Watch starting at 2300L has it's full compliment of staff i.e. no one has called in sick or absent - you are released from duty at 2300L, therefore doing only a 2 hr shift. Go home & be happy.
Overtime - Zero. There is no provision or requirement for overtime.
You never have to stay longer than 8hrs, (unless a cyclone destroys the countrys highways and the next Watch can not make it to work due to floods.)
In cases of increased sickness when a watch is left short of staff, management will call staff on Off Duty days to VOLUNTEER to come in to work to cover the shift. You will be compensated with (two) days in leu, i.e. 2 individual days you can take off at a later date. These are hard to use up, so are not much of an incentive therefore the request is turned down by most controllers. No extra pay - ever.
Enjoy
Yes it is a 10 day Calendar rotation. Option B is correct.
As Fox3 said, rotation is; M,M,E,E,N,N,Rest,OD,OD,OD = 10 days
- M=0700-1500, E=1500-2300, N=2300-0700
- Finish at 0700L on your 7th day of the cycle, Go home and sleep.
- Days 8,9,10 are Off Duty.
- Day 11 = Day 1 of new Cycle. M shift starting at 0700L
All rostered times between shifts are either 16hrs or 24hrs. Maybe once a month 11.5hrs for an LE Shift (see below)
Minimum time between shifts is 9hrs. This will only happen if you make a shift swap at YOUR discretion. e.g. You agree to do an Evening shift (1500-2300) before a morning shift (0700-1500) i.e. only 8 hrs between shifts. You will get either last hr off Evening shift, or first hr off Morning shift, providing 9 hrs between shifts. With good negotiation you can get both hrs off, i.e. 10 hrs between shifts. Remember this only occurs due to a shift swap at your discretion.
Late Evening (LE) Shift - ONCE per calendar month you MAY be rostered the LE shift.
- It will replace either of the E shifts in one of your standard cycles.
- Start time is 2100L (normally that day you would have started at 1500)
- You are rostered on duty until 0330L i.e. 6.5hr shift length, however...
- If the Night shift Watch starting at 2300L has it's full compliment of staff i.e. no one has called in sick or absent - you are released from duty at 2300L, therefore doing only a 2 hr shift. Go home & be happy.
Overtime - Zero. There is no provision or requirement for overtime.
You never have to stay longer than 8hrs, (unless a cyclone destroys the countrys highways and the next Watch can not make it to work due to floods.)
In cases of increased sickness when a watch is left short of staff, management will call staff on Off Duty days to VOLUNTEER to come in to work to cover the shift. You will be compensated with (two) days in leu, i.e. 2 individual days you can take off at a later date. These are hard to use up, so are not much of an incentive therefore the request is turned down by most controllers. No extra pay - ever.
Enjoy
Join Date: Sep 2009
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Thanx BHD
Doing some research on the Muscat area. First how far is the facility from....well everything (lol)...seeb.. muscat...etc. I'm single no kids ..so what's the best area for me....How's Shatti (pricey?). Could someone name some living areas or communities? Who knows of some nice areas ...not shaby...but not insanely overpriced. Don't mind paying a little extra for quality living (but not trying to get killed in rent as well). How much would it be to lease something like a Toyota RAV4?
Join Date: Dec 2007
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Obsidian09
Have a look at Google Maps (although it's a bit ouf of date) it will give you an idea of the lay out of the town.
Where you want to live might depend on what you are planning on doing in your spare time - alot of the social activities are based around the Qurm, Medinat Qaboos area.
Qurm is quite a drive after a night shift (7am finish) when you are fighting the rush hour traffic to get home.
Areas where some of the controllers have/are living in are:
Al Hail, Al Azaiba, Al Ghubra and Bawshar.
It used to take me about 20 minutes from Al Ghubra on a good day and the worst day was 2 hours (after some rain).
Where you want to live might depend on what you are planning on doing in your spare time - alot of the social activities are based around the Qurm, Medinat Qaboos area.
Qurm is quite a drive after a night shift (7am finish) when you are fighting the rush hour traffic to get home.
Areas where some of the controllers have/are living in are:
Al Hail, Al Azaiba, Al Ghubra and Bawshar.
It used to take me about 20 minutes from Al Ghubra on a good day and the worst day was 2 hours (after some rain).
good info thanx
Join Date: Feb 2006
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Obsidian09,
One of the controllers lives in a two bed room apartment in Shatti and he's paying 900 rials a month (some 2320 USD). In comparison, my two bed room apartment, in Al Ghubra, is 375 OMR. Villas are starting at some 2000 rials a month in Shatti. It is beautiful area, but it comes with a price.
One of the controllers lives in a two bed room apartment in Shatti and he's paying 900 rials a month (some 2320 USD). In comparison, my two bed room apartment, in Al Ghubra, is 375 OMR. Villas are starting at some 2000 rials a month in Shatti. It is beautiful area, but it comes with a price.