"smoky, moldy, filthy place with 4 other guys in bunks"
Hey, it sounds just like you've been working offshore already
Living conditions at the base are almost always better than on a platform, no matter how nice the living quarters and the inhabitants. Your best bet is to do everything in your power to prevent having to overnight offshore. The occasional offshore stay may be unavoidable when you're in the pool, but once you're ready to bid out of the pool, only bid on jobs that you know will get you to the beach each night. Call the pilot who currently works that job. If you do covet a job that includes offshore stays, always
always visit the platform first (or get a firsthand description from someone whose judgment you trust) before putting in a bid.