What to Expect on Your First Swing

Your first FIFO swing can feel overwhelming. You're in a new environment, with new people, following routines you've never experienced. That's normal.

Here's everything you need to know to walk in confident and prepared.

Before You Fly: What to Pack

Your employer will send a packing list. Follow it carefully — but here's what most people wish they'd known:

The Flight and Arrival

At the Airport

FIFO flights are different from regular travel:

• Check-in at a dedicated FIFO terminal or area
• You'll need photo ID and possibly a site access card
• Bag weight limits are strictly enforced — usually 15-20kg
• Flights are often early morning (5-6am departure)

Arriving on Site

When you land:

• Buses will take you from the airstrip to camp
• You'll go through site induction (could take half a day or more)
• You'll be assigned your room and shown around camp
• First-day nerves are normal — everyone's been there

Camp Life

Your Room

Most modern camps have single rooms with:

• Single bed, wardrobe, desk, TV
• En-suite bathroom (shower, toilet)
• Air conditioning
• WiFi (quality varies by site)

Rooms are cleaned regularly. You're responsible for basic tidiness.

The Mess (Dining Hall)

All meals are provided and included. Most camps have:

• Breakfast, lunch, and dinner at set times
• Packed lunch options ("crib") for taking to work
• Multiple options including hot meals, salad bar, sandwiches
• 24-hour access to snacks and drinks

Quality varies by site, but most people are pleasantly surprised. It's not five-star, but it's hearty and there's plenty of it.

Facilities

Most camps offer:

• Gym — usually well-equipped
• Rec room — pool tables, TV, games
• Outdoor areas — some have pools, basketball courts
• Laundry — free washing machines and dryers
• Shop/"wet mess" — for snacks, toiletries (some sites have limited alcohol)

The Work Routine

Typical Shift Structure

Most operations run 12-hour shifts:

• Day shift: Usually 6am - 6pm
• Night shift: Usually 6pm - 6am

A Typical Day

• 5:00am — Wake up, shower
• 5:30am — Breakfast in mess
• 5:50am — Bus to work area
• 6:00am — Pre-start meeting/toolbox talk
• 6:30am — Start work
• 12:00pm — Lunch break (usually 30 mins)
• 6:00pm — End shift, bus back to camp
• 6:30pm — Dinner, shower, relax
• 9:00pm — Most people are in bed

Pre-Start Meetings

Every shift begins with a pre-start or "toolbox" meeting:

• Safety updates and hazard alerts
• Work allocation for the day
• Weather and environmental conditions
• Questions and concerns

Pay attention, ask questions if unsure, and don't be late.

First Swing Survival Tips

Do:

• Listen more than you talk — Learn before you offer opinions
• Ask questions — It shows you take safety seriously
• Be early to everything — The bus won't wait
• Introduce yourself — Learn names, be friendly
• Look after your body — Sleep, eat well, hydrate
• Call home — Stay connected with family

Don't:

• Complain about the food, rooms, or roster — It marks you as difficult
• Pretend to know things you don't — Ask, don't guess
• Skip breaks or meals — You need fuel for 12-hour days
• Isolate yourself — Camp can feel lonely if you don't engage
• Skimp on sleep — Fatigue is a safety issue

Adjusting to Night Shift

If your roster includes night shift:

• Sleep environment: Use earplugs and a sleep mask. Make your room as dark as possible.
• Eat appropriately: Have a proper meal before shift. Light snacks during. Avoid heavy food before sleeping.
• The flip: Transitioning from nights to days (or vice versa) takes a few days. Don't plan big activities for changeover days.

Your First Swing Will Be Hard

Let's be honest: your first swing will probably be tough. You'll be tired. You'll miss home. You'll make mistakes.

That's completely normal. Everyone goes through it.

By your third or fourth swing, it becomes routine. By your tenth, you'll forget what a big deal it once seemed.

The workers who succeed are the ones who show up, stay positive, and keep learning. You've got this.