Drilling Operations Introductory

Course overview

Introductory well control training for rig crew and other personnel who need a working knowledge of the principles used to prevent, recognize and respond to an influx. The course develops the pressure, barrier, fluid and equipment fundamentals needed to understand how a well is kept under control and how the drilling team responds when a kick is suspected.

2 days (minimum 12 instructional hours; assessment time additional).

Why this course matters

Participants build the foundation needed for day-to-day rig involvement and future progression to role-specific Driller training. Emphasis is placed on recognizing changes in well behaviour, understanding shut-in logic, following well control drills and supporting the drilling team during a well control event.

Who should attend

• Rig crew up to derrickman level
• Junior drilling personnel
• Other technical staff who require introductory drilling well control knowledge before taking on a more direct well control role

Course content

• Well control concepts and pressure fundamentals
• Basic well control calculations
• Hydrostatic pressure and pressure balance
• Mud and pit management
• Risk awareness and management
• Causes of kicks and kick prevention
• Abnormal pressure warning signs
• Kick detection and confirmation
• Shut-in procedures and verification
• Post shut-in monitoring
• Well control drills and crew responsibilities
• Basic well control methods
• Kill sheet and pre-recorded data
• Well control equipment and BOP functions

Assessment and certification

• IADC WellSharp knowledge assessment. A minimum score of 75% is required.
• Successful candidates receive IADC WellSharp Drilling Operations – Introductory certification.
• Certificate validity: 5 years.
• Delivery is subject to the training centre’s approved IADC WellSharp scope and the applicable IADC programme requirements.