IWCF‘s Well Control in Design and Lifecycle Management programme is designed for engineers, supervisors and managers in key roles related to well construction, well interventions and well integrity. This programme aims to ensure that these personnel are equipped with the knowledge and skills needed to prevent well control incidents and manage wells effectively throughout the well lifecycle. 

While levels 1-4 of well control training do not focus on the crucial well design, planning and maintenance phases,  IWCF‘s Well Control in Design and Lifecycle Management programme offers an aspirational certification for these key roles.  

Aligned with our overarching goal to ensure no risk to life, assets or the natural environment, this innovative programme aims to enhance safety and reduce the number of well control incidents. 

 

What are the objectives of the programme? 

The programme aims to: 

  • Recognise the impact that design, planning and programming can have on the construction phase and on well integrity assurance throughout the lifecycle of the well.   
  • Identify and specify well control actions that can be taken when working outside of the normal operating envelope.  
  • Ensure that engineers in office-based functions have well control competence in support of rig/wellsite operations.  

 

What topics does it cover? 

The latest revision of IOGP report 476 included an update on topics that should be included in the programme. For a better overall learning experience, IWCF have separated those into compulsory and optional topics. Programme applicants can also choose from the list of optional topics and can propose alternative topics for consideration.  

Compulsory topics include: 

  • Subsurface impact 
  • Holistic design 
  • Design uncertainties  
  • Barrier management 
  • Cement integrity  
  • Verification methods 
  • Dealing with pressure influx 
  • Lifecycle well integrity 
  • Risk management 

Optional topics include: 

  • Human and organizational performance 
  • Corrosion design and material selection 
  • Well maintenance 
  • Well integrity assurance 
  • Shallow gas 
  • Abandonment 
  • Tertiary well control 
  • Other lifecycle considerations 
  • Well planning considerations 
  • Barrier integrity assurance 
  • Regulatory requirements.  

 

How can I attend this training? 

Accredited training providers can be found on our website map. Simply search for ‘Well Control in Design and Lifecycle’ in the programme filter.’ Please contact your chosen training centre for upcoming course schedules and costs.  

 

How can my training provider become accredited to offer this programme? 

IWCF have recently published a guidance document for the Well Control in Design and Lifecycle Management programme. This provides a comprehensive overview of the programme, including: 

  • Course structure 
  • Candidate requirements 
  • Instructor requirements 
  • Accreditation applications 
  • Case study project 
  • Assessment information. 

The Well Control in Design and Lifecycle Management programme guidance can be downloaded here 

Please contact accreditation@iwcf.org if you have any questions.