Drilling Well Control Programme

Drilling Well Control Programme

This programme is designed for personnel in critical well control positions on drilling installations as well as onshore roles. Candidates will complete an IWCF-accredited training course, taught according to the IWCF syllabus, to prepare them for their assessment.

Candidates can undertake either surface BOP operations or combined surface and subsea operations.

Assessments are made up of multiple-choice problem questions. Candidates must be able to identify equipment components and operating procedures using diagrams and schematics.

Invigilators conduct the assessments at IWCF accredited training centres which have been approved for the certification programme.

Level 2:

Level 2 is recommended for well-site based positions whose action or inaction could directly influence well control assurance.

The learning element of a Level 2 course can be completed online; however, the assessment must be completed at an accredited training centre.

Download Drilling Level 2 Syllabus: Drilling Syllabus – Level 2

Duration:

• Minimum 20 hours

Assessment

• Consists of two theory assessments.
• Candidates must achieve a minimum mark of 70% in each assessment
• Surface Equipment: 1 hr 10 minutes
• Surface Principles and Procedures: 1 hr 45 minutes
• Combined Surface and Subsea Equipment: 1 hr 10 minutes
• Combined Surface and Subsea Principles and Procedures: 1 hr 45 minutes.

Certificate validity:

• Certificate is valid for 5 years.

Level 3

Level 3 is recommended for Equipment Operators who perform actions to prevent or respond to well control incidents

Download Drilling Well Control Level 3 and 4 Syllabus: Drilling Syllabus – Level 3 and 4

Duration:

• Minimum 32 hours

Assessment:

• Consists of two theory assessments and a practical assessment using simulator equipment.
• Candidates must achieve a minimum mark of 70% in each assessment
• Surface Equipment: 1 hr 10 minutes
• Surface Principles and Procedures: 1 hr 45 minutes
• Combined Surface and Subsea Equipment: 1 hr 10 minutes
• Combined Surface and Subsea Principles and Procedures: 2 hrs 15 minutes.

Certificate Validity:

• Certificate is valid for 2 years.

Level 4

Level 4 is recommended for Supervisors who oversee that correct actions are carried out.

Download Drilling Well Control Level 3 and 4 Syllabus: Drilling Syllabus – Level 3 and 4

Duration:

• Minimum 32 hours

Assessment:

• Consists of two theory assessments and a practical assessment using simulator equipment.
• Candidates must achieve a minimum mark of 70% in each assessment.
• Surface Equipment: 1 hr 10 minutes
• Surface Principles and Procedures: 2 hrs 45 minutes
• Combined Surface and Subsea Equipment: 1 hr 10 minutes
• Combined Surface and Subsea Principles and Procedures: 2 hrs 45 minutes.

Certificate Validity:

• Certificate is valid for 2 years.

Practical Assessment

Candidates undertaking a Level 3 or 4 course will also complete a practical assessment.

The practical assessments are role specific.

The Level 3 candidate will be assessed as the Driller, who is responsible for

• setting up the drill floor according to instructions
• recognising and responding correctly to a drilling break
• recognising and responding to an influx within an acceptable time frame
• handing over relevant information to the supervisor.

During the assessment, the assessor will play the role of the supervisor.

The Level 4 candidate will be assessed as the Supervisor, who is responsible for

• collecting shut-in data
• giving appropriate instructions to the driller on the kill method to be used
• correctly starting the operation
• recognising a problem
• taking the correct action.

The candidate must circulate the influx out of the well and shut down the kill operation before analysing the gauges and indicating the next actions to be taken.

During the assessment, the assessor will play the role of the driller.