Drilling Well Control

PROGRAMME OBJECTIVES

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 IWCF syllabus, to prepare them for their assessment.

IWCF follow IOGP recommendations as to what course levels candidates should sit. Download a copy of the latest IOGP 476 Levels Guidance here.

Different levels of training require different assessments and are valid for varying lengths:

  • Level 2 training consists of two assessments. If passed, the certificate is valid for 5 years.
  • Level 3 and 4 training consists of two assessments and a practical assessment using simulator equipment. If passed, the certificate is valid for 2 years.

The learning element of  a Level 2 course can be completed online, however the assessment must be completed at an accredited training centre. For Level 3 and 4 courses, both the learning and assessment elements must be completed at an accredited training centre.

Our Enhanced programme is also available to candidates who have previously attended their suitable level of role based training and achieved at least an 80% pass mark on the previous two examinations. Click here for more information on our Enhanced programme.

PROGRAMME STRUCTURE

Level 2 – Drilling and Wells Personnel Basic Training (equivalent to old Introductory level)

Level 3 – Available for any role expected to shut in a well (equivalent to old Driller level)

Level 4 – Well Site Supervisor Training (equivalent to old Supervisor level)

Candidates can undertake either Surface BOP operations or Combined Surface and Subsea operations.

 

Download Drilling Level 2 Syllabus:  Drilling Syllabus – Level 2

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

Drilling Well Control Assessments

Only one type of assessment is allowed for each candidate per session. To pass the assessment and get a certificate, candidates must achieve a minimum mark of 70% in each section of the assessment.

Each candidate is required to complete two written test papers which include multiple choice questions and Kill Sheet calculations.

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 written or digital assessments at centres which have been approved and accredited for the certification programme.

Following a review of candidate feedback and online reporting, on 1st December 2018 we implemented a short term solution to give candidates more time to complete their assessments. This will continue to be reviewed, however our current assessment durations are:

Level 2:

  • 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.

Level 3:

  • 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.

Level 4:

  • 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.

PRACTICAL ASSESSMENT

Candidates undertaking a Level 3 or 4 course will also complete a practical assessment which is usually conducted in pairs of a driller level candidate and a supervisor level candidate.

Candidates must:

  • Set up for drilling
  • Recognise a drilling break and positive kick
  • Perform the shut-in within the shortest possible time by following the appropriate procedure
  • Complete the kill sheet and kill the well using the designated procedure (Wait & Weight or Driller’s Method)
  • Bring the pump up to kill speed maintaining constant bottom hole pressure
  • Operate the remote choke and make adjustments in accordance with the time delay to maintain constant bottom hole pressure
  • Complete the well kill operation.