Rotary Drilling Well Control

Programme Objectives

• The programme is aimed at persons in well control critical positions on drilling installations and onshore roles.
• Candidates are required to complete an IWCF accredited training course prior to sitting assessment.
• Course content will be taught according to the IWCF syllabus and will prepare candidates for the IWCF examinations and assessment.
• Assessment consists of
• Practical assessment using simulator equipment.
• Written testing.
• Certificates are valid for 2 years

Programme Structure

Candidates may choose to undertake either Surface BOP operations or Combined Surface and Subsea operations.

 Two levels are available for either option;

• Driller level
• Supervisor level

Programme Content

Content will include;

• Practical assessment;
• Well control equipment
• Kill sheet information
• Kicks while drilling/tripping
• Shut in procedures
• Shut in pressure observation
• Kill handling methods
• Kill problems
• Well control management

• Equipment Surface;
• Blowout Preventers
• BOP control systems
• Chokes and manifolds
• Auxiliary equipment
• Equipment Subsea;
• Blowout Preventers
• BOP control systems
• Chokes and manifolds

• Surface Principles and Procedures;
• Pre-recorded information.
• Causes of kicks.
• Kicks while drilling/tripping.
• Shut in procedures.
• Shut in pressures.
• Kill methods.
• Perform calculations.
• Kill problems.
• Well control management.
• Subsea Principles and Procedures.
• Slow circulating rates.
• Causes of kicks.
• Positive kick signs.
• Shut in procedures.
• Kill methods.
• Perform calculations.
• Kill problems.

 Examinations

The programmes comprise separate sets of tests for Surface BOP operations and Combined Surface and Subsea BOP operations.  The accredited centre must nominate the programme and level at which each candidate is to be certified.

Only one type of assessment is allowed for each candidate at a certification session.

To obtain a certificate, candidates must achieve a minimum mark of 70% in each section of the test programme.

Practical assessment

Candidates will undergo practical assessment as part of the IWCF certification process.

Assessment is normally conducted in pairs of a Driller level candidate and a Supervisor level candidate.

•  Set up for drilling.
• Recognise a drilling break and positive kick.
• Perform the shut-in within the shortest possible time in accordance with 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.

Equipment

Each candidate is required to complete a written test paper that includes multiple choice problem questions, the identification of equipment components and operating procedures; using diagrams and schematics. All candidates are allowed one hour to complete this section.

Principles and Procedures

Each candidate is required to complete a written test paper comprising multiple choice problems and Kill Sheet calculations.  All candidates are allowed between 1½ and 2 ½ hours to complete this section depending on the options taken.

Invigilation

Independent Invigilators registered and approved by the IWCF conduct the Principles and Procedures and Equipment written test.