The Role of Well Control Training in Developing Safe Onshore and Offshore Oil Drilling Operations

Abstract

This research investigates the role of the International Well Control Forum (IWCF) Rotary Drilling Well Control Training Program in developing safe oil drilling operations from the perspective of onshore and offshore drilling crews. The research methodology is a qualitative case study. A total of 40 IWCF candidates were interviewed, with 10 from each of the following categories: surface driller, surface supervisor, subsea driller, and subsea supervisor. The findings of this study indicate that IWCF Rotary Drilling Well Control as a technical training program increases the competence level of drilling personnel in well control situations. Nevertheless, this improvement cannot be generalized to other well control training programs. Additional research would be beneficial to examine whether other well control training programs in comparison to IWCF could develop the competence level among drilling crews.