Well control training integrates psychological impacts

Seadrill has successfully piloted a new level training that combines simulated advanced technical and behavioural content, which will now be rolled out globally.

The weeklong course involves 12 people playing real-life scenarios using a fully immersive simulated drill rig, whilst being observed by a psychologist and an IWCF assessor. Participants are evaluated on their behaviour, interactions, and technical knowledge.

Maersk Training developed the training under the guidance of the International Well Control Forum (IWCF) and Seadrill will carry out two further courses this year before initiating the roll out.

David Gouldin, Drilling and Well Control Manager at Seadrill, said: “Seadrill invested heavily last year, both financially and with time, and set a higher well control pass mark of 80% and 90% for repeats. There was resistance, but we wanted to push people to improve and deliver higher levels of competency.”

Gouldin added: “To take this further, we started discussions with IWCF and Maersk Training about a tailored training course that would combine the highest level of technical simulation combined with Crew Resource Management. These techniques are used extensively by the aerospace and medical industries, but have still not been widely adopted by oil and gas, despite the known pressures and consequences of dealing with a well blow out. Combining behavioural training with bespoke technical content makes this a learning experience unlike standard well control training. It’s tough and demanding, but it will without a doubt drive up competency.”

The International Association of Oil and Gas Producers (IOGP) has welcomed the new standard.

Edited from press release by Angharad Lock

Read the article online at: https://www.oilfieldtechnology.com/hse/09092015/well-control-training-integrates-psychological-impacts-1365/