Abstract Heightened levels of industry activity have put an increased focus on all types of training, particularly in the critical area of well control. The development of competent personnel capable of recognizing, avoiding and mitigating well control situations requires industry-developed systems capable of establishing necessary training standards and quality assurance programs that monitor training provider performance, both essential elements for ensuring proper skills development through fit-for-purpose training.
The Well Control Accreditation Program (WellCAP) operated by the International Association of Drilling Contractors (IADC) is designed to provide the drilling industry the building blocks for a comprehensive "well control culture" beginning at the floorhand level and continuing to the most seasoned drilling personnel.
Rig workers are introduced to the basics of well control equipment at the Introductory Level. Simulator exercises provide a higher level of practical knowledge at the Fundamental Level, recommended for Derrickmen, Assistant Drillers and Drillers. More complex simulator exercises and calculations are a component of the Supervisory Level, designed for drillers, toolpushers, superintendents and drilling foremen. WellCAP Plus is the latest addition to IADC's WellCAP system, which introduces a new learning model focus on highly experienced employees.
Since the program was first implemented in 1995, WellCAP's curriculum offerings have evolved steadily to keep abreast of industry needs.
Introduction WellCAP was the first industry-developed training standard and training provider accreditation program for drilling well control. When implemented in the mid-1990s, it broke new ground with a "core curriculum" for well control training as well as procedures and criteria for evaluating multiple facets of a training provider's operations - from facilities and equipment to testing practices and instructor qualifications. It also introduced a new role for IADC as a group charged with monitoring and auditing training provider performance to ensure adherence to its standards. Since the original implementation, these elements have continuously evolved - and are still doing so - to improve training effectiveness and the strength of the program.
Originally released with only a core curriculum for drilling, the program now also addresses workover and completion, coiled tubing, snubbing and wireline operations, and underbalanced operations/managed pressure driling. The system has been widely accepted by Operators, Contractors and Service Companies, and has been adopted as the internal standard for companies such as Chevron, Occidental, Petrobras, Pemex, Diamond Offshore, Transocean, and Nabors International.