IWCF launches first free training for basic well control awareness

MONTROSE, Scotland -- The International Well Control Forum (IWCF) has launched a global online training course, which will be free to everyone in the industry to increase knowledge around what can cause a well blowout and potential oil spill incident.

The interactive e-learning has been developed in response to the International Association of Oil & Gas Producers (IOGP) recommendations following the Macondo well blowout, which stated an introductory level 1 awareness training should be introduced. IWCF is the first organization to achieve this and is offering the course free of charge through its website, supporting the organization’s aim to increase competency and change behavior in this safety-critical operation.

IWCF already offers the higher levels, 2, 3 and 4, which are targeted specifically at those involved with well and drilling operations, but plans for the new level 1 training to be accessible by everyone with an interest in the industry.

“It is important to us, particularly in the current climate within the industry, to give something back and by making this training readily available we believe that it will help to increase understanding of how well control events can occur and their consequences and prevention,” David Price, CEO of IWCF, said. “The training is open to everyone, it is specifically aimed at those in the industry with a secondary involvement in well operations but students considering a career in oil and gas or anyone else with an interest in the industry will also find it insightful.”

The online training modules will start with a scene setter on how reservoirs are formed and the lifecycle of a well through to drilling and intervention activity and finally hazards, prevention methods and industry techniques to deal with a blowout with real life examples on Macondo and other incidents. Each module can be easily completed in half a day with the whole course taking around two days.

“Understanding the basic elements of well control is crucial to improving the overall safety of the offshore industry, which is why a level 1 course was recommended in IOGP’s 476 report,” Huw Roberts, UK drilling manager at E.ON E&P UK and a member of IOGP’s Wells Committee, said. “Members have welcomed this first level 1 course, which answers these recommendations. This is an important step in well control training and offers the opportunity to increase well competency across the industry and beyond.”