Navigating the Drill Deck: Your Step-by-Step Guide to Becoming a Rig Driller
The vast ocean whispers, and you hear the call of the oil rig. Becoming a rig driller is an exciting and challenging career path, demanding both physical prowess and mental dexterity. To set sail on this journey, here’s your step-by-step guide:
Charting the Course: Education and Training
- High School Diploma: This is the minimum requirement. Strong performance in math, science, and technology courses lays the foundation.
- Vocational Training: Consider enrolling in a drilling technician or petroleum technology program at a community college or vocational school. These programs offer hands-on training in rig operations, safety procedures, and equipment maintenance.
- Associate’s Degree: While not always required, some employers prefer candidates with an associate’s degree in a related field like petroleum engineering or marine technology.
Building Your Sea Legs: Certifications
- Offshore Safety Induction and Emergency Training (OSIET): This internationally recognized certification verifies your competency in basic safety and survival skills at sea. It’s your passport to the rig floor.
- Well Control Training: Mastering wellbore pressure and preventing blowouts is crucial. Comprehensive well control training equips you for this critical responsibility.
- Additional Certifications: Depending on your desired specialization, consider certifications like Advanced Rigging, Crane Operator, or First Aid/CPR. Each adds another valuable skill to your toolbox.
Gaining Seafaring Experience:
- Entry-Level Positions: Start by joining the crew as a roustabout or deckhand. These roles provide invaluable experience in rig operations, teamwork, and safety protocols. Learn the ropes from the ground up.
- Apprenticeship Programs: Many drilling companies offer apprenticeship programs that blend on-the-job training with classroom instruction. These programs can last 1-4 years and lead to a journeyman driller position. Seek your mentor within the industry.
Climbing the Rig: Experience and Advancement
- Journeyman Driller: With experience and additional certifications, you can progress to a journeyman driller. This is where you take the helm, operating the drilling rig and supervising the crew. Your expertise commands respect.
- Toolpusher: This supervisory role oversees all drilling operations on the rig. Extensive experience and leadership skills are your keys to navigating this complex position.
Bonus: Here are some links to specific training programs to help you set sail:
- Maersk Training:https://www.maersktraining.com/
- Offers a variety of offshore training programs, including:
- Well Control Training: https://www.maersktraining.com/first-ever-virtual-well-control/
- Control of Work (CoW): https://www.maersktraining.com/esb/course/control-of-work-cow-for-maersk-drilling/
- Drilling Wellbore Abandonment: https://pdfcoffee.com/maersk-training-centre-well-control-training-manual-pdf-free.html
- Crane Operator Training: https://www.maersktraining.com/dk/course/dnv-maersk-training-offshore-crane-stage-1/
- Locations in Denmark, Norway, and Singapore.
- Offers a variety of offshore training programs, including:
Other Companies:
- National Center for Offshore and Marine Engineering (India):https://ncgb.in/
- Offers a variety of offshore training courses, including:
- Offshore Drilling Technician: https://nesc.edu.tt/programme/drilling-rig-operations-diploma/
- Well Control Training: https://www.wellcontrol.com/
- Marine Engineering: https://ncgb.in/
- Locations in India.
- Offers a variety of offshore training courses, including:
- Australian Marine & Offshore Academy (Australia):https://amo-au.com/
- Offers a variety of offshore training programs, including:
- Drilling Rig Operator: https://amo-au.com/
- Well Control Training: https://amo-au.com/
- Offshore Survival: https://amo-au.com/
- Offers a variety of offshore training programs, including:
Read our other articles about certification and recruitment