Client: UKCS Operator, International Drilling Contractor

Location: UK Continental Shelf.

Challenge: To enhance the learning experience and maximise knowledge retention for a complex HPHT Abandonment operation.

Solution: To combine various training methods into a coherent training package.


Background 

Initial enquiries from the customer required HPHT operations training for rig crew and operator personnel. Abandonment operations differ greatly from drilling operations, especially in the HPHT arena, so a bespoke series of courses and practical sessions were required to ensure that the training was targeted at the relevant areas.

Solution 

Aberdeen Drilling School (ADS) delivered bespoke classroom training that referenced the well operation and the rig specifics. Prior to the classroom training ADS were engaged to conduct a compliance analysis for the drilling rig against industry best practices (MCoSP Vol17 and API Std 53), to attend the AWOP session organised by the Operator and to compile HPHT procedures to be included in the Well Control Manual. Combining the rig and well knowledge obtained from this pre-work, a series of bespoke classroom and rig-floor simulator courses were developed and delivered. The classroom training was followed up by operational coaching, on-the rig and supplemented by the deployment of a portable drilling simulator to reinforce learnings from the classroom and shore-based simulator room.

Outcome 

Combining these teaching methods ensured that course participants remained engaged with the project and meant that the local issues that had been identified in the project plan could be addressed in the classroom and simulator before execution of the abandonment project. In addition, procedures trialled in the simulator environment could be transferred to the rig environment and to be reinforced during the offshore coaching phase of the training.

“Very engaging discussions on practical applications”  – Drilling Engineer

“The instructor was outstanding in course delivery, and extremely knowledgeable of subject matter and soft skills”  – Staff Wells Supervisor