Well-control trainer expanding syllabus

Sept. 24, 2013
The International Well Control Forum, an independent standards-setting group focused on well-control training and accreditation, is expanding its syllabus to address subjects identified as causes of major incidents.

The International Well Control Forum, an independent standards-setting group focused on well-control training and accreditation, is expanding its syllabus to address subjects identified as causes of major incidents.

The group said its actions respond to recommendations made by the International Association of Oil & Gas Producers after the Macondo incident in the Gulf of Mexico in 2010 (OGJ Online, Sept. 20, 2013). Both groups are based in the UK.

In addition to reviewing its syllabus, the IWCF is adding role-specific training to its courses.

It said new subjects will include assurance of well integrity through the life cycle of the well; barrier management, casing, and cementing; and risk assessment, contingency management, and implementation.

IWCF said it will continually review its syllabus to incorporate the latest equipment, practices, and incident data. It also will introduce well-operations crew-resource management training to cover nontechnical skills.

Since its founding by oil and gas operators in 1992, the group has certified more than 160,000 workers through 210 training centers.