News Cuttings

Shell to accept WellCAP as worldwide training standard

In a move that could greatly benefit drilling contractors, Shell International Exploration & Production has certified the use of IADC’s WellCAP as an acceptable form of well control training worldwide.

“The latest revision of the global Shell Pressure Control Manual now acknowledges WellCAP as an acceptable well control certification for both Shell company and contractor supervisors,” said Jeff Campbell, senior staff training specialist for Shell EP Americas. Mr Campbell, a member of the IADC WellCAP Review Panel, was a member of the internal team at Shell, responsible for updates of the company’s well control manual and certification of well control training programs.

Shell’s well control manual previously referenced only the IWCF standard, though some drilling contractors’ internal WellCAP programs were approved in some regions. In addition, Shell employees in the US have been trained to WellCAP as part of the company’s MMS Subpart O training plan.

Shell’s acceptance of WellCAP was applauded by Steve Kropla, IADC group vice president – operations & accreditation. “WellCAP focuses on training, while IWCF focuses on testing,” Mr Kropla said. “They are two different approaches, but the consensus of regulators around the world is that both provide the required basic foundation of well control training.”

Providing contractors the option of utilizing WellCAP will prevent redundant and unnecessary training, he added.

IADC is obtaining additional information from Shell regarding implementation of the new policy and any possible exceptions or limitations. These details would will be shared when available.

WellCAP has long been used as the internal training standard for several major operators, including Chevron, Occidental Petroleum, Petrobras and PEMEX. A number of major drilling contractors also utilize WellCAP for their in-house well control training, and a far greater number have their employees trained to WellCAP standards by commercial training providers.

WellCAP instruction is currently given in 14 languages by 103 accredited providers, with training at more than 450 locations in 52 countries. Nearly 30,000 WellCAP certificates were issued in 2007.

North Sea Chapter makes donation to Anthony Nolan Trust

The IADC North Sea Chapter (NSC) has donated £4,660 to support the Anthony Nolan Trust, one of two charities benefiting from funds raised at the chapter’s Annual Safety Awards in May.

Chapter chairman Steve Rae of Seawell chose the Anthony Nolan Trust as one of this year’s beneficiaries in memory of former chapter officer Henry Lamond, Cameron’s VP sales and marketing for drilling systems in Europe, Africa, Middle East and Far East. Mr Lamond passed away in a car accident in January this year. Mr Rae paid tribute to Mr Lamond, referring to his long association with the chapter and as a respected member of the oil and gas community.

Lynn Lamond accepted the cheque in memory of her late husband on behalf of the Anthony Nolan Trust. “Several years ago, Henry was able to have life-saving treatment, made possible by a donor contacted through the Anthony Nolan Trust Bone Marrow Register, and he remained a keen supporter of the Trust in the years that followed. We are therefore very grateful to the IADC North Sea Chapter for this donation, which will assist the Trust in continuing their fantastic work.”

Southern Arabian Peninsula Chapter supports charity event

To support charities helping special-needs children in Dubai and the anti-malaria effort in Uganda, the IADC Southern Arabian Peninsula Chapter is donating US$5,500 to the UAE Charity Challenge. The event involves a team of four non-professional riders riding motorbikes for six days over more than 2,200 km in a desert on the UAE and Saudi border.

UBO RP available

The IADC Underbalanced Operations & Managed Pressure Drilling Committee has announced the availability of a new Recommended Practice document. Titled “API RP 92U, Underbalanced Operations, 1st Edition,” the document was written by the UBO & MPD Committee and submitted to the API for adoption and publication.

“The recommendations presented in this publication are based on extensive and wide-ranging industry experience,” remarked John Ramalho, Shell, who chaired the IADC Task Group. “Our goal was to assist the industry in conducting underbalanced drilling operations safely and responsibly in both onshore and offshore environments.”

RP 92U includes chapters on planning, equipment, well control, circulating media, wellbore integrity, site safety and supervision. UBD operations are described in detail for various levels of UBD wells as defined by the IADC Well Classification System for Underbalanced Operations and Managed Pressure Drilling.