Drilling Operations and Well Control Fundamentals (OG-038) Training Course

Drilling Operations and Well Control Fundamentals

Drilling is one of the most expensive and hazardous activities in the oil and gas industry. Understanding drilling operations and well control principles is essential not…

5 daysClassroom or online

13Upcoming dates

7Cities

£2,750Fees from

Course overview

Why Attend

Drilling is one of the most expensive and hazardous activities in the oil and gas industry. Understanding drilling operations and well control principles is essential not only for drilling engineers but also for geoscientists, managers and support staff involved in well delivery.

This LLMI course provides a structured introduction to drilling rigs and equipment, well planning, drilling fluids, casing and cementing, directional drilling, drilling problems and well control principles including kick detection and shut-in procedures. Participants also explore drilling performance, cost control and safety management.

The course is practical and illustrated with real drilling scenarios. It is an awareness course and does not replace accredited well control certification.

Course Objectives

Describe drilling rigs, equipment and operations

Explain the well planning process

Understand drilling fluids, casing and cementing

Recognise drilling problems and mitigation

Explain well control principles and kick response

Understand drilling performance and cost management

Target Audience

Junior drilling engineers

Geologists and petroleum engineers

Drilling support and logistics staff

Contracts and procurement staff supporting drilling

Managers needing drilling knowledge

HSE professionals

Course Methodology

Illustrated technical presentations

Well planning exercises

Drilling problem case studies

Well control scenario discussions

Daily knowledge checks

Course outline

1Day 1: Drilling Rigs and Equipment

Rig types onshore and offshore
Hoisting, rotating and circulating systems
Drill string components
Rig personnel and roles
Drilling operations sequence
Exercise: Identifying rig components

2Day 2: Well Planning

Well objectives and design basis
Pore pressure and fracture gradient
Casing design basics
Drilling programme
Cost estimation
Exercise: Outline well plan

3Day 3: Drilling Fluids, Casing and Cementing

Functions of drilling fluids
Mud types and properties
Casing running
Cementing operations
Cement evaluation
Case study: Lost circulation event

4Day 4: Drilling Problems and Directional Drilling

Stuck pipe
Hole instability
Lost circulation
Directional and horizontal drilling
Measurement while drilling
Workshop: Diagnosing drilling problems

5Day 5: Well Control and Performance

Causes of kicks
Kick detection and shut-in
Well control methods overview
Blowout preventers
Drilling performance and safety
Capstone: Drilling scenario review

Frequently asked questions

How long is the Drilling Operations and Well Control Fundamentals course?

The course runs over 5 days of classroom training, usually Monday to Friday.

When is the next Drilling Operations and Well Control Fundamentals course?

The next public date is 21 - 25 Dec 2026 in Frankfurt. There are 13 upcoming dates in total.

Where is this course held?

Upcoming sessions run in Frankfurt, London, Istanbul, Vienna, Barcelona, Paris, Cape Town.

Can I take Drilling Operations and Well Control Fundamentals online?

Yes. Every date can also be joined live online in a virtual classroom with the trainer, for £1,280 per participant. Choose "Live online" in the dates table when you register.

How much does the course cost?

Fees start from £2,750 per delegate, depending on the city. Fees include tuition and course materials.

Do participants receive a certificate?

Yes. Delegates who complete the course receive a London Leadership Management Innovation certificate of completion.

Can this course be delivered in-house for our team?

Yes. LLMI can tailor and deliver this course privately for your organisation at your premises or in one of our training cities.

Course information last updated 14 November 2026.

Drilling Operations and Well Control Fundamentals

Course overview

Course outline

Dates and fees

Frequently asked questions

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