"Advanced Well Control” addresses "operational" well control issues by focusing on the "real life" practical aspects of well control. This is done through a combination of lecture-and-workshop sessions with practical simulation exercises. The team-based simulator work relates to the topics covered in the classroom. The importance of this course goes far beyond standard “certification” requirements. Jim Cowie, BP Wells Program Manager (HAC - North Sea SPU) who is the “custodian” of the ADS “BP Advanced Well Control course”, commented: “We need to be teaching the people how to identify and manage well control situations, not just how to pass a well control exam.  This is what the Advanced Well Control course is about: it provides delegates with a deeper understanding of influx behaviour and the challenges when managing well control situations.”

  
           
     
How does it differ from a "normal" well control course?
Rather than present the conventional basic well control theory aimed at preparing candidates for a well control test only, the BP course addresses such issues as HPHT and Deep Water well control concerns, which do not feature in a standard syllabus. Moreover, it focuses on well control situations from a practical perspective, far more in line with current industry well control philosophies. For example, "realistic" versus "theoretical" conditions one can expect when using the "Wait and Weight Method" for well killing operations are compared. The comparison shows that the "Driller’s Method" in a large number of "real life" situations can actually offer significant advantages over the theoretical results of the "Wait and Weight Method". The classroom theory is complemented by extensive team-based simulator work. This practical emphasis is radically different from a "standard" well control course where simulations are restricted to a familiarisation session followed by practical assessment. In this set-up the candidates get far more exposure to the rig and well control equipment and can play various roles (e.g. assistant driller, driller, supervisor, engineer). Well control situations in challenging well types (such as horizontal and deepwater) can be simulated.
  
     
 

Who is it aimed at?
The AWC course is designed for drilling/well engineering personnel who have taken (and passed) a standard exam before.

Why is this course of importance?
AWC enhances knowledge, far beyond the basics and more in line with operational reality. Its objective is to familiarise the participants with real-life conditions that they will encounter in a well control situation, as these may be significantly different from those portrayed by basic theory and practices. This course provides a great insight into the impact of well control situations for deep water, horizontal wells and HPHT applications. Thus it provides the well engineering professional with crucial knowledge, as consequences of an unfortunate decision taken with the best of intentions, but based on incomplete and inadequate practical knowledge, can easily lead to a disastrous outcome.