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Course Overview
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IWCF Level 3
Overview
The IWCF Level 3 Drilling Well Control course is designed for operational personnel who are responsible for recognising well control warning signs and carrying out immediate well control actions.
Through classroom learning and simulator-based training, candidates build the practical skills needed to detect kicks, shut in the well correctly, follow well control procedures and operate relevant well control equipment.
The course focuses on accurate response, procedural confidence and maintaining control of the well at the operational level.
Level 3 and Level 4 are delivered together as a combined programme. Core classroom learning is shared, while simulator exercises and assessments are completed separately according to each candidate’s certification level.
Recommended for roles
Drillers
Assistant drillers
Equipment operators
Junior toolpushers where Level 3 is required
Personnel responsible for detecting kicks and carrying out immediate well control actions
What you'll learn
Well control principles, pressure fundamentals and barrier concepts
Kick warning signs, kick indicators and first actions
Shut-in procedures and well control response
Kill methods, including Driller’s Method and Wait and Weight
Well control equipment, including BOPs, choke manifolds and auxiliary equipment
Simulator-based practical training in the Driller role
Communicating key information to the supervisor during a well control event
Course delivery
When you attend Level 3 & 4 training with DSAP, you can expect a mix of classroom learning and hands-on simulator sessions. Classroom time covers the core principles of well control, while simulator training puts you into realistic scenarios to practice detecting kicks, shutting in the well, and carrying out kill procedures. With small class sizes, every candidate gets time on the controls and the opportunity to build confidence in a supportive environment.
Duration: 5-day programme (minimum 32 hours, excluding assessments)
Delivery: Classroom-based, instructor-led training
Practical training: Conducted on drilling simulators replicating real-world well control conditions
Structure: Shared classroom sessions for all candidates; split simulator sessions by level (Level 3 vs Level 4 roles)
Class size: Maximum 10 candidates
Entry requirements
Candidates enrolling for Level 3 are expected to have prior industry experience in drilling or well intervention operations.
Candidates enrolling for Level 4 should hold supervisory or engineering roles with direct well control responsibilities.
IWCF recommends at least 3 months of additional industry experience between progressing from Level 3 to Level 4.
Level 1 (Awareness) or Level 2 are not formal prerequisites, but prior knowledge of well control principles is strongly recommended.
Assessment and certification
Assessment includes two written theory assessments and one practical simulator assessment.
Written assessments cover Principles & Procedures and Equipment
The practical simulator assessment is completed in the Driller role
Candidates must achieve at least 70% in each assessment
Successful candidates receive an IWCF Level 3 Drilling Well Control certificate
IWCF Level 3 certification is valid for 2 years
Location
Courses are delivered in Osbourne Park, Perth, WA at a modern conference centre with convenient facilities and parking. Training at other locations is available on request for larger groups.
We are currently working on virtual classes.
How to book
Booking is simple. You will need an IWCF Candidate Registration (CR) Number. If you don’t have one yet, you can apply directly on the IWCF website.
Once you have your CR Number, or if you already hold one, click “Book Now” to secure your place or contact us directly.
For more detailed guidance, visit our How to Book page.
Prepare for training
Upon booking we will email you a course information pack. Before attending your course, please ensure you have the following:
Your IWCF Candidate Registration (CR) Number
Valid photo identification
Any pre-course materials we provide in advance
We also recommend arriving 15 minutes early on the first day to get settled and ready to start.
Help and support
Ready to book your IWCF Level 4 course?
Choose your preferred course date and submit your details. We’ll confirm availability and send through payment and pre-course information before training begins.
If you need to speak with our team first, contact us and we’ll help with any questions before you book.
