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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
What to expect
Level 3 training with DSAP is delivered through structured, instructor-led learning designed to help candidates apply well control principles in realistic drilling situations.
The course is delivered in a small-group setting, with guided discussion, worked examples, calculations and scenario-based learning. The focus is on helping drillers and equipment operators build confidence in recognising well control issues and taking the correct first actions.
With small class sizes, the training is interactive rather than lecture-heavy, giving candidates the opportunity to ask questions, discuss wellsite experience and receive individual support throughout the course.
Most of the programme is dedicated to learning, discussion and practical preparation, with the required IWCF written and practical assessments completed toward the end of the course.
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
Delivery Options
Level 3 training is offered in two delivery formats: in-person training and live online training.
In-person courses are delivered in Osborne Park, Perth, WA at a modern conference centre with convenient facilities and parking. Training at other locations can also be arranged for larger groups.
Live online courses are delivered in real time with an instructor. Candidates attend remotely and take part in the scheduled training sessions online, with joining details confirmed before the course begins.
Upcoming course dates will show whether each course is delivered in person or live online.
How to book
Choose your course level and preferred date from the course calendar, then complete the online booking form.
You’ll need an IWCF Candidate Registration Number before sitting the exam. If you don’t have one yet, you can provide it later, but it must be supplied before the course begins.
Once your booking request is submitted, we’ll confirm your place and send payment details. Your booking is confirmed after payment.
Need help choosing a course, requesting another date, or booking multiple participants? Please get in touch.
Prepare for training
Before attending your course, please make sure you have:
Your IWCF Candidate Registration (CR) Number
Valid photo identification
Any course information or joining instructions provided before the course begins
For in-person courses, we recommend arriving 15 minutes early on the first day so you have time to get settled before training starts.
For live online courses, please check your internet connection, camera and microphone before the first session. A joining link will be sent before the course begins.
Course Schedule and Times
This course usually runs Monday to Friday.
Monday generally starts at 7:30am to allow for course setup, introductions and the first training session. Tuesday to Friday generally run from 6:30am to around 3:00pm.
Course times may vary slightly depending on class size, assessment scheduling and IWCF requirements. Final times will be confirmed before the course begins.
Help and support
Ready to book your IWCF Drilling and Well Control 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.
