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Course Overview
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IWCF Level 4
Overview
The IWCF Level 4 Drilling Well Control course is designed for supervisory personnel responsible for planning, directing and overseeing well control operations.
Through classroom learning and scenario-based simulator assessment, candidates develop the skills needed to interpret well conditions, make informed decisions, direct the operational response and ensure correct procedures are followed during a well control event.
The course focuses on supervision, decision-making, communication and maintaining overall control of the operation, rather than physically operating the equipment.
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
This course develops advanced knowledge of well control at Supervisor level, with an emphasis on planning, decision-making, and directing well control operations. It is recommended for toolpushers, company men, rig managers, and wellsite supervisors, as well as senior engineers and completions, workover, or intervention supervisors responsible for ensuring correct well control actions are implemented. It is also suitable for anyone in a supervisory capacity who is required to hold a valid IWCF Well Control certificate.
What you'll learn
Well control principles, pressure fundamentals and barrier concepts
Well control planning, supervision and decision-making
Interpreting shut-in data and well control conditions
Selecting appropriate well control actions and kill methods
Directing the driller and overseeing the well control response
Managing communication and decision-making during well control events
Simulator-based practical training in the Supervisor role
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 Supervisor role
Candidates are assessed on their ability to direct the well control response, interpret shut-in data and select appropriate actions
Candidates must achieve at least 70% in each assessment
Successful candidates receive an IWCF Level 4 Drilling Well Control certificate
IWCF Level 4 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.
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.
