Assistant Driller

Job Summary

JOB DESCRIPTION

The Assistant Driller works under the Driller supervision to direct, support and take part in various activities to fulfil the drilling/work-over program. Their responsibilities include maintaining and preparing rig floor equipment and tools for use, overseeing drilling crew activities, assisting in handling drill pipe or casing, monitoring & reporting changes in drilling mud characteristics and ensuring proper housekeeping, in a timely manner considering the safety of personnel, the environment, and equipment to maximize drilling operation efficiency.

Roles & Responsibilities

General Duties:

• Support the Driller in all aspects of the drilling operation and rig floor activities, supervise and train junior crew members (Derrick Men Floor Men Roustabouts).
• Assists in the operation and preparation of drilling equipment and machinery.
• Helps with the rig preparation, equipment assembly and perform routine inspections, Cleans and lubricates equipment, identifies equipment that may require repair or replacement and reports for necessary actions to be taken.
  
  

Rig Operations

• Arranges the proper drill string & cross-over subs sizes & equipment for continuous drilling / work-over operations. Arranges bottom hole assemblies and coordinates with Derrick-man drill string and drill collar changes during the pulling out and the running in of a drill string.
• Directs drifting and measuring of pipes to ensure similarity and correct dimensions and informs the Driller of any variances & maintain records for drilling & servicing operations.
• Assists in preparing all tools and equipment required for well operations Including.Drifting tubulars and maintaining accurate records of all tubular runs in the hole including pipe tally records. Recording BHA/completion components and trip sheets.
• Assists and relieves the Driller as necessary in supervising all drilling / workover operations conducted on the unit, ensuring that such work is carried out efficiently and in compliance with ADES approved operating procedures.
• Assists in Nipping up/down BOP as required.
• Assists with drill pipe and casing operation & monitors any change in drilling parameters to facilitate the drilling/workover process.
• Ensures safe handling of pipe, tongs, slips, breaking and correct make-up of connections.
• Slip and cut and restringing of the drilling line.
• Takes necessary actions to correct hazardous conditions & practices.
  
  

Mud Circulating System

• Monitors and maintains the drilling fluid circulation system, fluid lines, shale shakers and trip tanks & ensures proper handling of the drilling fluid products.
• Advises the Driller of any significant changes in drilling mud characteristics or mud levels and loss of circulation immediately.
• Observes the mud flow and check materials needed for pre-kick conditions and informs the Driller of potential problems that could occur during the operation.
• Advises the usage of mud chemicals, drilling fluids, and cement slurries for Driller's calculation and input for the morning drilling report so that appropriate corrective actions can be taken whenever necessary.
  
  

Well Control

• Operates and maintains well control equipment, ensuring it is in proper working order and ready for immediate use.
• Monitor for any down hole irregularities such as kicks, pressure fluctuations, and abnormal torque. Take immediate action to secure the well in the event of a well control incident and promptly inform the Toolpusher and client representative.
• Receives comprehensive training in well control procedures and techniques to enhance knowledge and ability.
• Communicates effectively with the drilling crew and well control team, exchanging information and coordinating actions during well control operations.
• Ensures strict compliance with safety standards and protocols to prioritize the safety of personnel and the integrity of the well during well control operations.
  
  

Materials & Equipment

• Follows up all assembly of equipment instrumentation tools or records set up in good conditions to create correct working practices & inspect machinery & tools for any defects & make necessary repairs or replacements.
• Assists with maintenance, repair, or replacement tasks following the company's planned PMS.
• Receives and follows up Driller's instructions for the repair and maintenance of various drilling equipment such as mud mixer, shale shaker, distiller, and de-sander etc.
• Assists Derrick Man in maintaining mud system equipment.
• Arranges to adjust shale shaker screens and supervises the handling, maintenance, and storage of all drill string components.
• Directs the greasing, cleaning, painting and routine maintenance of all drilling equipment to ensure its reliability.
• Directs and participates in replacing the draw work brake bands, adjusting clutches.
• Supervision of the washing and painting of rig floor, substructures, stairways, and machinery to remove grease or oil spills to ensure a proper clean working space.
• Report to the supervisor the machinery and equipment requiring repair or replacement to avoid any equipment malfunction.
  
  

Working At Heights

• Adheres to and supervises the safety protocols so all consistently wear the necessary personal protective equipment (PPE) when working at elevated heights.
• Conducts thorough risk assessments and hazard evaluations prior to engaging in tasks performed at elevated locations.
• Regularly inspects and verifies the proper functioning of equipment related to working at heights.
• Possesses knowledge about fall protection systems and demonstrates proficiency in their proper usage.
• Effectively communicates any identified hazards or safety concerns to the team, promoting an initiative-taking safety culture.
• Actively contributes to the ongoing improvement of safety measures, providing suggestions and feedback to enhance overall safety standards.
  
  

Rig Move & Related Activities

• Oversee the drilling crew in the preparation of the rig move checklist and the setup of the drill floor, tanks, cantilever, and main deck. This involves securely lashing movable equipment, disconnecting and securing lines, and repositioning equipment to prevent hazards or damage to the rig while maintaining stability during the move.
• Actively participate in rig move operations, ensuring the removal of all pipes and obstructions before the skidding of the derrick and cantilever deck takes place.
  
  

Housekeeping

• Ensure that the work area is clean and orderly prepared, free of hazards prior to & upon completion of the work, task or repair.
• Adhere to ADES waste management procedure. Secure the current work area or operation before evacuating during an emergency or drill.
  
  

People Management & Development

• Conducts sessions for new drilling crew members, ensuring they are familiarized with safety procedures on the drill floor and understand the significance of maintaining a hazard-free work environment.
• Organizes and facilitates training programs for the drilling crew, focusing on enhancing their technical and behavioral competencies.
• Supervises personnel under their charge, closely monitoring their adherence to safety protocols and use of PPE, while offering guidance and coaching as needed.
  
  

Job Requirements

Education & Experience:

• Minimum education level required: High School or Vocational / Technical education.
• At least six (6) years of working experience in drilling and workover operations with reputable drilling contractors with a career history showing time served as a Roustabout, Floorman and Derrickman.
• Preferred to have working experience on offshore rigs.
  
  

Skills/Competencies Required

• Working knowledge of the English language.
• Advanced Mathematical skills adding, subtracting, dividing, multiplying, drilling practice, drilling fluids.
• Situation Awareness, Communication, Teamwork, Performance shaping factors - stress and fatigue, inspecting work.
  
  

Physical Requirements

• Ability to perform extremely heavy work.
• Ability to work in extreme heights and in confined areas.
• Constantly climbing (stairs, ladders).
• Constantly pushing & pulling as per Company procedure and practice.
• Constantly bending, twisting and standing.
• Ability to work at heights and in confined spaces.
• Ability to work outdoors under all extreme weather conditions (Noise / Humidity / Cold / Heat).
• Ability to work in day/night shift.
  
  

Certifications

• As per ADES Training Matrix.
• Valid Well Control (Well Sharp / IADC) Certificate.