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Featured Advanced CPD SPE

Advanced Drilling Best Practices

This advanced programme equips drilling engineers, wellsite supervisors, and operations geologists with the techniques and frameworks required to optimise well delivery performance across complex drilling environments. Participants will develop a rigorous understanding of drilling mechanics, real-time data interpretation, hazard management, and non-productive time (NPT) reduction strategies.

5 daysDuration
AdvancedLevel
5 Days · 15 ModulesProgramme
YX-DRILL-001Code
Classroom Online In-House Blended
Starting From
$4,950
per delegate · live online
Classroom
Face-to-face at a global venue
$5,950
Online
Live interactive virtual sessions
$4,950
In-House
Delivered at your premises
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Internationally Accredited
50+ Global Locations
Expert Advisory Team
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Course Overview

About this programme

This advanced programme equips drilling engineers, wellsite supervisors, and operations geologists with the techniques and frameworks required to optimise well delivery performance across complex drilling environments. Participants will develop a rigorous understanding of drilling mechanics, real-time data interpretation, hazard management, and non-productive time (NPT) reduction strategies.

Drawing on industry case studies from deepwater, HPHT, and ERD operations, the course bridges the gap between drilling theory and operational excellence. Delegates leave with a structured toolkit for improving ROP, managing wellbore integrity, and applying digital monitoring technologies to drive measurable performance improvements.

Programme Objective

Equip drilling professionals with advanced techniques to maximise well delivery performance, minimise NPT, manage drilling hazards effectively, and apply modern technologies for safer and more cost-efficient operations.

5 daysTotal Duration
5 DaysTraining Days
15 ModulesModules Covered
Max 20Class Size
EnglishLanguage
CPD, SPEAccreditations

What You Will Learn

11 key learning outcomes

01

Design and evaluate drilling programmes for complex well profiles including HPHT and ERD wells

02

Apply systematic ROP optimisation techniques using WOB, RPM, hydraulics, and bit selection matrices

03

Identify, classify, and mitigate drilling hazards including stuck pipe, wellbore instability, and influx events

04

Interpret real-time MWD/LWD data to make informed drilling decisions and adjustments

05

Implement well control procedures and manage blowout prevention equipment

06

Analyse and reduce Non-Productive Time (NPT) through root cause analysis and corrective action planning

07

Apply directional drilling fundamentals including trajectory planning and BHA selection

08

Evaluate casing and cementing programmes for zonal isolation and well integrity

09

Understand Managed Pressure Drilling (MPD) principles and deployment criteria

10

Apply performance benchmarking and KPIs to track and improve drilling efficiency

11

Integrate digital tools and AI-assisted analytics into drilling decision-making workflows

Course Outline

5 training days · 15 modules · hands-on workshops

1
Drilling
Operations
2
Drilling
Optimisation
3
Drilling
Hazards
4
Directional
Drilling,
5
NPT
Reduction,
Day 1

Drilling Operations Fundamentals & Well Planning

Establish a rigorous foundation in modern drilling operations, rig systems, and well programme design.

8 hours 3 modules
Module 1

The Modern Drilling Landscape

  • Global drilling industry overview and value chain
  • Rig types: onshore, jackup, semi-submersible, drillship
  • Drilling contractor vs. operator responsibilities
  • Cost drivers and drilling economics fundamentals
Module 2

Well Planning & Drilling Programme Design

  • Well objectives and formation evaluation data
  • Casing architecture and setting depths selection
  • Pore pressure and fracture gradient prediction
  • Mud weight window and ECD management
Module 3

BHA Design & Equipment Selection

  • Bottom hole assembly (BHA) configuration principles
  • Drill string design: drill collars, HWDP, drill pipe
  • Surface equipment: drawworks, rotary, top drive
  • Pre-spud checklist and HAZOP review process
Practical Workshop

Participants review a real well programme, identify potential hazards, and recommend casing point adjustments based on pore pressure data.

Day 2

Drilling Optimisation & ROP Enhancement

Apply systematic techniques to maximise drilling speed and efficiency while maintaining wellbore quality.

8 hours 3 modules
Module 1

Rate of Penetration (ROP) Fundamentals

  • Mechanical specific energy (MSE) concept
  • Impact of WOB, RPM, and torque on ROP
  • Formation hardness and drillability assessment
  • ROP prediction models and benchmarking
Module 2

Hydraulics Optimisation

  • Drilling fluid rheology and hydraulics calculations
  • Equivalent Circulating Density (ECD) management
  • Hole cleaning principles: transport ratio and cuttings bed
  • Optimising flow rate, nozzle size, and jet impact force
Module 3

Bit Selection & Performance Analysis

  • PDC vs. roller cone: selection matrix by formation type
  • Bit grading using IADC dull grading system
  • Vibration types: axial, lateral, torsional and mitigation
  • Real-time drilling parameter monitoring and adjustment
Practical Workshop

Groups analyse offset well data to construct an ROP optimisation roadmap, identifying parameter ranges for maximum efficiency in each formation interval.

Day 3

Drilling Hazards & Well Control

Develop the ability to predict, identify, and respond to critical drilling hazards with structured well control procedures.

8 hours 3 modules
Module 1

Wellbore Instability & Pressure Management

  • In-situ stress regimes and rock mechanics
  • Reactive shale management and inhibitive mud systems
  • Lost circulation: causes, classification, and remediation
  • Differential sticking: mechanisms and prevention
Module 2

Stuck Pipe & Fishing Operations

  • Stuck pipe classification: mechanical vs. differential
  • Free-point indicator and backoff procedures
  • Fishing tool selection: overshots, spears, mills
  • Decision tree: fish or sidetrack economics
Module 3

Well Control Fundamentals

  • Kick detection: pit gain, flow check, pump pressure change
  • BOP equipment: annular, ram, choke and kill lines
  • Drillers method vs. wait-and-weight method
  • H2S management: detection, PPE, and emergency shutdown
Practical Workshop

Simulated well control scenario: delegates work through a kick situation from initial detection through BOP activation to kill operations using the drillers method.

Day 4

Directional Drilling, Casing & Cementing

Apply directional drilling planning techniques and evaluate casing and cementing design for well integrity and zonal isolation.

8 hours 3 modules
Module 1

Directional Drilling & Trajectory Design

  • Directional well profiles: build-hold, S-curve, horizontal
  • Motor vs. RSS: performance comparison and selection
  • Torque and drag analysis for complex well profiles
  • Extended Reach Drilling (ERD): challenges and mitigations
Module 2

MWD/LWD Real-Time Data Interpretation

  • Measurement while drilling vs. logging while drilling
  • Gamma ray, resistivity, and neutron-density interpretation
  • Geosteering decisions: staying in zone in thin reservoirs
  • Data quality assurance and real-time decision workflows
Module 3

Casing & Cementing Best Practices

  • Casing string design: collapse, burst, tension loads
  • Centraliser placement and standoff calculations
  • Cement slurry design and job modelling
  • Cement bond log interpretation and remedial cementing
Practical Workshop

Teams design a directional well trajectory and evaluate the casing programme for a given subsurface scenario, presenting their justification to the group.

Day 5

NPT Reduction, Digital Drilling & Performance Management

Apply digital tools, performance frameworks, and continuous improvement methodologies to maximise drilling programme value.

8 hours 3 modules
Module 1

NPT Root Cause Analysis & Reduction

  • NPT classification and time and cost reporting frameworks
  • Root cause analysis (RCA) methodology in drilling context
  • Lessons learned systems and knowledge management
  • Contractor performance management and KPIs
Module 2

Managed Pressure Drilling & Advanced Technologies

  • MPD principles: constant bottomhole pressure techniques
  • Dual gradient drilling for deepwater operations
  • Automated drilling systems and closed-loop control
  • WITSML data standards and real-time drilling dashboards
Module 3

Digital Transformation & AI in Drilling

  • Machine learning applications for ROP optimisation
  • Predictive maintenance for drilling equipment
  • AI-assisted stuck pipe prediction models
  • Benchmarking and drilling performance scorecards
Practical Workshop

Final capstone: participants prepare a Drilling Performance Improvement Plan for an underperforming well programme, incorporating all techniques from the week, followed by group presentations and course evaluation.

The course outline is indicative. Content may be adapted to reflect current industry developments and delegate experience levels.

Who Should Attend

This programme is designed for professionals across these roles

Drilling Engineers

Field and office-based engineers seeking to deepen technical expertise

Wellsite Supervisors

Supervisors managing day-to-day rig operations and contractor performance

Operations Geologists

Geoscientists involved in real-time geosteering and formation evaluation

Completion Engineers

Engineers transitioning from drilling into completion and well design roles

HSE Advisors

Safety professionals requiring technical context for drilling risk assessment

Asset Managers

Managers overseeing well delivery budgets and programme performance

Schedule & Fees

Upcoming public dates — enrol anytime

May
31
31 May – 04 Jun 2026
Dubai, UAE
Classroom 8 seats available
$5,950
per delegate
Jun
30
30 Jun – 04 Jul 2026
Live Online (Zoom)
Online 9 seats available
$4,950
per delegate
Jul
30
30 Jul – 03 Aug 2026
Singapore
In-House Only 2 seats left!
Quote
custom pricing
Aug
21
21 Aug – 25 Aug 2026
Houston, USA
Blended 9 seats available
Quote
custom pricing
Sep
21
21 Sep – 25 Sep 2026
Abu Dhabi, UAE
Classroom Only 3 seats left!
$5,950
per delegate
Oct
18
18 Oct – 22 Oct 2026
Live Online (Zoom)
Online 4 seats available
$4,950
per delegate
Can't find a suitable date? Contact us for private cohort scheduling or in-house delivery options at your premises.

Accreditations & Recognition

This course carries internationally recognised professional credits

CPD Certified
SPE Certified

Course Resources

Request documentation before you book

Ready to Enrol?

Speak with our training advisors to confirm availability, group rates, and customised in-house options.