The drilling industry plays a vital role in the search for crude oil and natural gas. It is on the “front line” of exploration and production industry. The drilling has challenges of long shifts, hard work, rough weather conditions, and remote locations. Drilling has evolved into a highly technologically advanced industry. High technology will play a major role through the provision of smart tools and equipment. It is an expensive multi-million dollar business.

Drilling rigs are owned by companies specializing in drilling, called drilling contractors. Some contractors are larger than others, and some specialize in certain types of operations. However, all contractors offer their drilling equipment and the services of their employees to the operating companies on a contract basis.
The competitive nature of the business and the constantly changing technology of drilling have resulted in the need for skilled personnel. All employees must be reliable, physically fit, and well-trained individuals.

Typically, a rig runs 24 hours a day. Work schedules vary from company to company and rig to rig. The most common work schedules are twelve-hour shifts. As with any work schedule, days off vary widely among companies and individual rigs. With twelve-hour shifts, a typical schedule is 28 days “on” and 28 days “off” the rig.

The safety of the crew and the public as well as reservoir and the rig is the most important aspect of a drilling operation.

Experience is vital in order to supervise the drilling operations, to manage emergencies, blow outs and during rig-up or rig-down operations.