IWFC raises the bar for oil and gas safety

With an aim to uphold the highest safety standards in the oil and gas sector, the International Well Control Forum (IWCF) has released an upgraded assurance framework, 'Quality Assured', for non-accredited training in well control

Zdenek Sehnal, CEO of IWCF, said, “Through Quality Assured, we’re committed to ensuring the highest standards in well control training, providing consistency and empowering professionals. This goes beyond compliance; it’s about giving the sector confidence in the training they are investing in and supports a culture of continuous development and accountability across the oil and gas industry, where well control incidents can have far reaching impact on life and reputation.”

The framework is comprised of nine standards, starting with course design and delivery to assessment, digital learning and on-the-job training. Each standard includes defined criteria that providers must meet to achieve Quality Assured status.

Quality Assured is backed by the insights of well control specialists coming together for knowledge sharing, promoting best practices and exploring the latest advancements in well control.

IWCF is going live with four categories for Quality Assured:

Well Control Specialist Topics, covering training programmes that address specific well control-related topics not covered under IWCF accreditation such as stuck pipe prevention and recovery, High Pressure High Temperature (HPHT), Well Integrity Management and Human Factors.

Operationally Embedded Training, with topics related to development programmes for drillers, supervisors, subsea engineers and intervention specialists.

Specialist Equipment for programmes focused on the use of specific well and well control related equipment such as any item that constitutes a well barrier, either temporary or permanent.

Continuous Learning Mechanisms for providers offering systems or tools that promote ongoing learning and assessment such as pre-course modules, pre-tests or digital platforms that allow candidates to reinforce their knowledge at any time.

Quality Assured has been applied by The Well Academy from The Netherlands. Director of Training at the centre, Jan Willem Flamma, said, “We were thoroughly impressed with the Quality Assured feedback from IWCF. The report on our Stuck Pipe Prevention & Recovery course went far beyond a simple evaluation, providing a true partnership in quality.

“The detailed strengths and constructive recommendations will be invaluable in helping us elevate our course materials and delivery, reinforcing our commitment to delivering high quality training and supporting continuous improvement for our learners.”