The aim of this training format, newly developed at the DSC, was to practice reactions to typical hazard and problem situations by means of practical training on the drilling simulator, such as unexpected pressure increases in the borehole or mud losses. Before the practical training, the necessary theoretical basics were taught.
Drilling Simulator Trainings are usually used in the drilling industry for the training and further education of technical operating personnel on drilling rigs ("drills"), as is usually the case with flight simulators, for example. The training for drilling engineers in the oil and gas industry, which is now being conducted at the DSC for the first time, addresses a different clientele. These persons are to be enabled to make standardised and sustainable decisions with regard to safety, environmental hazards and economic efficiency as supervisors of the client in drilling operations, in hazardous and problematic situations.
Overall, the format met with a positive response from the participants and those responsible on the Wintershall side; further events of this kind are already being considered for the future.