Rig Technician Red Seal Occupational Standard (RSOS) 2018
The Canadian Council of Directors of Apprenticeship (CCDA) recognizes this Red Seal Occupational Standard (RSOS) as the Red Seal standard for the Rig Technician trade.
2018 – Red Seal Occupational Standard Series
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General Information
Description of the Rig Technician Trade
“Rig technician” is this trade’s official Red Seal occupational title approved by the CCDA. This standard covers tasks performed by rig technicians whose occupational title has been identified by some provinces and territories of Canada under the following name:
| NL |
NS |
PE |
NB |
QC |
ON |
MB |
SK |
AB |
BC |
NT |
YT |
NU |
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|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rig Technician | x | x | x | x | x | x | x |
Drilling is an important phase of oil exploration and extraction in Canada. Drilling is one of the methods used to access hydrocarbon formations. Rig technicians work on drilling rigs and other specialized equipment to drill holes to retrieve these hydrocarbons as well as other applications such as disposal wells.
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 exploration companies on a contract basis.
A rig crew’s operational structure is organized by a clearly defined set of duties and responsibilities. After gaining entry level experience as a leasehand and floorhand, workers in this trade must progress through the ranks of motorhand and derrickhand in order to become fully qualified rig technicians/drillers. The division of duties in the levels of skilled workers on a rig crew is:
Motorhands: maintain drilling rig engines, transmissions, heating systems, diesel electric generators and motors, hydraulic systems and other mechanical equipment; maintain equipment logs and records; monitor fluid and supply levels; participate in rig mobilization (rig up) and demobilization (rig out); supervise and are able to do all duties performed by floorhands and leasehands.
Derrickhands: operate drilling fluid systems and pumps during drilling; mix chemicals and additives; handle sections of the drill string assembly from the monkeyboard during tripping operations; monitor and record volume and properties of drilling fluids; supervise motorhands, floorhands and leasehands; and are able to do all duties performed by motorhands.
Rig technicians (drillers): operate the drawworks, rotary equipment and pumps; inspect rig; maintain records of drilling operations; use automated equipment; are able to perform all duties performed by any crew member; and are responsible for the safety, training and supervision of the crew members.
Rig technicians report directly to the drilling rig manager. The scope of the rig technician for this standard covers the duties of motorhands, derrickhands and drillers.
A rig crew works with a variety of hand and power tools, as well as motorized equipment, lifting and hoisting equipment, and personal protective equipment (PPE) and safety equipment. Computers are an important tool in this trade to maintain operational records and interpret data related to drilling activities.
The rig is set up and transported to different sites resulting in the rig crew often travelling to remote locations. The work is performed in all weather conditions and workers should be prepared to work in all types of weather and environmental conditions (example: cold, hot, noisy, dirty, dusty, wet and muddy). Drilling activity peaks during the winter months when the ground is frozen. The work pressures and demands may fluctuate depending on world oil and gas supply and demand.
Important attributes for rig technicians are good hand-eye coordination, mechanical inclination, the ability to work well in a team and with third-party service providers, and strong leadership, communication, and organizational skills. Good physical condition is important because the work often requires considerable lifting, long hours and repetitive movement.
Drilling is a 24-hour operation, requiring rig technicians to work shifts and often long hours. The job requires mental alertness due to the inherent work hazards such as moving equipment, exposure to chemicals, risks of explosions and working at heights. Rig technicians work outdoors in all kinds of weather, often in remote and isolated areas away from home.
Rig technicians are expected to perform supervisory duties and training of apprentices and other less experienced crew members. Experienced rig technicians may move into other positions such as rig managers, instructors, well site supervisors, sales representatives or other technical positions within the industry.
Essential Skills Summary
Essential skills are needed for work, learning and life. They provide the foundation for learning all other skills and enable people to evolve with their jobs and adapt to workplace change.
Through extensive research, the Government of Canada and other national and international agencies have identified and validated nine essential skills. These skills are used in nearly every occupation and throughout daily life in different ways.
A series of CCDA-endorsed tools have been developed to support apprentices in their training and to be better prepared for a career in the trades. The tools can be used independently or with the assistance of a tradesperson, trainer, employer, teacher or mentor to:
- understand how essential skills are used in the trades;
- learn about individual essential skills strengths and areas for improvement; and
- improve essential skills and increase success in an apprenticeship program.
The tools are available online or for order at: www.esdc.gc.ca/eng/jobs/les/profiles/index.shtml
The application of these skills may be described throughout this document within the skills and knowledge which support each sub-task of the trade. The most important essential skills for each sub-task have also been identified. The following are summaries of the requirements in each of the essential skills, taken from the essential skills profile. A link to the complete essential skills profile can be found at www.red‑seal.ca.
Reading
Rig technicians read a variety of documents such as drilling logs, mud reports, company memos, engineering handbooks, training and operation manuals, safety data sheets (SDS) and Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS) symbols.
Document Use
Rig technicians interpret identification labels on lubricants, salt inhibitors and other fluid additives as well as safety signs and notices posted on the rig. They also reference mud reports and pressure and volume charts to control influxes and optimize drilling performance. They record mud flows and volumes into tables such as trip sheets and tour sheets on a daily basis. They also complete safety-related documentation such as JSA forms, hazard identifications and WHMIS documents.
Writing
Rig technicians input required information and notes on a variety of forms and reports such as tour sheets and trip sheets. Tour sheets are trade-specific legal documents used for billing, payroll, safety, injury reports and well data, and are the main source of information about all operations on a drilling rig. Rig technicians may also keep a personal log of their own activities in which they may write reminder notes.
Oral Communication
Rig technicians may give and receive warning of safety hazards, or instructions. They talk with co-workers to coordinate their tasks. They also participate in and chair safety meetings to discuss procedures, hazards, potential problems and tools and materials needed. Listening and questioning are important for clarifying instructions.
Rig technicians work in a noisy and fast paced setting, often in harsh weather conditions and with distances and visual blocks between workers. They often communicate with body language and gestures. They wear ear protection and sometimes radio headphones. Communication depends on being vigilant and aware of what is about to happen.
Numeracy
Rig technicians calculate quantities of chemicals to add to the mud mixture, measure lengths of pipes, determine fluid volume in a tank using coefficients and charts, and calculate the time it will take to pump a volume of fluid into the well. Rig technicians read gauge fluctuations and convert between imperial and metric measurement systems. They also calculate amount of mud loss and pump output. They calculate depth drilled at the end of each tour. It is critical to make sure depth calculations are correct at all times.
Thinking
Rig technicians use problem-solving skills when encountering problems such as a need for well control, and equipment break-downs or malfunctions in order to take necessary actions in a safe and efficient manner. They make decisions about rig setup procedures and maintenance.
Rig technicians apply information from oil company consultants and supervisors about the well's expected conditions, and about processes and procedures. They may consult charts, training manuals and handbooks to look up and interpret relationships between pipe sizes, pressures, volumes and rate of flow.
Working with Others
Rig technicians work as part of a team on a rig crew. Because they work in remote locations, even between shifts, rig crews develop camaraderie. They mostly perform their tasks independently; however, they coordinate with other workers on a constant basis for activities such as tripping pipe and drilling operations. They often must work with third-party personnel to coordinate activities such as wireline logging, cementing, moving the rig, running casing and pressure testing.
Digital Technology
Rig technicians increasingly are using digital technology in drilling operations, as rigs become more automated. They may enter data in customized programs, such as electronic drilling recorders (EDR) and tour reports. They may also use other custom-designed programs to monitor well condition readings during operation for example. They use directional screens for orientation of downhole tools. They also use portable electronic devices and tablets for electronic documentation such as safety forms and company-specific information.
Continuous Learning
Rig technicians learn continuously through on-the-job experience and talking with co-workers. They are required to maintain safety certifications for first aid, first line well control, and hydrogen sulfide (H2S). In addition, some companies provide on-going training with the possibility of moving into higher supervisory positions. There are continually evolving drilling equipment, methods and practices that rig technicians must adapt to.
Trends in the Rig Technician Trade
Technology
Multi-well pads, swamp mats and fibre roads are increasingly used to allow better access to drilling areas that were previously difficult to access. This increases the possibility of longer drilling seasons.
New technologies are offering new choices of bits, drilling fluids and downhole tools, which increase the speed at which wells are drilled. Top drives are evolving to allow for deeper wells. Also, new types of drilling rigs are being built, such as automated drilling rigs (ADR). Much of the hands-on work on a traditional rig is facilitated by automated systems on the ADR. Walking rigs are able to move on-site without rigging out, which increases the efficiency of drilling multiple wells. With these advances, the rig technician is operating a wider variety of equipment with the purpose of increasing the safety and efficiency of the operations.
There is an increased focus on cost savings which means ramifications for innovation and research and development. For example, oil companies are focusing on their core activities and out-sourcing non-core activities more and more. There is also an increased interest in technology such as casing, specialty drilling tools, and higher output machinery, as this technology can increase production and lower costs simultaneously.
Operations have evolved to allow for drilling into formations which were previously not economically feasible for oil and gas operators. There is a trend to have more specialized drilling operations such as managed pressure drilling (MPD). This requires an increased involvement of third-party service providers.
Training
There is an increasing importance being placed on communication and leadership skills. As part of these skills, computer literacy, the ability to train junior crew members, and the ability to work in a team environment are becoming highly valued qualities in this trade.
Safety
New regulations and company policies are impacting drilling rig management and crews, especially in the areas of due diligence, liability issues and safety training. Also, job safety analysis (JSAs) and specific task training are using more modern communication technologies such as tablets. To prove due diligence, there are ever increasing demands regarding the documentation of meetings.
Environment
New, more fuel-efficient rigs that are powered by hybrid technology and natural gas have been introduced to reduce emissions. In some areas, low-impact lease-building is introduced with methods such as ice-pads which limit the disturbance to the ground and vegetation.
Industry Expected Performance
All tasks must be performed according to the applicable industry and jurisdictional codes, standards and recommended practices. All health and safety standards must be adhered to. It is expected that work be done safely, efficiently and at a high quality with minimal material waste or environmental damage. All requirements of the manufacturer, operator and contractors must be met. At a journeyperson level of performance, all tasks must be done with minimal direction and supervision. As a journeyperson progresses in their career there is an expectation they continue to upgrade their skills and knowledge to keep pace with industry and promote continuous learning in their trade through mentoring of apprentices.
Language Requirements
It is expected that journeypersons are able to understand and communicate in either English or French, which are Canada’s official languages. English or French are the common languages of business as well as languages of instruction in apprenticeship programs.
Acknowledgements
The CCDA and ESDC wish to express sincere appreciation for the contribution of the many tradespersons, industrial establishments, professional associations, labour organizations, provincial and territorial government departments and agencies, and all others who contributed to this publication.
Special thanks are offered to the following representatives who contributed greatly to the original draft of the standard and provided expert advice throughout its development:
- Justin Amyotte - Alberta
- Jesse Bériault - Alberta
- Jordan Cawsey - Alberta
- Ryan Hafso - Alberta
- Jacob Hinkley - Alberta
- Ryan Hofos - Saskatchewan
- Brady Kapach - Alberta
- Kris Maron - Alberta
- Wayne Sehlin - Alberta
- Ryan Stoffelen - Alberta
- Joey White - Alberta
This standard was prepared by the Apprenticeship and Regulated Occupations Directorate of ESDC. The coordinating, facilitating and processing of this standard were undertaken by employees of the standards development team of the Trades and Apprenticeship Division and of the Government of Alberta, the host jurisdiction for this trade.
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