The IWCF Level 2 Drilling Well Control course is the foundational certification designed for those just starting out in operational roles that involve handling or observing the early signs of a well influx. If you’re working on a rig floor, in a monitoring role, or supporting drilling operations from the field, this course is your gateway into understanding the critical principles of well control training.
Globally recognized by the International Well Control Forum (IWCF), this Level 2 certification equips frontline crew with the core concepts and practices needed to recognize and report signs of a well control event, ensuring you contribute effectively to safe drilling operations.
Level 2 is recommended for operational personnel whose job may directly impact the creation, detection, or management of well kicks and pressures. It’s ideal for crew members transitioning from general rig work into more technical, safety-critical roles.
Roughneck / Floorhand
Derrickman
Barge Engineer
Toolpusher Trainees
BOP or Subsea Engineers
Mud Loggers
Wellsite Drilling Data Engineers
Maintenance personnel supporting BOP/pressure equipment
Graduate Engineers and Trainee Drilling Technicians
Pro Tip: Once you’re promoted into a more active operational or supervisory role, consider upgrading to IWCF Level 3 Drilling Well Control or even Level 4.
Well control isn’t just the supervisor’s job. Everyone on the rig plays a part in preventing a kick from escalating into a blowout.
This course trains you to recognize well control indicators (gain/loss, pit volumes, pressure anomalies)
Understand the role of the blowout preventer (BOP) system.
Know how and when to alert supervisors.
Support safe drilling operations with situational awareness.
Having your Level 2 certification shows employers that you’re committed to safety and ready to take on greater technical responsibilities.
4 days (including assessments)
Assessment: Knowledge-based exam only (no simulator test)
Validity: Certificate is valid for 2 years.
Pre-requisites: Valid IWCF Candidate Registration (CR) number.
The curriculum is based on IWCF’s global syllabus, covering:
Refer to IWCF’s official site for a complete breakdown of Level 2 standards.
At ARES Offshore, we know that the oilfield doesn’t stop — that’s why we provide two training modes to fit your needs.
👨🏫 Classroom-Based Training
Held at our Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia and Jakarta, Indonesia offices, complete with instructor-led sessions and collaborative learning from peers across the region.
💻 Virtual Instructor-Led Training.
Log in remotely from anywhere in the world — and complete the course with real-time interaction and digital materials.
Both options deliver the same certification and comply fully with IWCF’s accreditation standards.
Kickstart Your Oil & Gas Career With Confidence
Whether you’re a roustabout ready to move up, a data engineer aiming for deeper operational knowledge, or an offshore support crew member seeking promotion — Level 2 is your essential first step into certified well control training.
Employers from global operators and contractors alike — including Shell, Petronas, Halliburton, and Weatherford — recognize IWCF Level 2 as a valuable credential that proves you’re ready for serious responsibilities.
Ares Overseas IWCF Level 2 course.
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📌 Start your training with IWCF Level 2 today:
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Explore All of Ares IWCF Well Control Courses.
Ares Overseas IWCF Level 2 course.
Ares Overseas IWCF Level 3 Course.
The IWCF Level 3 Drilling Well Control course is essential for anyone currently in a position responsible for shutting in a well during drilling operations. Whether you are working offshore or onshore, understanding and executing proper well control measures can mean the difference between a safe operation and a critical incident. This course is globally recognised and designed to provide you with the technical knowledge and hands-on skills required to manage well control events effectively.
IWCF Level 3 is targeted at drillers and equivalent roles that directly contribute to well control during active drilling. The training dives deep into the detection of kicks, shutting in the well, maintaining control, and participating in kill operations. It builds on Level 2 foundational knowledge and adds practical, scenario-based assessments to reinforce learning.
This course is accredited by the International Well Control Forum (IWCF), a global organisation that sets the standard for well control training and certification in the oil and gas industry. Upon passing, candidates receive a certificate valid for 2 years.
At ARES Offshore, we provide flexibility for participants with two learning modes:
Classroom-based, instructor-led training in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Virtual training conducted live via online, ideal for remote candidates and international participants
This flexibility enables professionals from countries all around the world to enroll without the need to travel, saving both time and cost.
Course Length: 5 days (intensive)
Assessment: Theory + simulator-based practical exams
Certificate Validity: 2 years
*Participants must already hold an IWCF Candidate Registration (CR) number and preferably a prior IWCF Level 3 or Level 2 certification.
This course is ideal for individuals in operational roles such as:
Uncontrolled well events can lead to blowouts, major equipment damage, and even fatalities. Drilling well control is not just a regulatory requirement — it’s a fundamental safety protocol that protects lives, assets, and the environment.
This training ensures you:
Know how to detect a kick early, apply proper shut-in procedures and operate and test BOP systems.
Execute kill procedures using Driller’s and Wait-and-Weight methods
Career Impact
Having a valid IWCF Level 3 certificate significantly increases your chances of landing roles in major operators like Shell, ExxonMobil, Petronas, and Chevron. Many international contracts require it as a minimum benchmark for field deployment.
Enroll Now with ARES Offshore. We run regular training sessions with certified instructors, modern simulators, and flexible schedules. Whether you’re renewing an expired certificate or preparing for a new assignment, ARES helps you stay compliant and confident.
Accredited by IWCF, so book IWCF Level 3 training now and secure your place in our upcoming session.
Still unsure if Level 2 is right for you? Speak to our Course Advisor and we’ll help you find the correct path based on your career role.
Ares Overseas IWCF Level 4 course.
The IWCF Level 4 Drilling Well Control course is a critical certification for professionals who are in charge of decision-making during well operations—especially those in supervisory or engineering roles, both on the rig and from office-based positions. It provides participants with the skills and technical knowledge required to prevent and manage well control incidents at the highest level.
Whether you work as a Company Man, Drilling Supervisor, or Well Engineer, this advanced course ensures you’re equipped to maintain control of the well, interpret well control data, and lead operations during complex or high-pressure scenarios. The course follows the strict guidelines set by the International Well Control Forum (IWCF), the globally recognized authority for well control certification.
This course is specifically tailored for senior personnel who are actively involved in:
If your job requires you to approve, lead, or direct well control operations, this course is for you.
Note: Drillers and Assistant Drillers should instead consider IWCF Level 3 Drilling Well Control, which is designed for operational roles responsible for executing well control procedures.
The IWCF Level 4 Drilling Well Control course is designed to equip candidates with a detailed understanding of well control principles, kick detection, shut-in procedures, pressure calculations, and kill operations—through both theoretical and simulator-based assessments.
Course Format:
Duration: 5 full days
Assessment: Written exams (surface or subsea stack) and simulator-based practical test
Certificate Validity: 2 years
Pre-requisites:
Valid IWCF Candidate Registration (CR) number
Prior IWCF certification at Driller level or higher (Level 3 or equivalent)
Training Delivery: Online or Onsite
At ARES Offshore, we offer both virtual and classroom-based IWCF Level 4 training, so you can train how and where it suits you best:
Classroom Training in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia and Jakarta, Indonesia – instructor-led, in-person simulations.
Virtual Training – live sessions with certified IWCF instructors, interactive digital simulator tools, and full online assessments.
This flexibility makes it easy for professionals from anywhere in the world to obtain certification without the cost and logistics of international travel.
Uncontrolled well events such as blowouts not only pose environmental and safety risks, but also lead to massive financial losses and legal consequences. As supervisory personnel, you must have the skills to:
Analyze formation pressure and kick indicators
Approve and implement appropriate kill methods (e.g. Wait and Weight, Driller’s Method)
Manage pressure control equipment (e.g. BOP systems, choke manifold)
Coordinate between rig crews and office personnel
Lead incident responses in compliance with global standards
Holding an IWCF Level 4 certificate is often a mandatory requirement for job roles with international operators like Shell, ExxonMobil, Petronas, and Chevron. Whether you’re taking on a new supervisory role or renewing your expired certificate, this course positions you for success.
At ARES Offshore, our training modules are aligned with IWCF’s most recent syllabi, and our instructors have decades of field and teaching experience. We also run refresher courses for returning professionals and bulk training for contractor teams.
Don’t let an expired cert delay your deployment.
– Enroll in IWCF Level 4 Well Control Training
– Reserve a classroom or virtual seat today
– Train anywhere — we bring the simulator to your screen
Not sure if IWCF Level 4 is right for you? Read more about IWCF Level 4 Drilling Well Control here.