Projects
IWCF LEVEL 3 Drilling Well Control
Ares Overseas IWCF Level 3 Course.
IWCF Drilling Well Control Level 3: Everything You Need to Know
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.
What is IWCF Level 3?
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.
Delivery Methods
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 Structure and Duration
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.
Who Should Attend?
This course is ideal for individuals in operational roles such as:
- Drilling/Intervention Wellsite Supervisor, Superintendent or Company Man
- Office-based Drilling/Intervention Supervisor
- Office-based Drilling/Intervention Superintendent
- Tool Pusher
- Wellsite Well Testing Supervisor
- Wellsite Completions Supervisor
- Intervention Supervisor
- Offshore Installation Manager (OIM)
- Drilling Contractor Rig Manager
- Supervisors or Crew Chiefs for special service operations
- Fishing engineer (if supervising well kill/pressure-controlled operations)
- Those who are in decision-making roles (e.g., Company Men, Superintendents, Well Engineers) may consider IWCF Level 4 Drilling Well Control as a next step.
Why Drilling Well Control Training Matters
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.
IWCF LEVEL 4 Drilling Well Control
Ares Overseas IWCF Level 4 course.
IWCF Level 4 Drilling Well Control: Advanced Certification for Supervisors and Engineers
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.
Who Should Take IWCF Level 4?
This course is specifically tailored for senior personnel who are actively involved in:
- Well design and planning
- Operational oversight of drilling and completions
- Making critical decisions during live operations
- Drilling/Intervention Wellsite Supervisor
- Superintendent or Company Representative
- Office-based Drilling/Intervention Supervisors and Engineers
- Toolpushers overseeing crews
- Offshore Installation Managers (OIMs)
- Completions and Well Testing Supervisors
- Intervention Supervisors
- Drilling Contractor Rig Managers
- Special Service Supervisors (e.g. MPD, Underbalanced, etc.)
- Fishing Engineers supervising well kill/pressure control ops
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.
Course Overview & Certification Details
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.
Why IWCF Level 4 Matters
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
Enhance Your Career with IWCF Certification
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.
Book Your Training Now
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.
INTRODUCTORY LEVEL – IADC WellSharp Drilling Course
- Classroom-Based: Instructor-led training in a traditional classroom setting.
- Virtual Training: Live instructor-led sessions conducted online.
- No prior course required.
- Barge Engineer
- Floorman
- Pit Hand, Pump Man, Shaker Man
- Derrickman
- BOP/Subsea Engineer
- MPD/UBD Well Site Service Personnel (non-supervisory)
- Offshore Installation Manager (OIM)
- Casing Crew Supervisor
- Cementer
- ROV Personnel (supervisory)
- Mud Engineer
- Mud Logger/Wellsite Drilling Data Engineer
- Directional Driller
- Fishing Tool Operator (non-pressure operations)
- Gain practical knowledge of well drilling features and well control principles.
- Develop skills to effectively manage and respond to well control incidents.
- Achieve a certification valid for 5 years, enhancing your competence in drilling operations.