About the Drilling Rig Control & Operation Course
Time Training Center's 5-day/30-hour Drilling Rig Control & Operation Course delivers an in-depth understanding of efficient and safe operation of drilling rigs. It equips you with the technical expertise to manage and optimize rig performance in diverse drilling environments.
The course delves into the fundamental architecture and functions of various rig types, including mechanical, hydraulic, and electric designs. You can identify major rig components such as drawworks, top drives, and blowout preventers (BOP), and analyse operational parameters like weight on bit (WOB), torque, and pressure control. The curriculum also emphasises rig automation, real-time monitoring systems, and well control procedures.
We provide a blend of theoretical foundations, interactive workshops, and real-world case studies. By this our course helps you implement safe and efficient rig operations, evaluate performance indicators, and apply troubleshooting techniques. You can also integrate safety and environmental considerations, gain familiarity with automated and digital drilling technologies, and explore emerging trends in rig management to ensure effective well construction and minimize non-productive time.
Drilling Rig Control & Operation Course Objectives
By the end of this Drilling Rig Control & Operation training course, participants will be able to:
- Understand the fundamental architecture and functions of various types of drilling rigs, including mechanical, hydraulic, and electric rigs.
- Identify and explain the role of major rig components such as drawworks, top drives, rotary tables, mud pumps, blowout preventers (BOP), and hoisting systems.
- Analyze the operational parameters involved in rig control, including weight on bit (WOB), torque, rotary speed, and pressure control.
- Apply knowledge of rig control systems including SCADA, PLCs, and HMI interfaces to enhance operational accuracy and safety.
- Implement safe and efficient start-up, shut-down, and tripping operations, including pipe handling, mud circulation, and pressure control techniques.
- Evaluate rig performance indicators and apply troubleshooting techniques to reduce downtime and enhance efficiency.
- Integrate safety and environmental considerations into rig operations, including compliance with regulatory standards and emergency response protocols.
- Gain familiarity with automated and digital drilling technologies, including remote monitoring and rig control optimization systems.
Training Methodology
We employ a comprehensive and applied learning strategy, integrating theory with real-world implementation:
- 30% Conceptual Learning: Expert-led sessions on catalytic theory and engineering principles
- 20% Interactive Workshops: Group exercises, presentations, and technical discussion forums
- 30% Case-Based Learning: Industry-specific examples and troubleshooting scenarios
- 20% Technology Integration: Digital tools, simulations, and catalyst modeling applications
Note: Instructors may adjust the training approach to fit technical requirements or participant engagement levels.
Course Instructor
Our courses are delivered by highly qualified instructors with extensive experience in both industry and academia. With decades of hands-on expertise across a wide range of technical disciplines, our instructors are dedicated to providing high-quality, impactful training that equips participants with practical knowledge and skills they can immediately apply. Full instructor profiles are available upon request.
Course Fees
The course fee includes the following:
- Course Materials: Comprehensive participant materials, including lecture notes, slides, and case study documents. (Tablet or IPAD)
- Coffee/Tea: Provided on arrival and during morning and afternoon breaks to keep participants refreshed.
- Buffet Lunch: Served daily to ensure participants have an opportunity to network and recharge during lunch breaks.
Who Should Attend Our Drilling Rig Control & Operation Course?
This training course is highly beneficial for professionals involved in drilling operations, rig management, and oilfield services, including:
- Drilling Engineers
- Rig Supervisors and Toolpushers
- Rig Operators and Drillers
- Wellsite Engineers and Superintendents
- Field Service Engineers
- Maintenance and Reliability Engineers
- HSE Officers working in drilling environments
- Technical Advisors and Consultants in Drilling Operations
- Engineers transitioning into drilling-related roles
Drilling Rig Control & Operation Course Outline
Module 1: Fundamentals of Drilling Rig Types and Systems
- Pre-test assessment of existing knowledge
- Classification of drilling rigs: land vs. offshore
- Mechanical, hydraulic, and electric rig designs
- Structural and functional layout of a drilling rig
Module 2: Key Rig Components and Functional Equipment
- Drawworks, rotary systems, top drives, and hoisting equipment
- Mud circulation systems and mud pumps
- Blowout Preventers (BOP) and well control systems
- Power generation and distribution on rigs
Module 3: Rig Control and Monitoring Systems
- Introduction to rig automation and control philosophy
- PLCs, SCADA, and HMI in drilling control
- Real-time data acquisition and remote rig monitoring
Module 4: Drilling Operations and Procedures
- Rig-up and rig-down procedures
- Tripping operations and pipe handling
- Circulation, cementing, and pressure control operations
- Role of drilling fluid systems in rig operation
Module 5: Rig Performance Optimization and Troubleshooting
- Key performance indicators (KPIs) for rig operation
- Diagnosing operational inefficiencies
- Maintenance planning and common troubleshooting methods
Module 6: Safety, Compliance, and Emergency Procedures
- Drilling rig safety systems and protocols
- Emergency shut-down and blowout prevention
- Environmental management and regulatory compliance
- Case studies on rig incidents and mitigation strategies
Module 7: Emerging Technologies in Rig Control
- Advances in rig automation and digital drilling
- Integration of artificial intelligence in drilling control
- Remote operations and future trends in rig management
Module 8: Capstone and Assessment
- Review of Core Topics and Key Learnings
- Final Group Discussion and Q&A
- Post-Test Evaluation
- Certificate Presentation
Course Completion Certificate
Upon completing your course at Time Training Center, you will be awarded an official Course Completion Certificate, recognizing your achievement and the skills you've gained. This certificate validates your expertise and reflects the high standards of training you've undergone.
Certificate Accreditations

Continuing Professional Development (CPD)
CPD Accreditation stands for Continuing Professional Development Accreditation. CPD Accreditation is a trust mark achieved by training providers, course creators, and other educators when their training activity (course, event, or other) has been assessed and confirmed to meet standards suitable for Continuing Professional Development. This accreditation assures both learners and employers that the training is credible and worthwhile for ongoing career growth.