Page 296 - Drilling Technology in Nontechnical Language

Chapter 12 – MANAGING DRILLING OPERATIONS 287

or by service companies contracted to the operator. These personnel will
report to the drilling supervisor and will have responsibility for their own
equipment and area of expertise.

Drilling contractor. The drilling contractor owns the rig and employs
the regular supervisors and crews working on the rig. The rigsite personnel
will almost always work an equal-time system; a week or a month on the
rig followed by the same time off. This requires two sets of supervisors
(toolpushers, night toolpushers, camp boss, etc.) and four complete crews,
two of which will be on the rig at any time (drill crews [driller and below],
radio operator, cooks, crane drivers, etc.).
Rig superintendent. Similar level of responsibility to the operator
counterpart (senior drilling engineer). May be responsible for one or
more rigs.

Toolpusher. The person in overall command of the rig. In some offshore
areas (such as the North Sea), the toolpusher may also be designated as
the offshore installation manager (OIM), with certain legal responsibilities

similar to that of a captain at sea. (With floating rigs, whether anchored in

position or not, there is often a qualified marine captain who is the OIM.)
Night toolpusher. Usually works 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. Often deals with
much of the paperwork and ensures that the store is kept with sufficient

spares, chemicals, etc. for upcoming operations.
Camp boss. In charge of accommodation and catering.
Radio operator. Usually two on the rig at any one time to provide
24-hour radio cover.

Driller. In charge of a crew of five or six people, the drillers usually

work 12-hour shifts (midnight to noon, noon to midnight) on the drill floor.
The on-shift driller is the most critical person on the rig. The decisions
that the driller makes and how the driller reacts to problems has a huge

influence on the final outcome.
Assistant driller (AD). Helps the driller by preparing tools and
equipment; completes some of the paperwork; and ensures maintenance
and repair work to drilling equipment is done, involving the mechanic or
electrician as necessary.

Derrickman. Works up in the derrick when tripping into or out of the
hole. Responsible for the mud pits and mud pump during drilling.

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