Wellsite geologist : Training

There is no formal wellsite geology qualification. Some mudlogging and consultancy companies offer training in certain aspects, such as wireline/formation evaluation, but others have ceased doing this, since they tend to lose staff to consultancy. As an independent consultant, you would be expected to put yourself through such courses at your own cost in order to keep your skills current.

A wellsite geologist will generally have undertaken training in a range of areas before beginning work, but regular updating will be required. These areas include:

• wellsite and offshore safety management;
• safety management systems;
• risk assessment;
• Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH);
• wellsite operations;
• wellsite geological procedures;
• formation evaluation of wireline;
• abnormal pressure interpretation;
• FEMWD (formation evaluation measurement while drilling) logs.

Several of the geological services organisations that recruit staff also run training courses delivered at their premises or in-house at a company site or other venue. A range of courses are also offered by training providers such as Nautilus  and HRH Geology .