How to Be Ocean Drilling Technician - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Jan 3, 2022 / 6 Minutes Read / By Albert

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The rise of offshore oil and gas exploration, coupled with the advancement of technology, has led to an increase in demand for ocean drilling technicians. These technicians are responsible for operating and maintaining drilling systems in all types of offshore environments, including deep sea and shallow water operations. They must be highly skilled in the use of specialized tools and equipment, as well as proficient in oil and gas industry regulations.

As a result, employers often require drillers to have a specific set of qualifications, such as a college degree in petroleum engineering and a valid certification from an accredited training program. Having the necessary knowledge and certifications can lead to increased job opportunities and higher pay for ocean drilling technicians.

Steps How to Become

Obtain a high school diploma or equivalent. Most employers require their Ocean Drilling Technicians to have at least a high school diploma or equivalent before they can be considered for employment.
Pursue a postsecondary degree in a field related to ocean drilling. Employers may prefer candidates who have an associate's degree or higher in a field related to ocean drilling, such as petroleum engineering, geology, or environmental science.
Get certified or licensed. Depending on the job requirements and the location of the job, you may need to obtain a certification or license to work as an Ocean Drilling Technician.
Gain experience. Most employers require their Ocean Drilling Technicians to have at least one to two years of experience in the field before they can be considered for employment. You can gain this experience by working as an oil driller, an offshore oil rig technician, or even a deep-sea diver.
Obtain safety training. All Ocean Drilling Technicians must complete safety training courses to ensure they are aware of the potential hazards they may encounter while working at sea.
Apply for jobs. After completing all the necessary steps, you can start applying for jobs as an Ocean Drilling Technician. You can find job postings on job search websites, in newspapers, and even on the websites of oil and gas companies.

The success of an ocean drilling technician is largely dependent on their technical skills and competency. Having a strong knowledge base in geology, drill operations, and engineering is essential for optimum performance. Additionally, the ability to work well in a team environment, remain organized and adhere to safety protocols is also key for success. As a result, those who are technically competent and able to work collaboratively have the best chance of succeeding in this field.

You may want to check Oceanic Biologist, Coastal Hydrologist, and Ocean Liner Captain for alternative.

Job Description

Operate and maintain drilling equipment to safely and efficiently drill wells for oil, gas and water.
Supervise drilling operations on the rig floor and ensure compliance with safety regulations.
Monitor and adjust drilling parameters as needed to maximize efficiency and safety.
Follow detailed instructions from supervisors and other personnel to ensure accuracy and quality of work.
Maintain and repair drilling equipment as needed to ensure proper functioning of machinery.
Monitor drilling operations and ensure that all safety protocols are followed at all times.
Operate crane and hoisting equipment to move equipment and supplies around the rig floor.
Monitor pressure, temperature, and other factors to ensure that drilling conditions remain optimal.
Record data such as depth readings, time logs, and other information related to the drilling operation.
Communicate with crew members, supervisors, and other personnel to coordinate activities on the rig floor.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Knowledge of drilling operations and safety procedures
Knowledge of downhole tools, equipment and instrumentation
Ability to read and interpret drilling diagrams and drawings
Ability to perform calculations related to drilling operations
Ability to troubleshoot and repair mechanical and electrical systems
Ability to operate and maintain drilling rigs
Ability to communicate effectively with other crew members
Ability to work in extreme weather conditions
Knowledge of industry regulations and standards
Knowledge of computer systems and software related to drilling operations

Being an ocean drilling technician requires a variety of skills, especially when working in a high-risk environment. Attention to detail and the ability to read and interpret technical data are essential for ensuring safety and accuracy during drilling operations. Good problem-solving skills also come into play when unexpected issues arise and need to be addressed quickly.

strong communication skills are necessary for coordinating operations with team members and other professionals. Finally, having a basic understanding of mechanical engineering and mathematics is key in order to troubleshoot any machine malfunctions or apply complicated calculations. the combined use of these skills helps ocean drilling technicians to successfully and safely complete their tasks in order to achieve the desired results.

Marine Salvage Technician, Ocean Resource Manager, and Marine Fisheries Scientist are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

How do you ensure safe operation of a drilling platform?
What experience do you have working with specialized drilling equipment?
Describe a time when you had to troubleshoot an issue with a drill.
How do you stay up to date with the latest safety regulations in ocean drilling?
What techniques do you use to ensure accurate readings and data collection?
How do you handle challenging situations while on the job?
Describe a time when you had to make a difficult decision on the job.
How do you prioritize tasks and manage competing demands?
Describe a situation where you had to think quickly and solve an unexpected problem.
What experience do you have interpreting geological data from the ocean floor?

Common Tools in Industry

Core Catcher. A device used to capture and store sediment or rock core samples during drilling. (eg: A core catcher is lowered into the borehole to collect and store the core sample. )
Drilling Rig. A large, motorized machine used to drill into the ground. (eg: The drilling rig is used to create boreholes for core sampling. )
Core Sampler. A tool used to extract a cylindrical sample of rock from a borehole. (eg: The core sampler is used to extract a cylindrical core sample from the borehole for analysis. )
Mud Circulation System. A system that circulates mud through the drill string and borehole in order to stabilize the hole and remove drill cuttings. (eg: The mud circulation system circulates a mixture of water, bentonite and other additives through the drill string to stabilize the hole and remove debris. )
Well Logging System. A system used to measure and record information about the characteristics of the subsurface. (eg: The well logging system records data such as temperature, pressure, and conductivity in order to create an image of the subsurface formation. )
Torque Wrench. A tool used to measure and control torque on a drill string. (eg: The torque wrench is used to ensure that the drill string is being rotated at the correct speed and with the necessary force. )

Professional Organizations to Know

American Association of Petroleum Geologists
American Association for the Advancement of Science
Society of Petroleum Engineers
American Geophysical Union
International Association for Mathematical Geosciences
International Association for Marine Geology and Geophysics
International Ocean Discovery Program
European Association of Geoscientists and Engineers
American Institute of Professional Geologists
American Geological Institute

We also have Oceanographic Technician, Marine Mammal Trainer, and Oceanic Geophysicist jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

Drilling Rig. A drilling rig is a large structure with equipment used to drill and extract subsurface resources such as oil and gas.
Drilling Techniques. Drilling techniques are used to extract subsurface resources by cutting and removing layers of earth or rock. Common techniques include rotary, percussive, and directional drilling.
Drilling Fluids. Drilling fluids are used to lubricate and cool the drill bit, remove cuttings from the wellbore, and provide hydrostatic pressure to prevent fluids from entering the wellbore.
Subsurface Geology. Subsurface geology is the study of the formation, composition, and structure of the Earth's subsurface layers.
Downhole Tools. Downhole tools are used to measure and control the drilling process and include drill bits, reamers, mud motors, logging tools, and instrumentation.
Logging. Logging is the process of measuring or recording various parameters in the wellbore during drilling operations. Parameters may include pressure, temperature, fluid flow rate, and formation characteristics.
Casing and Cementing. Casing is a steel pipe used to prevent collapse of the borehole walls and provide structural support. Cementing is the process of pumping cement into the annulus between the casing and the formation to provide zonal isolation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an Ocean Drilling Technician?

An Ocean Drilling Technician is a professional who is responsible for operating and maintaining specialized drilling equipment used to collect scientific samples from the seafloor.

What skills are necessary to be an Ocean Drilling Technician?

An Ocean Drilling Technician should have extensive knowledge of marine drilling equipment and operations, as well as experience in engineering, electronics, mechanics and hydraulics. They should also possess excellent communication and organizational skills.

What qualifications are required to become an Ocean Drilling Technician?

To become an Ocean Drilling Technician, applicants must possess a minimum of an Associate's degree in a related field such as Marine Science or Engineering Technology. A valid commercial drivers license may also be required.

How much do Ocean Drilling Technicians typically earn?

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for Ocean Drilling Technicians is $61,220 per year.

What types of organizations hire Ocean Drilling Technicians?

Ocean Drilling Technicians are typically employed by government agencies, research institutes, universities, and private companies involved in exploration and drilling operations.