An Interactive 5-Day Training Course
Wellsite Geology for Drilling Engineers
Geology at the Rig Site
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Duration
5 Days
Price
$ 3,000
Starting From
08 Nov 2027
Wellsite Geology for Drilling Engineers
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Wellsite Geology for Drilling Engineers - DC-WSG-PEA27
| Code | Date | Time | Duration | Location | Currency | Early Bird Fee Per Person |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| DC-WSG-PEA27 | 08 - 12 Nov 2027 | 10 AM CST | 4 Hours / Day |
Online |
USD |
3000 |
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Wellsite Geology for Drilling Engineers
This course covers wellsite geology for drilling staff. Participants study the wellsite geologist's role, cuttings and lithology description, formation tops and correlation, mud logging data interpretation, logging while drilling and wireline data, pressure and hazard indications, coring and sampling, operational decisions driven by geology and reporting requirements.
Description
The wellsite geologist decides where the well is in the stratigraphy, when it has reached a formation top, whether a show is worth testing and when to core, and feeds that into the drilling decisions made at the rig. Drilling engineers and supervisors who understand this work make better use of it and communicate better with their subsurface colleagues.
This course covers the role and its outputs. It starts with the wellsite geologist's responsibilities and interfaces, then covers cuttings description and lithology determination, formation tops picking and correlation against prognosis. It covers mud logging data and its interpretation, logging while drilling and wireline data as used at the wellsite, and the pressure and hazard indications geology provides. It then covers coring, sampling and show evaluation, the operational decisions that depend on geological calls such as casing points, coring and testing, and the reporting the role produces, including the geological well report and the data handover.
The most consequential wellsite geology calls are casing points and coring. Calling a formation top early or late moves a casing point, which costs money either way and can leave a section exposed or a string set in the wrong formation. Calling a core point requires confidence that the right interval is about to be drilled, with hours of rig time depending on it.
Correlation under time pressure is the core skill. Cuttings arrive lagged and mixed with cavings, logging while drilling data arrives behind the bit, and the prognosis may be wrong by tens of metres. Reaching a defensible call from that evidence, and stating its confidence, is what the role contributes.
Communication is the second half. A geologist who reports a top with no indication of confidence, or who changes a call without explaining what changed, makes the drilling team's decisions harder. Working well together at the rig depends on each side understanding what the other needs and when.
By the end of this training, participants will be able to:
- Describe the wellsite geologist's role, responsibilities and interfaces.
- Describe cuttings and determine lithology at the wellsite.
- Pick formation tops and correlate against prognosis.
- Interpret mud logging data for lithology, shows and pressure.
- Use logging while drilling and wireline data at the wellsite.
- Recognise pressure and drilling hazard indications from geological data.
- Plan and supervise coring and sampling.
- Evaluate hydrocarbon shows and decide on further action.
- Support casing point, coring and testing decisions.
- Produce wellsite geological reports and hand over data.
The course is instructor-led and aimed at drilling staff rather than geoscientists. Lithology, correlation and show evaluation are taught through sample material, logs and real well data, with participants making calls from partial evidence and justifying them. Decision exercises cover casing points and coring. Participants are encouraged to bring their own well data for discussion.
Organisations sending participants to this training will:
- Improve the use drilling teams make of wellsite geological information.
- Improve communication between drilling and subsurface staff at the rig.
- Reduce poor casing point and coring decisions.
- Improve the quality and timeliness of wellsite reporting.
- Build cross-discipline understanding in well delivery teams.
Participants will:
- Understand what the wellsite geologist does and how.
- Be able to interpret cuttings, mud logs and while-drilling data.
- Understand how formation tops are picked and their uncertainty.
- Be able to contribute to casing, coring and testing decisions.
- Be able to work effectively with wellsite geologists.
- Drilling engineers
- Rig site supervisors and company representatives
- Wellsite geologists in their early career
- Mud loggers moving into geology roles
- Well engineers and planners
- Graduate engineers in well delivery roles
Module 1: The Wellsite Geology Role
- Responsibilities and deliverables
- Interfaces with drilling, mud logging and town
- Shift patterns and handover
- Authority and decision input
- Competence requirements
Module 2: Cuttings and Lithology
- Sample collection and lag
- Washing and description
- Recognising cavings and contamination
- Lithology determination
- Describing under the microscope
Module 3: Formation Tops and Correlation
- Prognosis and its uncertainty
- Correlation methods at the wellsite
- Picking tops from cuttings and logs
- Confidence and revision
- Communicating a top call
Module 4: Mud Logging Data
- Gas data interpretation
- Drilling parameter indications
- Shale density and cuttings volume
- Integrating mud log data with other evidence
Module 5: While-Drilling and Wireline Data
- Logging while drilling data at the wellsite
- Quick-look interpretation
- Wireline logging programmes
- Depth matching and quality checks
- Using logs for correlation
Module 6: Pressure and Hazard Indications
- Geological pressure indicators
- Shallow hazards
- Instability and cavings interpretation
- Faults and unexpected structure
- Communicating hazard warnings
Module 7: Coring and Sampling
- Core point selection
- Supervising coring operations
- Wellsite core handling
- Sidewall coring
- Fluid sampling
Module 8: Shows and Evaluation
- Fluorescence and cut testing
- Show description and significance
- Deciding whether to log, test or core
- Reporting shows to town
- Avoiding false positives
Module 9: Decisions and Reporting
- Casing point calls
- Coring and testing recommendations
- Daily geological reporting
- Final well geological report
- Data handover and sample dispatch
- Working with the drilling team
Upon successful completion of this training course, delegates will be awarded an official Certificate of Completion issued by the Petroleum Engineers Association (PEA), an ISO 9001:2015 certified training organization. The certificate carries 10 Credits and formally records the total learning hours completed.
Each certificate is signed by the Course Facilitator and the CEO of the Petroleum Engineers Association, and serves as verifiable proof of professional training that delegates can present to employers and professional bodies worldwide.
Frequently Asked Questions
All course bookings made through PEA are strictly non-refundable. By registering for a course, you acknowledge and accept that all fees are payable in full and are not subject to refund under any circumstances, including changes in personal or professional commitments or partial attendance.
PEA reserves the right to make reasonable adjustments to course content, trainers, or schedules where necessary, without entitling delegates to a refund. Comprehensive details of each course — including objectives, target audience, and content — are clearly outlined before enrolment, and it is the responsibility of the delegate to ensure the course's suitability prior to booking.
For any inquiries related to cancellations or bookings, please contact our support team, who will be happy to assist you.
