Scenario Based Training in Drilling Rig Simulator Improves Drillers Core Competency
Authors: Manocha Malini , Soni Somesh , Beck Michalel , Ramirez Xavier 
Published: March 2023

The scope of this paper is to present scenario-based, game design methodology to driller workforce training in drilling rig simulator training exercises to train on functional operation of the rig control system. Scenario-based training has resulted in a shift from traditional and maneuver-based training approaches. It trains drillers on different skills and competencies. It has also shown to improve spatial memory, decision making and other cognitive skills. The objective is to use these methods via training to improve driller competency.

Drillers working on drilling rigs operate in high-hazard environments. Driller has to manage situations that are dynamic in nature, high risk, uncertainty and manage multiple operations of the rig control systems. Integrating simulator-based exercises into training is designed to improve safety and performance. The motivations behind this work are multi-fold. First, we recognize that the incoming workforce of drillers across the world have different learning abilities, decision making skills, risk adjustments and cognitive skills. The drilling rig simulator's objective is to train drillers to deploy a better strategy, have fewer errors and faster response in real-world scenarios using their spatial working memory (memory responsible for the recording and recovery of information). Secondly, the control systems on a drilling rig is continuously changing which requires the drillers to get up to speed very quickly. Dynamic situations require the driller to monitor this complex system, perform routine procedures on the control systems, and quickly respond to hazardous situations. Technical advances in drilling rig simulators now means that the simulator-based exercises provides immediate feedback, has exercises that are repeatable with different scenarios, integrates a structured observation tool to record and capture positive behaviors as well as areas for improvement, trains drillers on technical and non-technical skills and plans performance standards.

Different approaches to the scenario-based game design methodology of training are being explored. Drillers can operate the drilling rig training simulator application by remotely login to the physics-based drilling rig training simulator for scenario-based training. The driller is presented with various scenarios - drilling dysfunctions, situational dysfunctions, etc. Both the approaches in the training simulator navigates the driller through various levels of difficulty from beginner to advanced. The organization and progression of increasing layers of situational difficulty (technical / non-technical) are presented to the driller for the various scenarios through a multi-level course that allows the driller to tackle and improve his competency. The drillers response to the dysfunctions/situations are measured and formulated into a competency assessment matrix that allows the training department to determine if additional training is required.

Integration of scenario-based game design methodology in the drilling rig simulator is an innovative way to train drillers. Mobile or web scenario-based game design can enhance self-training leading to better productivity and confidence in drillers. Key performance indicators were developed to measure the driller competency through this methodology.