What does an assistant driller do?

Although drillers are the leader of tower, assistant driller performs critical tasks. As the position requirement, driller is stable most of the time. A/D is mobile and frequently checks well control equipment for any hazards. Anything related to tubulars, fishing tools, offloading/backloading is part of A/D responsibility. Also A/D is the man in charge for most of the jobs ongoing in a rig, raises permits, instructs/train rig crew as per task requirements.

An assistant driller is the key driller in drilling a well safely in terms of making sure that the correct mud weight, correct drill pipe and casing sizes are being used to drill the well, maintaining the well control parameters such as the well bore pressures, weight on bit, checking the drilling tools and equipment....the assistant driller needs to move a lot on the rig floor compared to the driller.

An assistant driller plays a critical role in drilling equipment operations and maintenance by assisting in rig setup, monitoring machinery performance, conducting routine inspections, and coordinating repairs. They ensure equipment functions smoothly, troubleshoot issues, and adhere to maintenance schedules to minimize downtime and optimize drilling efficiency. Assistant drillers contribute to safe and efficient drilling operations by ensuring equipment reliability and adherence to operational standards.

Driller's assistants in the Geotechnical and Environmental field are the driller's right hand person. They flow communication with the technician and driller to ensure both parties are on the same page or if any adjustments need to be made the driller knows. The assistant cleans and prepares tooling, presents the samples, prepares the well supplies, and many other things to keep the project moving. They are a key addition to the drilling team to have the process move efficiently.

Assistant driller also performs drilling department's daily checklists (QHSE checks, derrick inspection, choke and kill manifold set up). Maintain an organized drilling equipment store and tubular and subs inventory.

A/D instruct rig crew as per job requirements. Especially in critical situations such as total loss or well control problems, A/D ensures rig crew following right practices.

An assistant driller oversees drill floor operations and supervises drillers' helpers during drilling operations. They ensure drillers' helpers follow safety protocols, assist in equipment setup, and coordinate tasks such as pipe handling and mud circulation. Assistant drillers provide guidance, training, and support to helpers, ensuring smooth workflow and efficient operation. They monitor helper performance, address any issues promptly, and prioritize safety at all times. By managing drillers' helpers effectively, assistant drillers contribute to the overall safety, productivity, and success of drilling operations.

Assistant Driller raises the permit and he is the leader of the task in many cases. For example man riders, or changing mud pump parts.

An assistant driller plays a crucial role in ensuring safety and efficiency during drilling operations. They assist the driller in managing equipment, coordinating crew activities, and implementing safety protocols. Their responsibilities include monitoring drilling parameters, conducting equipment inspections, and responding to emergencies. By maintaining communication with the drilling team and adhering to safety procedures, assistant drillers help prevent accidents, minimize downtime, and optimize drilling performance, contributing to overall operational success and personnel well-being.

There's no doubt that the assistant driller plays a vital role on the rig site during the drilling operations. Hence, I would like to highlight the necessity of having a Multitasking assistant driller among the rig crew. The assistant driller can be considered as the joker of the crew as he had already served as a Roustabout, Floor hand, Roughneck and Derrick man before. Moreover, he should be familiar with the brake, TDS Panel and all of the driller's scope of work. We, as Drilling Supervisors, must pay more attention to the monitoring of the rig crew, especially assistant drillers, competency level by continuous safety & operational drills to make sure that they are qualified enough to deliver their tasks properly and safely.

An assistant driller requires technical skills in drilling equipment operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting. They should be proficient in rigging up/down procedures, pipe handling, and drilling fluid management. Strong communication and leadership abilities are vital for coordinating crew activities and ensuring safety. Additionally, knowledge of safety regulations, emergency procedures, and first aid is essential. Physical stamina and adaptability to harsh working conditions are also necessary for this role. Overall, assistant drillers need a blend of technical expertise, leadership skills, and safety awareness to excel in drilling operations.

As a DSV I consider Assistant driller as the JOKER on rig site and his role is very crucial in conducting drilling operations smoothly, some of the A/D duties for example are: - prepare tubular tally along side drifting operation for CSG. - organize and make proper inventory for all equipment in location. - help derrick man on mud system along side work distribution to rig hands. For me a good A/D on location is a huge asset to the DSV.

The assistant driller is an asset to the entire crew, he coordinates the floor men and also relate with other members of the crew.