Stuck drilling string incidents are among the most costly and disruptive problems in drilling operations. They can lead to significant nonproductive time, lost in hole equipment, sidetracks, and even well abandonment. In the context of carbon reduction and efficient resource utilization, avoiding stuck pipe is directly linked to lower fuel consumption, reduced emissions, and more sustainable drilling operations. A proactive strategy for preventing, diagnosing, and resolving stuck drilling strings is therefore both a technical and strategic necessity.

This course provides participants with a comprehensive understanding of the mechanisms that lead to stuck drilling string, including differential sticking, mechanical sticking, hole pack off, keyseating, and wellbore instability. It focuses on how to build a systematic strategy and action plan that integrates planning, real-time monitoring, wellbore design, drilling practices, and contingency procedures to minimise the likelihood and impact of stuck pipe events.

Through detailed case studies, calculations, and group exercises, participants will learn how to identify early warning signs, interpret downhole indications, and select appropriate freeing and recovery techniques such as jarring, working the string, circulation strategies, spotting fluids, and contingency fishing operations. The course will also cover lessons learned, root cause analysis, and how to convert technical insights into practical action plans and organisational learning. By the end of the course, participants will be equipped to contribute effectively to a robust stuck drilling string prevention and response strategy in their own operations.

COURSE OBJECTIVES:

After completion of the course, the participants will be able to:

• Describe the main types and mechanisms of stuck drilling string, including differential and mechanical sticking.
• Explain how wellbore geometry, formation properties, mud system design, and drilling practices contribute to stuck pipe risk.
• Distinguish between indications of differential sticking, pack off, keyseating, and wellbore collapse.
• Develop a structured stuck pipe prevention strategy during the well planning and drilling program design phases.
• Interpret surface and downhole parameters to detect early warning signs of an impending stuck drilling string.
• Analyse torque and drag, hook load, standpipe pressure, and cuttings trends to diagnose developing hole problems.
• Evaluate the impact of mud properties, hydraulics, and hole cleaning on the likelihood of stuck pipe incidents.
• Design appropriate operational practices for tripping, reaming, circulation, and wiper trips to reduce stuck pipe risk.
• Select and plan the use of jarring operations, spotting fluids, back-off techniques, and other freeing methods.
• Prepare contingency plans and decision trees for response to different stuck pipe scenarios.
• Conduct root cause analysis of stuck drilling string incidents and translate findings into corrective and preventive actions.
• Coordinate effectively between drilling engineers, company representatives, rig crews, and service companies during stuck pipe events.
• Quantify non-productive time and cost impacts of stuck pipe and use this information to justify preventive investments.
• Integrate stuck pipe prevention measures into broader drilling performance, safety, and sustainability initiatives.
• Develop an action plan to implement improved stuck drilling string prevention and response practices in their organisation.

TARGET AUDIENCE:

• Drilling engineers and well engineers
• Drilling supervisors, company men, and wellsite leaders
• Toolpushers, drilling foremen, and rig site supervisors
• Directional drillers and drilling optimisation engineers
• Operations and asset engineers involved in well planning and execution
• HSE and risk management personnel supporting drilling operations
• Service company engineers involved in drilling fluids, bits, and downhole tools 

TRAINING COURSE METHODOLOGY:

A highly interactive combination of lectures, discussion sessions, and case studies will be employed to maximise the transfer of information, knowledge, and experience. The course will be intensive but practical and highly interactive. The sessions will start by raising the most relevant questions and motivating everybody to find the right answers. The attendants will also be encouraged to raise more of their questions and to share in developing the right answers using their analysis and experience. There will also be some indoor experiential activities to enhance the learning experience. Course material through PowerPoint equipped with necessary animation, learning videos, and general discussions will be provided.

The course participants shall be evaluated before, during, and after the course.

COURSE CERTIFICATE:

National Consultant Centre for Training LLC (NCC) will issue an Attendance Certificate to all participants who complete at least 80% of the total attendance time requirement.