Profile of a Water Well Driller
Drillers are as diverse a group of people as the industry in which they work. Every drilling operation is different and requires a highly skilled person to ensure that the drilling process is successful. Despite this diversity, a driller's profile has the following basic characteristics:

They prefer to work outdoors. They enjoy traveling and can live and work in isolated places. a driller works long hours and preserves under adverse conditions. They like variety and challenge in their work Drillers should have a mechanical background and enjoy working with machinery. They are resourceful people and are seen as capable of solving problems as they arise.

Communication skills are an important part of the driller's profile. a driller must be able to communicate effectively with geologists, engineers, consultants, landholders and all others involved in a drilling project so that it can be completed in the most efficient and economical manner.
Additionally, there are stringent physical requirements which must be considered. Many drilling operational sites are remote and personnel are required to handle heavy and cumbersome equipment. Excellent physical health and the ability to work well with others are essential. Medical conditions that could be safety rick without regular medical attention (such as diabetes) must be under control.

When one considers the diversity of characteristics that make a driller, it becomes understandable that good experienced drillers are very interesting people, and within their ranks are numerous 'characteristics' the mark of person who has come to grips with a full and interesting life.
Occupational Skills

The driller knows the process involved in making a hole such as crushing abrading impact, tearing, twisting, cutting, eroding string/sluicing and excavating. With this knowledge he is able to alter the drilling method to suit each particular application.

An experienced driller uses several senses to keep track of what is happening down the hole. He will monitor instruments such as pressure gauges feed or weight indicators. He will be feeling and listening for sounds of vibration or rough drilling. He will be observing the volume, color and consistency of the returns from the hole. These clues when put together, allow the driller to recognise what is happening. He can then adjust the procedures accordingly.

A driller must have the skills to keep the hole open and stable long enough for it to be completed. Often the hole will have to be kept open for additional time to permit measurements, tests or for material to be inserted. The drillers knowledge of the most suitable drilling method and circulating fluid is important to ensure the hole will remain open and stable.

The three components of the drilling process must all exist at all times. If one of these components becomes ineffective, the drilling process will deteriorate rapidly and the information obtained from the hole will be invalid. Each component produces information. The information obtained from recognising what's happening is often the most crucial to the project.

Driller versus Operator
It is important that a distinction between the driller and an operator is made. An operator operates the drill rig and refers all other matters of responsibility to his supervisor. He calls for assistance when changes in the program are required and when a breakdown occurs. The operator will usually attend to daily service requirements but relies on a mechanic to perform major service and repair functions.

A driller, on the other hand, is a leader who accepts responsibility for the total operation and safety of his rig and crew at all time. He instructs his crew in proper drilling practices and organises them to work as team. Depending on the organisation, such a person may be termed a drilling supervisor. Where appropriate, he also delegates the crew to carry out daily services and will work with them when new part and major repairs are required. If breakdowns occur the driller must organise the supply of parts and adjust the drilling program to effect necessary repairs.

The driller is a professional person who possess current knowledge and skills. He doesn't just drill the hole. He knows what it's for, advises his crew what the job involves, observes and corrects drilling practices that could affect the job's progress, reports additional information to that required, plans the drilling operation to make the best use of available funds and machinery, works as a team member with geologists or engineers and provides them with advice on all drilling matters.
Ideally, the driller possess a certain flexibility to adjust the drilling practices to fit in with any changes. The may include the use of alternative methods and equipments or more careful control over the drilling and sampling procedures. The driller operates the drill rig, adjusting speed and feed to meet various insitu conditions.

Consequently, drillers need to be able to think as well as being able to use equipment. The mental skills that come from practical knowledge are even more important than the practical skills of handling the equipment. Every driller is the operator and manager of his own drill rig as well as the technician, mechanic and organiser.  

The broad range of skills gained by an experience driller are listed below:

  • Operating Skills
  • Drill Rig
  • Ancillary Equipment
  • Vehicles
  • Technical Skills
  • Drilling
  • Mechanical
  • Hydraulics
  • Electrical
  • Welding
  • Fitting
  • Plumbing
  • Engineering
  • Geological
  • Managerial and organisational Skills
  • Planning
  • Controlling
  • Checking
  • Problem Solving
  • Instructing
  • Ingenuity
  • Persistence

A drillers assistant or trainee driller does not have this full range of skills and therefore has a requirement for training. Most drillers will also find training needs in many areas.

In summary the driller is everything from cook to project manager. He accepts a high level of responsibility and consultancy makes decisions. His knowledge and skills coupled with drive, initiative and persistence are always in high demand. From
the profile outlined it is easy to understand why drillers are the backbone of the industry. No drilling project could be effectively commenced or completed without experienced drillers. They are the key people in the industry.

Next month we will continue this series as to how these drilling persons drill a pilot hole with a emphasis to details of functions of major components of a drilling rig and well design and construction features.
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