10–12 Aug · Aberdeen 18–20 Sep · Stavanger 3 Days 5-Star Hotel
About This Course
Course Overview
Stuck pipe is one of the most expensive non-productive time (NPT) problems that can occur during a drilling operation. Prevention is far more economical than even the best freeing procedures. This 3-day course provides a thorough understanding of the three primary stuck pipe mechanisms — hole pack-off, wellbore geometry and differential sticking — their causes, and the techniques to prevent them.
Starting with an introduction to oil and gas drilling fundamentals, the course covers formation types, rock mechanics, drilling fluid properties, hole cleaning fundamentals, tripping guidelines, drilling jar operations, borehole instability and wellbore geometry issues. Delegates learn to "listen to the well" by performing trend analysis on drilling parameters and interpreting the "language of the well" before full sticking occurs. Day-by-day the complexity builds from identifying sticking mechanisms to the economics of fishing operations.
Hands-on exercises and a "First Actions" workshop ensure delegates are ready to identify and respond to sticking events in real-world scenarios, with a strong emphasis on team-based diagnostics and improved rig-site communication. Led by Dr. Sharif, a Saudi Aramco petroleum engineering specialist with over 35 years of drilling experience.
Programme Content
Key Topics
01
Drilling Fundamentals & Stuck Pipe Causes
Oil & gas drilling fundamentals and basic geology
Lost time causes and global stuck pipe statistics
Stuck pipe causes, mechanisms and identification
Rock mechanics: stratigraphic columns, deviated/horizontal wells, drilling window and fluid properties
"First Actions" exercise for real-time incident response
02
Drilling Jars & Hole Pack-Off
Types of drilling jars and how they work
Calculation of pump-open force, jarring loads and why jars fail
Differential sticking: prevention square and force calculation
Preventive mud programme design for problem formations
Drilling parameters monitoring for early warning
04
Fishing Economics & Course Summary
Economics of fishing: time value of money, probability models and time limits for fishing operations
Stuck point determination using the pipe stretch method
Fishing tool selection and best practice
Decision tree analysis for stuck pipe events
Teamwork and consolidation of learning
Course recommendations and case studies from real stuck pipe incidents
Learning Outcomes
What You Will Learn
By the end of this course, you will be able to:
01Identify the major causes and mechanisms behind stuck pipe incidents using global statistics and formation knowledge
02Understand rock mechanics, drilling fluid properties and their role in preventing sticking events
03Understand hole cleaning fundamentals, causes of borehole instability and best-practice tripping guidelines
04Apply drilling jar knowledge including pump-open force, jarring load calculations and operational guidelines
05Manage borehole instability and wellbore geometry problems to reduce differential sticking risk
06Apply "First Actions" responses to stuck pipe incidents and implement preventive measures proactively
07Evaluate fishing economics using time value of money, probability models and stuck point determination
08Appreciate the value of a team approach and improved rig-site communication in freeing stuck pipe within the critical first few hours
Dates & Pricing
Sessions & Fees
Classroom sessions held at five-star hotel venues.
Dates
Location
Format
Fee
10–12 Aug 2026
Aberdeen, UK
Classroom
£3,300
18–20 Sep 2026
Stavanger, Norway
Classroom
£3,300
Target Audience
Who Should Attend
This course suits a wide range of professionals in the drilling industry — from those starting their careers to experienced engineers seeking to strengthen their NPT prevention skills.
Drilling Engineers
Engineers designing and overseeing well construction operations
Rig Managers, Technicians & Foremen
Operational staff responsible for rig-floor decision-making
Geologists & Directional Drillers
Wellsite and directional drilling staff needing to understand drilling-related risks
Upstream drilling staff from national and international oil companies
Service Company Personnel
Drilling contractors and service providers supporting well operations
Common Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the course trainer? +
The course is led by Dr. Sharif, a petroleum engineering specialist with Saudi Aramco. He has over 35 years of practical experience in drilling, workover and completion operations, research and technology development, and has taught at King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals (KFUPM).
What are the 2026 session dates? +
Classroom sessions: 10–12 August 2026 in Aberdeen, UK; 18–20 September 2026 in Stavanger, Norway.
What is the course fee? +
The course fee is £3,300 per delegate. UK-based sessions are subject to 20% VAT.
Does the course cover fishing operations? +
Yes. The course includes a module on the economics of fishing using time value of money and probability models, covering fishing tool selection, decision trees for stuck pipe events, and real case studies from the field.
Can this course be delivered in-house? +
Yes. All London Petro Academy courses are available as fully customisable in-house programmes. Contact j.rogus@londonpetroacademy.co.uk for a tailored proposal.
