Rig Certifications Explained
What each certification actually covers, how long it takes, and which roles require it. Certifications are the fastest way to accelerate your career progression.
BOSIET / FOET
Basic Offshore Safety Induction & Emergency Training. Mandatory for anyone going offshore. Covers helicopter underwater escape (HUET), sea survival, firefighting, and first aid. Valid for 4 years; FOET (Further Offshore Emergency Training) is the renewal course.
Required — All Offshore RolesIWCF Well Control
International Well Control Forum certification. Level 2 for rig floor crews, Level 3 for drillers, Level 4 for supervisors/OIM. Covers kick recognition, shut-in procedures, and well kill methods. Renewed every 2 years via exam.
Required — Driller & AboveIADC WellSharp
The other globally recognized well control certification body, functionally equivalent to IWCF. Most operators accept either. Same tiered structure from drill floor through supervisor level.
Alternative to IWCFH₂S Safety
Hydrogen sulfide (sour gas) awareness and escape training. Required on any well that may encounter H₂S. Covers detector use, SCBA donning, and emergency response. Typically a 1-day course.
Required — Sour Gas WellsNEBOSH IGC
National Examination Board in Occupational Safety and Health. Globally recognized safety management qualification. The standard credential for HSE/safety officer roles internationally.
HSE RolesOSHA 30
30-hour general industry or construction safety course. The North American standard for safety-focused roles, often paired with or as an alternative to NEBOSH depending on region.
HSE Roles — North AmericaOPITO IMIST
International Minimum Industry Safety Training. A baseline safety awareness qualification required by most major operators for all rig personnel, regardless of role.
Required — Most OperatorsOffshore Medical
A medical fitness examination specific to offshore work — more rigorous than a standard physical. Required before any offshore deployment and renewed periodically (typically every 2 years).
Required — All Offshore RolesWhat You Need, By Position
| Role | Required Certifications |
|---|---|
| Roustabout | BOSIET (offshore only), basic safety orientation |
| Roughneck | BOSIET (offshore), H₂S awareness recommended |
| Derrickhand | BOSIET, IWCF Level 2 (or working toward it) |
| Assistant Driller | BOSIET, IWCF Level 2, offshore medical |
| Driller | BOSIET, IWCF Level 3 (Driller), offshore medical |
| Toolpusher | BOSIET, IWCF Level 4 (Supervisor), offshore medical |
| HSE Officer | NEBOSH IGC or OSHA 30, BOSIET if offshore |
| Rig Welder | AWS CW, API 1104 and/or AWS D1.1, BOSIET if offshore |
| Underwater Welder | AWS D3.6M, ADCI commercial diving certification |