How to Become a Derrick Operators, Oil and Gas in India

Rig derrick equipment and operate pumps to circulate mud or fluid through drill hole.

Entry salary
Mid-career
Senior
Outlook
stable

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42
Skills covered4
Partial3
Missing7

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About the Derrick Operators, Oil and Gas role

Rig derrick equipment and operate pumps to circulate mud or fluid through drill hole.

What's your education level?

Years of relevant experience?

Do you have any of these key skills?

Skills required

  • Derrick Equipment Rigging and Operation
  • Pipe Handling and Racking (Working at Heights)
  • Mud Pump Operation and Fluid Circulation
  • Drilling Fluid (Mud) Property Monitoring
  • Blowout Preventer (BOP) Emergency Procedures
  • Physical Stamina and Heavy Lifting
  • Mechanical Maintenance of Rig Machinery
  • Hazard Identification and Safety Compliance (HSE)
  • Technical Troubleshooting of Hydraulic Systems
  • Hand-Signal and Radio Communication

How to enter this career

  1. 01

    Complete a Diploma in Mechanical or Petroleum Engineering followed by an apprenticeship at an ONGC or OIL India facility.

  2. 02

    Start as a Floorhand or Roustabout on an Indian offshore rig to gain the mandatory 2-3 years of hands-on drilling experience.

  3. 03

    Obtain IWCF (International Well Control Forum) Level 2 certification and specialized derrickman training from a DGMS-recognized institute.

A day in the life

  • 6:00 AM - Conduct safety briefing and inspect derrick climbing equipment and safety harnesses.
  • 8:00 AM - Climb the derrick to the monkey board to guide pipe sections during tripping operations.
  • 11:00 AM - Monitor mud pump pressure and adjust fluid density to ensure borehole stability.
  • 2:00 PM - Perform routine maintenance on hoisting machinery and inspect the crown block.
  • 5:00 PM - Log fluid levels and equipment status before handing over the shift to the relief crew.

Salary insights

A Derrick Operators, Oil and Gas in India typically earns Varies. Compensation varies by city, employer and experience.

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