Drilling
After a well site has been selected based on geological evidence and seismic surveying, a drilling rig is carefully positioned on the site. A crew operates the rig, drilling down hundreds - or even thousands - of metres and lowering special pipe known as casing into the hole. Casing serves as a lining for the well. The crew then pours cement into the well to secure the casing. After the casing is in place, the drilling rig is removed from the site. A service rig and crew are brought to the site to install the equipment that will enable the well to begin extracting oil and gas.
Drilling rig crews travel extensively. A drilling rig may be moved anywhere across western Canada and the rig crew follows the rig. Crews typically work a two week 'hitch' which is followed by one week off. During the 'hitch', crews stay in a camp provided by the operating company or they find accommodations in a nearby town. Rig employees are paid a subsistence allowance to cover living expenses while they work away from home.
Canadian Association of Oilwell Drilling Contractors (CAODC)
The Canadian Association of Oilwell Drilling Contractors represents upstream Canadian petroleum drilling contractors, including land-based and offshore drilling contractors and service rig contractors. In 2006, more than 23,000 wells were drilled in Canada.
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