Derrickhand Stationary Plant & Machine Operators
SaveWhat Does a Derrickhand Do?
Derrickhands guide the positions and movements of drill pipes. They control the automated pipe-handling equipment. They are often responsible for the condition of drilling fluids, or "mud".
Resource recommendations may include affiliate links. Learn more
Where Do I Start?
Rigging Terminology
Terms for lifting equipment, lifting accessories, slings, shackles, wires, ropes, chains, cables and nets.
Sign up to trackReady to go deeper? Pick up to 3 skills to focus on from the list below.
These are common skills for this role. Real-world experience matters more than ticking every box — use this as a guide, not a checklist.
Skills You Need to Become a Derrickhand
Essential Skills
Essential Skills
-
EssentialRigging Terminology knowledge
Terms for lifting equipment, lifting accessories, slings, shackles, wires, ropes, chains, cables and nets.
Recommended Books
1 bookThe Rigger's Guide And Seaman's Assistant: Containing Practical Instructions For Rigging Ships, With Considerable Additions Relative To Wire Rigging, -
EssentialMechanical Tools knowledge
Understand machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.
Recommended Books
1 book -
EssentialMechanics knowledge
Theoretical and practical applications of the science studying the action of displacements and forces on physical bodies to the development of machinery and mechanical devices.
No book recommendations available yet.
-
EssentialFollow Safety Procedures When Working At Heights skill
Take necessary precautions and follow a set of measures that assess, prevent and tackle risks when working at a high distance from the ground. Prevent endangering people working under these …
Course recommendations coming soon.
-
EssentialMaintain Mechanical Equipment skill
Observe and listen to machinery operation to detect malfunction. Service, repair, adjust, and test machines, parts, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of mechanical principles. Maintain and repair …
Course recommendations coming soon.
-
EssentialReact To Events In Time-critical Environments skill
Course recommendations coming soon.
-
EssentialControl Flow Of Oils skill
Adjust controls to regulate flow of oils through lines and tanks.
Course recommendations coming soon.
-
EssentialGuide Drill Pipes skill
Guide drill pipe in and out of elevators.
Course recommendations coming soon.
-
EssentialMaintain Circulation System skill
Maintain the fluid pumps and circulation systems of an oil pumping system.
Course recommendations coming soon.
-
EssentialMonitor Drilling Fluid skill
Monitor and maintain the drilling fluids, or "mud". Add different chemicals to the fluid to perform various function in well operations: keep the drill bit cool, provide hydrostatic pressure, etc.
Course recommendations coming soon.
-
EssentialUse Rigging Equipment skill
Set up rolling and lifting equipment required to lift and move objects e.g. with a crane or block and tackle system.
Course recommendations coming soon.
-
EssentialWork In Drilling Teams skill
Ability to work confidently within a drilling team on a drilling rig or oil platform with each doing a part but all subordinating personal prominence to the efficiency of the …
Course recommendations coming soon.
Optional Skills (5 of 5 displayed)
-
OptionalChemistry knowledge
The composition, structure, and properties of substances and the processes and transformations that they undergo; the uses of different chemicals and their interactions, production techniques, risk factors, and disposal methods.
No book recommendations available yet.
-
OptionalInspect Pipelines skill
Walk flow lines to identify damage or leaks; use electronic detection equipment and conduct visual inspections.
Course recommendations coming soon.
-
OptionalInspect Quality Of Products skill
Use various techniques to ensure the product quality is respecting the quality standards and specifications. Oversee defects, packaging and sendbacks of products to different production departments.
Course recommendations coming soon.
-
OptionalTrain Employees skill
Lead and guide employees through a process in which they are taught the necessary skills for the perspective job. Organise activities aimed at introducing the work and systems or improving …
Course recommendations coming soon.
-
OptionalAdd Chemicals To Drilling Fluid skill
Add sacks of chemicals to drilling fluid to maintain a favourable composition, including pH level, viscosity and calcium level.
Course recommendations coming soon.