At the request of major oil companies and service companies, Murchison Drilling Schools (MDS) was founded in 1977 by Bill Murchison. During Bill’s last 7 years in Iran, he was asked to start a training program for the Iranian oil consortium.  He put together a training manual and program that was not only highly effective but also very well received by contractors and service companies as well as the operators. When Bill left Iran in 1977, the operating and service companies asked him to start his own business so that they could continue sending their drillers, toolpushers, foremen and engineers to him for training. Bill moved to Albuquerque, New Mexico and put together the Operational Drilling Technology and Advanced Well Control (ODTAWC) Course. MDS has been training people on a worldwide basis since that time.

 MDS specializes in training in drilling operations. The ten-day ODTAWC teaches drilling foremen to supervise drilling operations. The five-day Practical Drilling Technology course helps drillers become good downhole drillers. The five-day Advanced Drilling Technology helps drillers and toolpushers learn to supervise drilling operations. The two-day Floater Operation Transitions course helps experienced surface personnel transition to floating drilling operations. The five-day well control courses that MDS offers gives all levels of drilling personnel practical instruction and training in well control operations.

 One of the keys to the success of MDS has been the combination of good operational practices and the use of case histories. Bill kept very good notes throughout his career and has been able to help men and women learn valuable lessons from his first hand experiences. MDS Instructors use both current and older case histories in maintaining this approach to teaching.

 Another key to the success of MDS has been hiring highly qualified and experienced drilling personnel. MDS Instructors are able to share both knowledge and experience with students. Students are able to ask questions and glean from the first hand experience of the instructors.

 Another key that has helped MDS to be highly successful has been its approach to well control and other drilling problems.  Instructors teach drilling problems such as well control the same way that the hole is drilled.  They approach each section of the hole differently, explaining the problems and solutions that are unique to that section of hole. Thus, well control and other drilling problems are covered several times during the course and students gain a better overall understanding of drilling problems.