The Oil and Gas Job

Training Course

Course Objective

This course basically intends to give the participant a

comprehensive understanding of the petroleum industry
environment by raising the participant's level of
awareness of what the petroleum industry is and what
makes up all its varied components. The course follows a
barrel of oil from its origins in the ground to its ultimate
consumer use, all for the purpose of bridging the skill and
knowledge gap between the participant's educational and
work background and the petroleum industry and thus
equip him or her with the needed knowledge and skill to
work in the petroleum job environment.

Course Content
Overview of the Petroleum Industry
Safety
1

Overview of the Petroleum Industry

The Comprehensive Petroleum Overview
Course

Objective of the Petroleum Overview

Course
This comprehensive petroleum overview course
introduces participants to the basics of the Petroleum
Industry. Using non-technical language the concepts
of oil and gas exploration, production, transportation
and petroleum refining are explored. The course
covers the basic principles and technologies used by
petroleum.
geologists, geophysicists, drillers, reservoir and
production engineers in the search of hydrocarbons.
Upon completion of the course participants will have
a general understanding of the oil and gas industry,
its components, processes and technologies, and be
able to relate their knowledge to the operations of
petroleum production and service companies.

Presentation of Course
Day 1
Structure Event

Sequence

Lecture

First

1 Hour

Lecture

Second

1 Hour

Video Presentation Third

Break

Lecture

Structure Event

Fourth
Fifth
Day 2
Sequence

Lecture

First

Lecture / Video
Presentation Second

Break

Third3

Video Presentation

Duration

1 Hour
1 Hour
2 Hour

Duration
2 Hour

1 Hour
1 Hour
Fourth

1 Hour

Structure 1
What petroleum is
Uses of Petroleum
How petroleum is formed - Where it comes from How it affects us
How petroleum is accumulated
Geological formations and how they were created
World crude oil reserves - their size and location
Reserves/production ratios
Comparison of the value of various crude oils

Structure 2
Description of the Petroleum Industry - What is it?
Upstream / Downstream / Midstream
Various methods used to locate deposits of crude
oil and natural gas
How Oil is Produced - Onshore / Offshore
Drilling methods
4

 Offshore drilling methodology

Primary, secondary and tertiary recovery
methods
Regulatory / Environmental Issues / Drill or Not
to Drill?

Global Warming and the Oil Industry

Treatment of Oil for Sale / Shipment

Terrorism and the Oil Industry

Video presentation

Structure 4
Products produced from petroleum refining
The three major areas of a petroleum refinery
Overview of various operating units in a
"typical" petroleum refinery
Refineries / Refining - How Gasoline is Made
Distillation / Hydro / Cat Cracking / Other
Distribution of petroleum products
Oil pricing and markets

Structure 5
Storage of Oil: Terminals / Tanks /
Transshipment

 Future of the Oil Industry - Bio Fuels - Right or

Wrong?
Transportation of Oil: Ships-Barges-PipelineTruck-Rail
Estimated Reserves Left / Growth in LNG
Usage /
Gas to Liquids? / Is the Petroleum Age Over?
What is next for the Industry?

Structure 6
Safety
Video Presentation

Structure 7
Petroleum Career Talks
General Questions and Answers

Structure 1
What petroleum is
Petroleum (L. petroleum, from Greek: petra
(rock) + Latin: oleum (oil)) or crude oil is a
naturally occurring, flammable liquid
consisting of a complex mixture of
hydrocarbons of various molecular weights and
other liquid organic compounds, that are found
6

in geologic formations beneath the Earth's

surface or in the earth crust.
Crude Oil
Possible colours can be yellow, red, green,
dark, etc.

Crude oils are normally characterized in terms of

three properties; density, viscosity and sulfur
content. Crude oils are identified as either light
(specific gravity <0.82), or medium (specific
gravity 0.82 to 0.97), or heavy (specific gravity
> 0.97). The viscosity is an expression of the
mobility of the crude oil. The sulfur content
7

has a marked influence on the refinery

procedures to which the crude oil, and in
particular
its derivatives, will be subjected in order to
produce acceptable products.
Crude oils with gravity > 33 deg API are
considered as light crudes. Such crudes with a
high percentage composition of hydrogen are
usually more suitable for processing for
gasoline production. Heavy crudes, ie those
with gravity < 28 deg API tend to contain more
asphaltenes and are usually rich in aromatics.
These heavy
crudes require more steps in their processing.
Crude oils are also characterized in terms of
their chemical composition, specifically on the
predominance of the hydrocarbon types that
are present. Modern practice tends to
recognize two main types of crude, namely
paraffinic and naphthenic. Paraffinic crude oils
are rich in straight-chain and
branched-chain alkanes, whereas in naphthenic
crudes the main constituents are cycloparaffins
and aromatic hydrocarbons. However, this is a
simplified picture, as many crude oils fall
between or outside these two types.

Uses of Petroleum
1. Energy source
8

 2. Source of various raw materials used by

various industries to make various useful
products
3. Used to create wealth since it has a high
economic value
How petroleum is formed - Where it comes
from - How it affects us
Biogenic hypothesis
Petroleum is a fossil fuel derived from ancient
fossilized organic materials, such as
zooplankton and algae. Vast quantities of these
remains settled to a sea or lake bottoms,
mixing with sediments and being buried under
anoxic conditions. As further layers settled to
the sea or lake bed, intense heat and pressure
built up in the lower regions. This process
caused the organic matter to change, first into
a waxy material known as kerogen, which is
found in various oil shales around the world,
and then with more heat into liquid and
gaseous hydrocarbons via a process known as
catagenesis. Formation of petroleum occurs
from hydrocarbon pyrolysis in a variety of
mostly endothermic reactions at high
temperature and/or pressure.
Abiogenic hypothesis
A small number of geologists adhere to the
abiogenic petroleum origin hypothesis,
9

maintaining that high molecular weight

hydrocarbons of purely inorganic origin exist
within Earth's interior and are the source for
major petroleum deposits. The hypothesis was
originally proposed by
Nikolai Kudryavtsev and Vladimir Porfiriev in
the 1950s, and more recently Thomas Gold
proposed a similar deep hot biosphere idea.
The thermodynamic synthesis routes necessary
to carry abiogenic source material into
subsurface oil are not established, observation
of organic markers in kerogen and oil is not
explained, and no oil deposits have been
located by this hypothesis.
How petroleum is accumulated
Three conditions must be present for oil
reservoirs to form: a source rock rich in
hydrocarbon material buried deep enough for
subterranean heat to cook it into oil; a porous
and permeable reservoir rock for it to
accumulate in; and a cap rock (seal) or other
mechanism that prevents it from escaping to
the surface.

10

Geolo
gical formations and how they were
created

A formation or geological formation is the

fundamental unit of lithostratigraphy. A formation
consists of a certain number of rock strata that have a
comparable lithology, facies or other similar properties.
Formations are not defined on the thickness of the rock
strata they consist of and the thickness of different
formations can therefore vary widely.

The concept of formally defined layers

or strata is central to the geologic discipline of
stratigraphy.
A formation can be divided into members and are
themselves grouped together in groups.
11

 Sedimentary rocks are formed through the gradual

accumulation of sediment: for example, sand on a
beach or mud on a river bed. As the sediment is
buried it is compacted as more and more material is
deposited on top. Eventually the sediment will
become so dense that it is essentially rock. This
process is known as lithification.
World crude oil reserves - their size and
location

The total estimated amount of oil in an oil reservoir,

including both producible and non-producible oil, is
called oil in place. However, because of reservoir
characteristics and limitations in petroleum
extraction technologies, only a fraction of this oil can
be brought to the surface,
and it is only this
producible fraction that is
considered to be reserves.
The world gets its daily
ration of 85 million barrels
of oil from more than
4,000 fields. Most of these
are small, less than 20,000 barrels per day. Giants,
producing more than 100,000 bpd, account for just
3%. Then there's the megafields that gush out 1
million bpd. These are the most important sources of
energy in the world - fields worth fighting over.

12

11.

Production Volumes and Reserves

Crude oil is perhaps the most useful and versatile
raw material that has become available for
exploitation. By 2001, the United States was using 7
billion barrels of petroleum per year, and worldwide
consumption of petroleum was 28.2 billion barrels
per year.

a. Reserves The world's technically recoverable

reserves of crude oilthe amount of oil that experts
are certain of being able to extract without regard to
cost from Earthadd up to about 1,000 billion
barrels, of which some 73 billion barrels are in North
America. However, only a small fraction of this can
be

extracted at current prices. Of the known oil reserves

that can be profitably extracted at current prices,
more than half are in the Middle East; only a small
fraction are in North America.
13

 b. Projections It is likely that some additional

discoveries will be made of new reserves in coming
years, and new technologies will be developed that
permit the recovery
efficiency from already known resources to be
increased. The supply of crude oil will at any rate
extend into the early decades of the 21st century.
Virtually no expectation exists among experts,
however, that discoveries and inventions will extend
the availability of cheap crude oil much beyond that
period. For example, the Prudhoe Bay field on the
North Slope of Alaska is the
largest field ever discovered in the Western
Hemisphere. The ultimate recovery of crude oil from
this field is anticipated to be about 10 billion barrels,
which is sufficient to supply the current needs of the
United States for less than two years, but only one
such field was discovered in the West in
more than a century of exploration. Furthermore,
drilling activity has not halted the steady decline of
North American crude oil reserves that began during
the 1970s.
c. Alternatives In light of the reserves available and
the dismal projections, it is apparent that alternative
energy sources will be required to sustain the
civilized societies of the world in the future. The
options are indeed few, however, when the massive
energy requirements of the industrial world come to
be appreciated. Commercial oil shale recovery and
14

the production of a synthetic crude oil have yet to be

demonstrated successfully, and serious questions
exist as to the
competitiveness of production costs and production
volumes that can be achieved by these potential new
sources. Although alternative energy sources, such
as geothermal energy , solar energy , and nuclear
energy , hold much promise, none has proved an
economically viable replacement for petroleum
products.
The Reserves-to-production ratio (RPR or R/P) is
the remaining amount of a non-renewable resource,
expressed in years. While applicable to all natural
resources, the RPR is most commonly applied to
fossil fuels, particularly petroleum and natural gas.
The reserve portion (numerator) of the ratio is the
amount of a resource known to
exist in an area and to be economically recoverable
(proved reserves). The production portion
(denominator) of the ratio is the amount of resource
used in one year at the current rate.
RPR = (amount of known resource) / (amount used
per year)
This ratio is used by companies and government
agencies in forecasting the future availability of a
resource to determine project life, future income,
employment, etc, and to determine whether more
exploration must be undertaken to ensure continued
supply of the resource. Annual production of a
15

 resource can usually be calculated to quite an

accurate number. However, reserve quantities can
only be estimated to varying degrees of accuracy,
depending on the availability of information and the
methods used to evaluate them.
Reserve to Production ratio (in years), calculated as
reserves / annual production.
Comparison of the value of various crude oils
The petroleum industry generally classifies crude oil
by the geographic location it is produced in (e.g.
West Texas Intermediate, Brent, or Oman), its API
gravity (an oil industry measure of density), and its
sulfur content. Crude oil may be considered light if it
has low density or heavy if it has high density;
and it may be referred to as sweet if it contains
relatively little sulfur (less than 0.5% per weight or
sour if it contains substantial amounts of sulfur
(greater than 1.0% per weight).

16

Structure 2
Description of the Petroleum Industry - What is
it?
The Basic Industrial Process

Input or Resource

Process

17

Output

An industry is simply related

activities
of people using various inputs or
resources to make available
solutions
or products or answers to meet
the
need(s) of a target beneficiary.
The petroleum industry is simply
related activities of people using
various inputs or resources to make
available petroleum related solutions or
products or answers to meet the
petroleum related need(s) of the target
beneficiary.

Sectors of the Petroleum Industry

UPSTREA
M
18

MIDSTREA
M

DOWNSTR
EAM

Petroleum Industry Sectors and

Functions
UPSTREAM
Exploration, Appraisal
Development and Production

MIDSTREAM

Transportation, Logistics, Processing and Marketing of Crude Oil, N

DOWNSTREAM

Refining
Marketing, Storage and Distribution of Refined Products and Natu

Activities Upstream

Licensing
19

Exploration
Appraisal
Development
Production
Decommissioning
Licensing
Is the virtue by which the owner (the state) of a
natural resource gives permission to a second party
to exploit its natural resource through:

Competitive bidding

Open-door policy

Promotion

Data review

Official application (moe)

(USD 7500)

Negotiation

Agreement (pa)

GNPC evaluation and advice

Board of GNPC invites applicant for (pa)

The minister sets up a negotiation team (MOE, IRS

,EPA ,AG, GNPC)

Drafted (pa) sent to cabinet for approval

To parliament for ratification

20

1. Western Basin
Tano-Cape Three points to the West and is part of the
larger Cote dIvoire-Tano Basin
2. Central Basin
Saltpond
3. Eastern Basin
(Accra-Keta Basin) - part of the Dahomeyan
embayment that extends to Togo, Benin and Western
Nigeria
4. Voltaian Basin
Inland basin, extends North-eastwards into Togo and
Benin (40% of the Land area of the country)

21

Exploration
Finding Oil
The task of finding oil is assigned to geologists, whether
employed directly by an oil company or under contract
from a private firm. Their task is to find the right
conditions for an oil trap -- the right source rock, reservoir
rock and entrapment. Many years ago, geologists
interpreted surface features, surface rock and soil types,
and perhaps some small core samples obtained by
shallow drilling.
22

Modern oil geologists also examine surface rocks and

terrain, with the additional help of satellite images.
However, they also use a variety of other methods to find
oil. They can use sensitive gravity meters to measure
tiny changes in the Earth's gravitational field that could
indicate flowing oil, as well as sensitive magnetometers
to measure tiny changes in the Earth's magnetic
field caused by flowing oil. They can detect the
smell of hydrocarbons using sensitive electronic
noses called sniffers. Finally, and most commonly,
they use seismology, creating shock waves that
pass through hidden rock layers and
interpreting the waves that are reflected back to the
surface.
In order to find crude oil underground, geologists must
search for a sedimentary basin in which shales rich in
organic material have been buried for a sufficiently long
time for petroleum to have formed. The petroleum must
also have had an opportunity to migrate into porous traps
that are capable of holding large amounts of fluid.
The occurrence of crude oil in Earth's crust is limited
both by these conditions, which must be met
simultaneously, and by the time span of tens of
millions to a hundred million years required for the
oil's formation.
Petroleum geologists and geophysicists have many
tools at their disposal to assist in identifying potential
areas for drilling. Thus, surface mapping of outcrops

23

of sedimentary beds makes possible the

interpretation of
subsurface features, which can then be
supplemented with information obtained by drilling
into the crust and retrieving cores or samples of the
rock layers encountered. In addition, increasingly
sophisticated seismic techniquesthe reflection and
refraction of sound waves propagated through Earth
reveal details of the structure and interrelationship
of various layers in the subsurface.
Ultimately, however, the only way to prove that oil is
present in the subsurface is to drill a well. In fact,
most of the oil provinces in the world have initially
been identified by the presence of surface seeps, and
most of the actual reservoirs have been discovered
by so-called wildcatters who relied perhaps as much
on intuition as on science.
An oil field, once found, may comprise more than one
reservoirthat is, more than one single, continuous,
bounded accumulation of oil. Several reservoirs may
be stacked one above the other, isolated by
intervening shales and impervious rock strata. Such
reservoirs may vary in size from a few tens of
hectares to tens of square kilometers, and from a few
meters in thickness to several hundred or more. Most
of the
oil that has been discovered and exploited in the
world has been found in a relatively few large
reservoirs. In the United States, for example, 60 of
24

approximately 10,000 oil fields have accounted for

half of the productive capacity and reserves.

Exploration in Ghana
Acquire seismic data (2D, 3D)
Data processing and interpretation

Generates leads prospect

Exploration drilling

Computerized Seismic Interpretation

Seismic Inspection
25

Oil Well
The creation and life of a well can be divided up into
five segments:
Planning
Drilling
Completion
Production
26

 Abandonment
Overview
The planning phases involved in drilling an oil or gas
well typically involve estimating the value of sought
reserves, estimating the costs to access reserves,
acquiring property by a mineral lease, a geological
survey, a well bore plan, and a layout of the type of
equipment required to reach the depth of the well.
Drilling engineers are in charge of the process of
planning and drilling oil wells. Their responsibilities
include:
Designing well programs (e.g., casing sizes and
setting depths) to prevent blowouts (uncontrolled
well-fluid release) while allowing adequate formation
evaluation.
Designing or contributing to the design of casing
strings and cementing plans, directional drilling
plans, drilling fluids programs, and drill string and
drill bit programs.
Specifying equipment, material and ratings and
grades to be used in the drilling process.
Providing technical support and audit during the
drilling process.
Performing cost estimates and analysis.
Developing contracts with vendors.

Well-Drilling Methods
27

 Mud Rotary Drilling. Rotary drilling with mud is the

most widely used method for oil well construction. A
rotary drill rig has three functions: rotating the drill
string, hoisting the drill string, and circulating the
drilling fluid. A bit is rotated against the formation
while mud is pumped down the drill
pipe, through ports in the bit, and back to the ground
surface through the annulus between the drill pipe
and the borehole wall. Drill cuttings rise to the
ground surface in the drilling fluid. Rotary drilling is
sometimes called mud rotary drilling. Drill pipes or
rods are

joined to a bit to form the drill string. The drill pipe is

the link transmitting torque from the rig to the bit,
and the pipe carries the drilling fluid down the hole.

Drill Bit
The cutting
or boring element
used in drilling oil and gas wells. Most bits used in rotary
drilling are roller-cone bits. The bit consists of the cutting
elements and the circulating element. The circulating
element permits the passage of drilling fluid and uses the
28

hydraulic force of the fluid stream to improve drilling

rates.

Drill Pipes

Drilling Mud

Onshore Drilling Mud Circulation

29

 Drilling Mud

Exploration Drilling
At this stage potential traps, identified by seismic
analysis are drilled to ascertain its hydrocarbon
quality and quantity .

Wildcat wells

Main Drilling Equipments

The types of drilling rig hired depends
on the location of the well Drilling Areas

Drilling Locations
Onshore
Offshore
30

Well Types
Vertical Well
Directional Well
ERD Well
Horizontal Well
Multilateral Well
Side track Well
Long/Medium/Short Radius Wells
Relief Well etc.
Exploratory well
Production well

Injection well

31

Onshore
Drilling
System

Offshore Drilling System

32

Directional Drilling

Vertical Drilling

33

Oil Platform or Offshore Platform or Oil Rig

An oil platform, also referred to as an offshore
platform or oil rig, is a lrge structure with facilities to
drill wells, to extract and process oil and natural gas, and
to temporarily store product until it can be brought to
shore for refining and marketing. In many cases, the
platform contains facilities to house the workforce as well.

Types
Larger lake- and sea-based offshore platforms and drilling
rigs are some of the largest moveable man-made
structures in the world. There are several types of oil
platforms and rigs:

34

1, 2) conventional fixed platforms; 3) compliant tower; 4,

5) vertically moored tension leg and mini-tension leg
platform; 6) Spar ; 7,8) Semi-submersibles ; 9) Floating
production, storage, and offloading facility; 10) sub-sea
completion and tie-back to host facility.

Types of Rigs
The jackup rig
Drillship
Submersible rig
Semi-submersible rig

Jackup Rig

Jack-up Mobile
Drilling Units
(or jack-ups),
as the name
suggests, are
rigs that can
be jacked up
above the sea using legs that can be lowered, much
like jacks. These MODU's-Mobile Offshore Drilling
Units are typically used in water depths up to 400
feet (120 m), although some designs can go to 550 ft
(170 m) depth. They are designed to move from
place to place, and then anchor themselves by

35

deploying the legs to the ocean bottom using a rack

and pinion gear system on each leg.

Drillship

A drillship is a maritime vessel that has been fitted

with drilling apparatus. It is most often used for
exploratory drilling of new oil or gas wells in deep
water but can also be used for scientific drilling. Early
versions were built on a modified tanker hull, but
purpose-built designs are used today. Most drillships
are outfitted with a dynamic positioning system to
maintain position over the well. They can drill in
water depths up to 12,000 ft (3,700 m).

Submersible Rig

36

Semisubmersible Rig

Semi-submersible Platform
Semi-submersible
These platforms have hulls (columns and pontoons)
of sufficient buoyancy to cause the structure to float,
but of weight sufficient to keep the structure upright.
Semi-submersible platforms can be moved from
place to place; can be ballasted up or down by
altering the

37

 amount of flooding in buoyancy tanks; they are

generally anchored by combinations of chain, wire
rope or polyester rope, or both, during drilling or
production operations, or both, though they can also
be kept in place by the use of dynamic positioning.
Semi-submersibles can be used in water depths from
200 to 10,000 feet (60 to 3,000 m).

Rig Depths

Wells are drilled to the target and tested .

Duration (30-50 days)
Extra testing cost

Exploration dept (15000-4,570ft)

Appraisal
38

The phase of petroleum operations that immediately

follows successful exploratory drilling (Discovery). During
appraisal, delineation wells might be drilled to determine
the size/aerial extent of the oil or gas field and how to
develop it most efficiently.

Development
The phase of petroleum operations that occurs after
exploration has proven successful, and before full-scale
production. The newly discovered oil or gas field is
assessed during an appraisal phase, a plan to fully and
efficiently exploit it is created, and additional wells are
usually drilled.

Production
The phase that occurs after successful exploration,
appraisal and development and during which
hydrocarbons are drained from the field.

Production Platform
After exploratory drilling has proved the presence of oil or
gas deposits, a platform structure is built. These
structures are then erected on the site to drain the field.
They are of a permanent nature.

39

Offshore Production Platform

Enhanced Oil Recovery In primary production, no
extraneous energy is added to the reservoir other
than that required for lifting fluids from the producing
wells. Most reservoirs are developed by numerous
wells; and as primary production approaches its
economic limit, perhaps only a few percent and no
more than about 25 percent of the crude oil has been
withdrawn from a given reservoir.
The oil industry has developed methods for
supplementing the production of crude oil that can
be obtained mostly by taking advantage of the
natural reservoir energy. These supplementary
methods, collectively known as enhanced oil
recovery technology, can increase the recovery of
crude oil, but only at the additional cost of supplying
extraneous energy to the reservoir. In this way, the
recovery of crude oil has been increased to an overall
average of 33 percent of the original oil. Two
40

successful supplementary methods are in use at this

time: water injection and steam injection.
a. Water Injection
In a completely developed oil field, the wells may be
drilled anywhere from 60 to 600 m (200 to 2,000 ft)
from one another, depending on the nature of the
reservoir. If water is pumped into alternate wells in
such a field, the pressure in the reservoir as a whole
can be maintained or even increased. In
this way the rate of production of the crude oil also
can be increased; in addition, the water physically
displaces the oil, thus increasing the recovery
efficiency. In some reservoirs with a high degree of
uniformity and little clay content, water flooding may
increase the recovery efficiency to as much as
60 percent or more of the original oil in place. Water
flooding was first introduced in the Pennsylvania oil
fields, more or less accidentally, in the late 19th
century, and it has since spread throughout the
world.
b. Steam Injection
Steam injection is used in reservoirs that contain
very viscous oils, those that are thick and flow slowly.
The steam not only provides a source of energy to
displace the oil, it also causes a marked reduction in
viscosity (by raising the temperature of the
reservoir), so that the crude oil flows faster under
any given pressure differential. This scheme has
41

been used extensively in the states of California, in

the United States, and of Zulia, in Venezuela, where
large reservoirs exist that contain viscous oil.
Experiments are also under way to attempt to prove
the usefulness of this technology in recovering the
vast accumulations of viscous crude oil (bitumen)
along the Athabasca River in north central Alberta,
Canada, and along the Orinoco River in eastern
Venezuela.
Well Abandonment
When a well no longer produces or produces so little
that it is not cost effective, it is abandoned. When a
well is abandoned, it can be plugged or converted to
an injection well. If the well is plugged, the tubing is
removed from the well and sections are filled with
cement to prevent the flow of oil, gas and water
zones from each other as well with the surface. If the
well is converted to an injection well, it can be used
either for disposal of the produced water from other
wells or to enhance operations in the production
field.
Additionally, the site should be reclaimed. Full
reclamation of the site means that the land, air and
water should be returned to the same condition as
before oil and gas development began. However, this
is rarely the case.
Environmental Fate/Exposure Summary:
The extraction, processing and refining of petroleum
(crude oil) has led to its direct release to the
42

environment. Accidental spills resulting from the

transport and use of crude oil have also led to its
release. Natural seepage of crude oil from geologic
formations below the ocean floor also releases crude
oil directly into the environment.
Crude oil is a complex composition of hydrocarbons;
predominantly aliphatic, alicyclic and aromatic
hydrocarbons. It may also contain small amounts of
nitrogen, oxygen and sulfur containing compounds.
The carbon number range of these compounds spans
from C1 to greater than C60. Emissions of crude oil
occur to land and surface water, but volatilized
components of crude oil may reach the
atmosphere where they are degraded by
reaction with photochemically generated
hydroxyl radicals or other atmospheric
oxidants. The half-life of this reaction in air is
dependent upon the individual components
volatilized into air but range from several
hours to a few days for some of the common
constituents of crude oil. Several of the
aromatic constituents may also be subject to
direct photolysis. If released to soil, the low
molecular weight components of crude oil are
expected to possess high mobility in soil; however
the high molecular weight constituents (C20 and
greater) are expected to be immobile. Volatilization
from dry soil and moist soil surfaces is expected to
be an important fate process for many of the
constituents of crude oil. Many of the constituents
43

contained in crude oil biodegrade quickly under

typical environmental conditions; however, at
extremely high levels such as those expected
from an accidental release, crude oil is toxic to
the microorganisms in soil. If released to
water, initially crude oil spreads out as a film
on the sea surface as a result of wind and wave
action.

Decommissioning - Ghana
Situation
Obligation to Decommission
Decommissioning Plan
Periodic Review
Decommissioning Fund
Control & Operations of Decommissioning Fund
Trust Fund/Escrow Accounts
Tax Relief
Legislative & Contractual Arrangements

44

Structure 4
Refining
Once oil has been produced from an oil field, it is
treated with chemicals and heat to remove water and
solids, and the natural gas is separated. The oil is
then stored in a tank, or battery of tanks, and later
transported to a refinery by truck, railroad tank car,
barge, or pipeline. Large oil fields all have direct
outlets to major, common-carrier pipelines.
a. Basic Distillation

45

The basic refining tool is the distillation unit. In the

United States after the Civil War (1861-1865), more
than 100 still refineries were already in operation.
Crude oil begins to vaporize at a temperature
somewhat less than that required to boil water.
Hydrocarbons with the lowest molecular weight
vaporize at the lowest temperatures, whereas
successively higher temperatures are required to
distill larger molecules. The first material to be
distilled from crude oil is the gasoline fraction,
followed in turn by naphtha and then by kerosene.
The residue in the kettle, in the old still refineries,
was then treated with caustic and sulfuric acid, and
finally steam distilled thereafter. Lubricants and
distillate fuel oils were obtained from the upper
regions and waxes and asphalt from the lower
regions of the distillation apparatus.
In the later 19th century the gasoline and naphtha
fractions were actually considered a nuisance
because little need for them existed, and the
demand for kerosene also began to decline because
of the growing production of electricity and the use
of electric lights. With the introduction of the
automobile, however, the demand for gasoline
suddenly burgeoned, and the need for greater
supplies of crude oil increased accordingly.
b. Thermal Cracking
In an effort to increase the yield from distillation, the
thermal cracking process was developed. In this
46

process, the heavier portions of the crude oil were

heated under pressure and at higher temperatures.
This resulted in the large hydrocarbon molecules
being split into smaller ones, so that the yield of
gasoline from a barrel of crude oil was increased. The
efficiency of the process was limited, however,
because at the high temperatures and pressures that
were used, a large amount of coke was deposited in
the reactors. This in turn required the use of still
higher temperatures and pressures to crack the
crude oil. A coking process was then invented in
which fluids were recirculated; the process ran for a
much longer time, with far less buildup of coke. Many
refiners quickly adopted the process of thermal
cracking.
c. Alkylation and Catalytic Cracking
Two additional basic processes, alkylation and
catalytic cracking, were introduced in the 1930s and
further increased the gasoline yield from a barrel of
crude oil. In alkylation small molecules produced by
thermal cracking are recombined in the presence of a
catalyst. This produces branched molecules in the
gasoline boiling range that have superior properties
for example, higher antiknock ratingsas a fuel for
high-powered engines such as those used in today's
commercial planes.
In the catalytic-cracking process, the crude oil is
cracked in the presence of a finely divided catalyst.

47

This permits the refiner to produce many diverse

hydrocarbons that can then be recombined by
alkylation, isomerization, and catalytic reforming to
produce high antiknock engine fuels and specialty
chemicals. The production of these chemicals has
given birth to the gigantic petrochemical industry,
which turns out alcohols, detergents, synthetic
rubber, glycerin, fertilizers, sulfur, solvents, and the
feedstocks for the manufacture of drugs, nylon,
plastics, paints, polyesters, food additives and
supplements, explosives, dyes, and insulating
materials.
The petrochemical industry uses about 5 percent of
the total supply of oil and gas in the United States.
d. Product Percentages In 1920 a U.S. barrel of
crude oil, containing 42 gallons, yielded 11 gallons of
gasoline, 5.3 gallons of kerosene, 20.4 gallons of gas
oil and distillates, and 5.3 gallons of heavier
distillates. In recent years, by contrast, the yield of
crude oil has increased to almost 21 gallons of
gasoline, 3 gallons of jet fuel, 9 gallons of gas oil and
distillates, and somewhat less than 4 gallons of
lubricants and 3 gallons of heavier residues.

48

Personal protective equipment (PPE)

Due to the speed at which a general operation can
change into an emergency incident, all helideck team
members should be dressed in full fire fighting PPE for all
helicopter movements and operations.
Helideck equipment
CAP 437 recommends a level of fire fighting and rescue
equipment. These facilities must be stored and
49

maintained in a condition which allows for a quick and

effective response at all times.
Fire fighting equipment
1. A foam application system capable of applying foam to the whole
of the safe landing area at an appropriate application rate in all
weather conditions
2. A secondary foam system using hose and hand controlled branches
3. Complementary media in the form of dry powder or Co2 to deal
with engine, avionic, transmission or hydraulic type fires

Rescue equipment
This should include,
1. Adjustable wrench
2. Rescue axe
3. Bolt croppers
4. Large crow bar
5. Hook, grab or slaving
6. Hacksaw and 6 blades
7. Fire Blanket
8. 2 Piece Ladder
9. Lifeline and rescue harness
10.
Pliers (side cutting, tin snips)
11.
Set of assorted screw drivers
12.
Harness knife witq sheaf 1
13.
Fire resistant gloves
14.
14.2 x breathing apparatus sets
15.
Power cutting tool (recommended for helicopter EH 101 or
larger)
Common Helicopters
Figure page 3 Sikorsky S76
50

Maximum number of passengers 12

Maximum weight
5352 Kg 1.9 meters
Rotor disc height
1.9 meters
Refueling point
Gravity, port and
starboard
Fire access point
Engine compartment
intakes
Passenger loading
Port side hinged door.
Starboard sliding door on
pilots OK only
Freight Loading
Rear fuselage port &
starboard
Figure page 4 Bell 212
Maximum number of passengers
Maximum weight
Rotor disc height
Refueling point
Fire access point
intakes
Passenger loading
side
Freight Loading
starboard side
Figure page 4 Dauphin

12
5080 Kg
4.8 meters
Gravity, starboard
Engine compartment
Port & Starboard
Rear fuselage

Maximum number of passengers

Maximum weight
Rotor disc height

51

12
4250 Kg
3.45 meters

Refueling point
Fire access point
Passenger loading
hinged doors
Freight Loading

Gravity, port side

Under engine exhaust
Port & starboard side
Starboard side

Figure page super puma

Maximum number of passengers
19
Maximum weight
8600 Kg 4.48 meters
Rotor disc height
4.48 meters
Refueling point
Gravity & pressure,
starboard
Fire access point
No dedicated
Passenger loading
Port side sliding door.
Freight Loading
Rear fuselage port side

Helicopter construction
It is vital that all persons involved in helicopter fire and
rescue operations, have a basic understanding of
helicopter construction and the materials likely to be
encountered.
Helicopters are constructed on a very similar basis to
fixed wing aircraft. As helicopters are not required to
resist the stress caused by wings or have the strength
required for higher altitude pressurization, they tend to
be much lighter. This allows for greater payloads and
extended flight distances.
Main components include ,
52

 Cockpit- containing instruments, pilo~ & co-pilot

Lower fuselage- Fuel tanks & baggage/cargo holds
Main fuselage- Passenger compartment
Rear fuse1age- Support for tail rotor, transmission shaft &
Baggage/cargo
Landing gear- fixed or floating
Engines and gear box- Usually Twin engine
Rotors- Light alloy construction rotating at high speed
materials
Any of the following material may be found in helicopter
construction,
Aluminium Alloys- Skin surfaces, pressed sectional
members etc. Melts at 600 deg C
Magnesium/Titanium Alloys- weight saving materials,
react violently with standard extinguishing agents
'
Carbon fibres/composite materials- when involved in fire
produce particles harmful to the respiratory system
Materials used in cabin furnishings include,

Wool
Silk
Nylon
Acrylics
Rubber
polystyrene

These items, when involved in fire produce a range of

toxic gases including,

Cyanide
Ammonia
Nitrogen Dioxide
Carbon Monoxide
53

 Sulphur Dioxide
Other Hazards
Fuel- Usually Jet Al
Pressurised containers- Fire extinguishers, floatation device/heli
raft, life jackets etc
ADELT's- Deployed by ingress of sea water
Pitot Tubes- Heated to prevent freezing
Dangerous Goods/ hazardous materials - carried as cargo
Hazardous Materials
The term Hazardous material is normally associated with
a chemical substance that may cause harm or create a
hazard. These items could be carried in small quantities
as part of the helicopters cargo. The pilot should hold and
comply with all the relevant documentation and
legislation.
It is important that the helideck crew be aware of any
hazardous materials being transported, understand their
dangers, how to identify them, and how to respond safely
to an incident involving them.

UN Classification
Each hazardous material can be placed in one of the
following UN categories,
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.

Explosives
Compressed gases
Flammable liquids
Flammable solids
Oxidizing agent or peroxide
Toxic, poisonous or infectious
54

7. Radioactive
8. Corrosive
9. Miscellaneous
Each category can be displayed by a specific warning
diamond. Categories can be subdivided into similar subcategories. For example, category 4 flammable solids can
be further sub divided to 4.2 spontaneously combustible
and 4.3 dangerous when wet. This is shown in the
following diagram.
Diagram page 8

The chemistry of fire

Fire is chemical reaction producing,
1. Heat
2. Light
3. Toxic products of combustion (smoke)
As a substance is heated to a specific temperature, it
starts to emit flammable vapours. As the heat increases,
so does the rate at which flammable vapours are created.
It is these flammable vapours which if come into contact
with an ignition source or reach spontaneous combustion
temperature, that burn.
Flash point
This is the lowest temperature at which a substance gives
off sufficient flammable vapour to ignite momentarily
when an ignition source is applied.
Fire point

55

This is the lowest temperature at which a substance gives

off sufficient flammable vapour to ignite and continue to
bum when an ignition source is applied.
Spontaneous Combustion
This is the lowest temperature at which a substance will
ignite without an ignition source being applied.
General auto ignition (spontaneous combustion) and flash
points in Deg.C

For a fire to initially start and then develop, 3 things are

required,
1. Fuel
2. Heat
3. Oxygen
This can be best shown in the form of the fire triangle. If
the triangle is complete, a fire will start and continue to
burn.
Fuel
Could include any of the following,
Wood, paper plastics, flammable gases, cooking oils or
petrol
Heat
From any of the following or similar sources,
Matches, lighters; welding torches, overheating
machinery, electrical faults or hot
Oxygen
56

From any of the following or similar sources,

The air around us, oxygen cylinders, medical gases or
manufacturing processes.
Fire spread
Fire is spread by the following methods.
Conduction
This is the movement of heat through a material, which
could be solid, liquid or gas. The ability of materials to
transfer heat varies considerably according to its type.
Convection
The transfer of heat via moving air currants.
Radiation
The transfer of heat energy as electromagnetic waves
Direct burning
When a material comes in to direct contact with a naked
flame.

Extinguishing a fire
To extinguish a fire we need to remove one side of the fire
triangle. We can achieve this by either cooling,
smothering or starving the fire. There is one more
method of extinguishing a fire, chemical interference with
the burning process. This is a method used by some fire
extinguishers.
57

Cooling or removing the heat

Starving or removing the fuel

By turning off a gas valve or fuel supple tap. This could
also be achieved by physically removing the fuel.
Classifications of fire
Before we can safely fight a fire, we first need to know
what is actually burning. To assist in this decision,
individual classes of fire have been developed.
Class A, fires involving solid materials. To include, Paper,
wood, plastics, fibres, rubber etc.
Class B, fires involving liquids. To include, Petrol, oils,
paraffin, paints etc.
Class C, fires involving gases. To include, Acetylene,
propane, butane, hydrogen etc.
Class D, fires involving metals. To include, Magnesium,
sodium, potassium, titanium, aluminium etc
Fires involving electricity
Electrical fires do not have a class of their own. Electricity
is an ignition source, the resulting fire would involve at
least one of the other four classes.
Suitable Extinguishing Agents
Water, Foam, Dry Powders
Foam, Co2, Dry Powders
58

Dry powders, Co2

Specialist Dry Powders
Fire Fighting Equipment
Diagram page 15
The portable fire extinguisher is suitable and effective at
fighting small fires in there very early stages. It can
supply any of the above fire fighting agents. An
extinguisher of this size, in dry powder format, should be
on standby at the helicopter when refueling.
Wheeled units are a larger version of the portable fire
extinguisher. This type of extinguisher can supply
powder, foam or Co2 in a larger quantity, making it more
suitable for helideck use. It requires a minimum of 2
persons to operate a wheeled unit.
Hoses and Hose reels
These range from 19mm diameter (hose reel) to 45mm
and 70mm diameter (delivery hose). This type of
equipment is required when fighting larger fires or where
a large amount of water or foam is required quickly.
Delivery hose must used it conjunction with a separate
branch or nozzle, specifically designed to deliver water,
aspirated foam or non aspirated foam,
A minimum of two fixed installation monitors must be
fitted at all normally manned installations. They provide
large amounts of foam or water very quickly over a large
area. Ifused correctly, they will extinguish most of the fire
59

around a crash site very quickly, also giving a protective

foam blanket enabling rescue workers to work safely.
Fixed monitors can either be operated manually, remote
or by automatic oscillation.
Breathing Apparatus
For a person to be able to work, or perform a rescue, in
an atmosphere which is unsafe to breath, some form of
respiratory protection must be worn. Respiratory
protection, in the form of breathing apparatus, has been
developed to enable the user to be provided with a safe
supply of breathable are.
When wearing breathing apparatus, the wearer must be
aware of the dangers involved in working in atmospheres
which may not support life. The risk to the wearer will
also increase if that atmosphere is also of a high
temperature or contains smoke.
Self contained breathing apparatus (SCBA)
This is a self contained unit constructed around a back
plate. The ~ir is supplied- from a cylinder which is either
steel or carbon composite. Cylinder air pressure (usually
200-300 bar) passes through a reducer and demand
valve, which regulates the air before reaching the face
mask.
A typical duration is 35 minutes working with a 10 minute
safety margin. This is based on an 1800L cylinder at 207
bar pressure with a consumption of 40 L/min.
60

General check
The aim of the general check is to ensure that the
breathing apparatus set has no faults prior to the sets
use. This should be done,

As part of a route schedule

Before use
After use
After any servicing

Procedure
Visual check every part of the set for any sign of damage or
missing parts
Set demand valve to test mode
Open cylinder valve fully
Check contents (minimum of 80%)
Turn off cylinder valve
Observe gauge, it must not fall by more than lObar in 1 minute
Open cylinder valve fully
Don face mask correctly
Set demand valve to positive pressure
Break seal to prove positive pressure
Close cylinder valve, keep hand on valve
Observe gauge whilst breathing normally
Check whistle activates at the correct pressure
Ensure facemask crushes onto face
Open cylinder valve
61

Set demand valve to test

Remove facemask
Close cylinder valve
Drain system
Fill out log book

Use the above procedure unless the manufacturer

state other
Pre entry check
This check must be completed before entering the risk
area

Don breathing apparatus set

Adjust harness to fit comfortably
Set demand valve to test
Open cylinder valve
Check gauge, minimum of 80%
Don face mask
Set demand valve to positive pressure
Break seal to prove positive pressure
Close cylinder valve, keep hand on valve
Observe gauge whilst breathing normally
Check whistle activates at the correct pressure
Ensure facemask crushes onto face
Open cylinder valve

Use the above procedure unless the manufacturer

state other
Types of Helicopter Incidents
High altitude/high impact crash

62

The chance of a helicopter remaining on deck after this

type of crash is remote. After a high impact crash, the
helicopter structure would fail, rupturing fuel tanks,
leaking large quantities of fuel with a possibility of
ignition. Survival for the passengers would be slim.
Low altitude/low impact crash
Although the main structure of the helicopter after a low
impact crash may remain intact, there is chance the
undercarriage will fail. This would lead to the helicopter
possibly turning onto its side and the rotors hitting the
deck. Prompt action is required by the helideck crew to
stop a fire situation developing. It is important to
maintain a foam blanket whilst operations are taking
place.

Engine compartment fires

The inbuilt fire protection system should deal with fires
within the engine compartment. If this system fails to
extinguish the fire, it will be left to the helideck crew to
deal with the incident. The best form of attack would be
to use a Co2 extinguisher/wheeled unit fixed with a lance
direct into the fire access panel. This should only be
undertaken after a direct request from the pilot.
Internal fuselage fires
Any fire that occurs in the main fuselage is likely to give
off large amounts of toxic smoke. A quick response using
a combination of water spray and tactical ventilation, will
enable the fire to be quickly extinguished and any
63

passengers rescued safely. It is important for any helideck

crew members entering a smoke filled compartment to be
wearing breathing apparatus.
Ditching into the sea
If a helicopter ditches into the sea, a prompt action
between the helideck crew and the standby vessels is
required if there is going to be any hope of saving life.
Emergency and precautionary landings
The helideck crew must be in full PPE, all equipment
deployed and ready, Back-up teams on standby, medics
on standby and standby vessels informed. Depending on
the type of emergency, it may require that the helicopter
be shut down. The helideck crew must only act when
given instructions from the HLO who will be in contact
with the pilot.
Offshore Survival Training
Wear a life jacket
Wear warm clothing
If in the water do not swim unnecessarily
Avoid going in the water if at all possible
Know the sound of different alarms used on board
Report any damage to survival equipment
Take part in drills positively
In a Life raft, remember your initial viral actions
Listen to your Coxswains instructions
If you have to enter the water try to climb down and avoid jumping
Know all different alarms used on board.

64

Helicopter transport safety

There are many types of helicopter being operated in the
offshore industry and elsewhere. These notes are
designed w give general procedures which can be utilised
in any aircraft. Before light mc operators give more
detailed information by either a briefing or video
presentation backed up by information sheets for each
specific craft.
Before Flight
a) Arrive in good time, in good mental and physical condition.
b) Note me type of helicopter to be used- for the f1jght.
c) Check procedure for wearing life jacket in flight and how w use in
an emergency.
Embarking
a) Never walk under the tail rotor or tail boom
b) Ensure that loose item~ a.re held securely. Do not cl13.se; items
blown across the helideck.
c) Beware of high winds or unusual conditions which can c..1use the
main rotor blades to dip considerably anywhere around me aircraft.
Hold piping poles or other long items horizontally so that they do
not strike.
d) Take great care not to damage the helicopter floats, particularly
when transferring cargo.
e) Obtain permission from the pilot or cabin attendant before placing
baggage or cargo in the luggage compartment.
Diagram page
Inside the Helicopter

65

The pilot is in complete charge of the helicopter and its

passengers.
Wear a lifejacket as instructed, and do not remove it until
the helicopter has landed.
Take a seat as directed by the pilot or cabin attendant.
Fasten the seat belt' securely and do not remove it until
the signal to disembark has been given
Heed any pre-flight safety briefing and follow the pilot
instruction during the flight.
Where necessary wear ear-defenders.
Never throw anything from the helicopter as it could
cause damage to the rotors or be sucked into the engine
intakes.
Obey the seat belt/no smoking notices
Report unusual occurrences to the helicopter crew.
Note weather conditions en-route
Check personal readiness to act if required
Disembarking
Follow the directions of the pilot or cabin attendant
Release the safety belt
Remove the lifejacket and return it to correct stowage
Obtain a firm grip on any portable light items
Do no disembark until directed
Be prepared for strong, gusting winds
66

Walk from the helicopter and follow directions from pilot,

cabin attendant or heliguard.
Do not chase items blown across the helideck

Helicopter underwater escapre procedure

Introduction
Whilst at GTSC, trainees will be briefed and participate in
drills in the Helicopter. Underwater Escape Trainer (HUET)
to familiarize themselves with escape from a ditched
helicopter. The escape from a helicopter varies depending
upon the attitude of the aircraft once it has ditched. It can
be in an upright floating position, partially sunk or
capsized. The HUET is able to simulate all these
eventualities, giving the trainees the opportunity to
experience the conditions and learn correct procedures.
TRAINING EXERCIESE
Four main exercises have been designed to simulate the
most likely characteristics of cabin motion in the event of
a controlled ditching on water by a helicopter. The
tr2lJleeS board the helicopter and are positioned in
suitable seats by the instructor who remains with them
throughout the exercise. Once installed, they are briefed
by the instructor on the four exercise they undertake. The
HUET is then lifted clear of the water whereupon the
trainees carry out the 3 checks prior to the ditching
sequence. The checks made are:
1. Check harness (seat belt) is secured
67

2. Deploy lifejacket
3. Brace for Impact
These 3 checks prepare the trainee for the ditching and
for eventual escape from the helicopter in a state of
readiness. On landing on the water the trainees then
adopt the upright position, on hand locating their harness
buckle, the remaining free hand 10 Clung towards their
nearest exit point. They then leave the simulator in a
predetermined fashion depending on the exercise
undertaken. Four separate exercises are completed.
1. Surface Evacuation
This the simplest exercise and simulate the controlled
lading on water of a helicopter where the aircraft remains
upright and in a stable condition allowing an orderly
evacuation. On landing, the HUET remains on the surface
and trainees leave the simulator under the supervision 0f
the instructor and either board a heliraft or enter the
water to clear the danger area.
EMERGENCY LANDING
Final Preparation
In the event of an emergency, passengers must carry
emergency actions
Tighten seat belt
Extinguish cigarettes ( normally no smoking allowed)
Remove glasses, dentures, etc
Put on lifejacket (over water). Take up Impact Position.
68

Economic Benefits - Government

The Ghana Government does not bear any of
the related costs and risks associated with the
oil drilling operational activities, but shares
significantly in the benefits
The E & P company bears all the related costs
and risks associated with the oil drilling
operation

The Ghana Government Receives

the Majority of the Economic
Value
I.

Royalty Fee

II.

GNPC - Carried Interest

III.

GNPC additional participation interest

69

IV.

Tax on Profits - income tax

V.

Additional Oil Entitlement

VI.

Other Fees paid to the Government

Fiscal Benefit to Ghana GROSS

PRODUCTION
A. 100,000 barrels per day
B. 5% OF (A.) = 5,000 barrels a day
C. net production= 95,000 per day
D. Production cost 10,000 barrels per day= cash
equivalent
E. Basic carried interest C-D=85,000 per day

According to computation oil accruing to the state

would be 38,209 barrels per a day out of 100,000
barrels per day production, and this multiplied by an
assumed long term price of $60 a barrel amounts to $
2,292,540 per day which would translate to
$836,777,100.00
A daily production of 200,000 barrels which could be
achieved in 5 years could generate $1.6 billion per
annum.

Economic Benefits Job

Opportunities
70

 Direct Jobs
Those jobs with E&P companies such as
Kosmos Energy and many others who are
coming:
Petroleum Engineers, Chemical Engineers,
Mechanical Engineers, Geologists,
Geophysicists, etc
Related Jobs
Jobs with service providers, manufacturing
and distribution firms who supply to the E&P
companies
Steel Fabrication, Electricals, Metalwork's,
Chemicals, Warehousing, Environmental,
Telecommunication, Cargo handling, etc
Induced Jobs
Jobs created locally and throughout the
national economy due to purchases of
goods & services by those directly
employed. These jobs are with the local
construction industry, retail stores, health
care providers, transportation services,
business services.
Indirect Jobs
Jobs generated in the national economy as
the result of local purchases by the firms

71

directly dependent upon the oil operations.

These jobs include jobs in:
Office supply firms, equipment and parts
suppliers, maintenance & repair services,
insurance companies, consulting , etc.

Economic Benefits - Businesses

I.

Supply and Support Services

II.

Business Partnerships with Local and Foreign

Companies. Working with GNPCs guidance to
increase Local Content

III.

Positive chain reactions in the business sector to

boost other industries

Setting Up Upstream Petroleum

Service Company
Submit the followings to the Ghana National Petroleum
Corporation (GNPC):
A formal letter of application
A Copy of Certificate of Incorporation
A copy of Certificate to Commence Business
A copy of the Companys Regulations
Pay GH50.00 for the Registration Forms, and other
information pack
Submit completed Registration Form and
accompanying enclosures in triplicate to the GNPC
72

 Pay Permit Fee of:

GH1,000.00 (for local Companies)
US$2,000.00 (for foreign Companies)
(Bankers Draft or Cheque issued from the Companys
accounts, payable to the Ghana National Petroleum
Corporation)
GNPC evaluates completed Forms
Issued with a PERMIT
When a block is acquired, exploration is undertaken
to develop a prospect and locate a drilling site.
The contractor drills a well to a targeted depth and
test it.
The well could be vertical or directional.
Once a discovery is made the field is appraised,
developed and produced.
The produced hydrocarbons are transported and
marketed.
The upstream petroleum industry is very complex,
technology based and capital intensive.
It takes a lot of effort to find, drill, and produce a
well.
But that's great, for it provides many opportunities
for a multitude of people.
People just like you and I
73

Job Opportunities Offshore

Deck

Crew

Crane
operator
Assistant crane operator
74

 Roustabout
Barge engineer
Control room operator
Painter
Maintenance roustabout
Maintenance foreman
Drilling Crew
Driller
Drilling assistant
Derrickman
Pumpman
Roughneck
Management Crew
Offshore installation manager
Company man/woman
Captain or chief engineer.
Tool pusher.
Mechanics
Maintenance supervisor or chief electrician
Electronics technician
Chief mechanic
75

 Assistant mechanic
Mechanical maintenance supervisor
Motor man
Catering Crew
Camp boss
Chef or cook
Steward/stewardess
Night cook/baker
Other Offshore Job
Radio operator
Medics
Subsea engineer
Assistant subsea engineer
Instrument technician
Welder
Rig safety & training coordinator
Other Offshore Job
Mud engineer
Ballast control man or watch stander
Materials or store man
Storekeeper
76

 Scaffolder
Shaker or mud man
Gunman
Diver
Geology
Jug hustler
Processor
Recorder/observer
Geophysicist
Geologist
Petrol chemical engineer
Non Technical Professions
Human Resource Management Experts
Oil And Gas Accounting / Finance Experts
Auditors
Petroleum Economists
Legal Experts
Public Relations Experts
Taxation Experts
Supply Chain Analysts
Procurement / Logistic Analysts
77

 Oil & Gas Marketing/Commercial Experts

Information Technologists

78