Mazen Alanazi, Saudi Aramco
Working as a drilling foreman on an offshore rig is a unique experience. It comes with numerous challenges, significant responsibilities, and, surprisingly, moments of tranquility amid high stakes. My day usually starts early, around 5 AM, just before sunrise. A good night’s sleep is crucial because a clear mind is essential for handling unexpected situations. Each day on the rig presents a distinct set of problems that must be addressed quickly to keep operations running smoothly and avoid costly delays.
I begin my day by going to the office, where I meet with the night shift foreman to discuss key updates. Together, we review the operations from the previous night, address any unsafe observations, check the progress of logistics such as boat deliveries, and ensure that the morning report—arguably the most important task—is accurate before submitting it to senior management.
Effective communication between the night and day foremen is essential for maintaining smooth and efficient operations. My primary goal is to oversee and manage the safe and timely delivery of wells while adhering to Aramco’s high safety standards. This involves coordinating with drilling contractors and other companies to keep operations efficient and cost-effective while minimizing potential risks.
Once the handover is complete, we conduct a daily safety meeting with the upper-level drilling contractor crew, which includes the rig manager, crew supervisor, offshore barge engineer, and other key personnel. Third-party contractors, such as the drilling fluid engineer, also attend the meeting to ensure everyone is aligned for the day’s work.
The meeting always begins with a safety briefing, during which we review recent incidents across the drilling operations and provide weather updates, as this is essential for planning logistics. After the safety briefing, I outline the expectations for the day’s operations, share lessons learned from the previous day, and emphasize the importance of maintaining safety. This meeting is a collaborative effort, allowing everyone to discuss their needs and any issues.
For the rest of the morning, I answer emails, take phone calls, and coordinate logistics for tools and personnel. I walk around the rig to inspect crucial equipment, such as the Blowout Preventer (BOP) and its related components. The BOP is considered the most essential safety equipment on the rig, so daily pressure checks must be recorded to ensure safe drilling operations. I also meet with third-party contractors, including directional drillers and mud loggers, to review their data and ensure operational expectations align. Additionally, I check the drilling fluid parameters, such as rheology, and discuss other essential aspects with the mud engineer to ensure the drilling fluid is appropriately maintained.
In the afternoon, I continue addressing any outstanding emails and send out the afternoon report. I take another walk around the rig, focusing this time on identifying any improvements or maintenance needed. This is also an opportunity to speak with the junior contractor crew to ensure everyone is on the same page and working safely. I wrap up my workday after completing the handover with the night shift foreman at 5 PM.
Despite the demands of my job, I make it a priority to unwind during my off hours. I enjoy playing ping pong with the crew and walking around the helipad, especially during sunset. The sunsets here are some of the most beautiful I’ve ever seen, providing a brief moment of tranquility in an otherwise high-stress environment. I’m also an avid reader and enjoy Jonathan Livingston Seagull by Richard Bach. I often turn to self-help and fiction genres to dive into a good book. However, my favorite way to relax is by playing video games. As an enthusiastic gamer, immersing myself in amazing games offers deep escapism and creativity. My favorite games include Final Fantasy VII, Metal Gear Solid, and Elden Ring.
Being a foreman is a demanding, high-pressure role, but I genuinely love it. It’s an honor to serve my country while leading my crew and ensuring that wells are delivered safely and on time. Each day brings new challenges, but teamwork, problem-solving, and constant pursuit of knowledge make the job both enjoyable and rewarding.