What our students are saying about MDS Ltd.

  June 06, 2008

To: Maritime Drilling Schools

Subject: Hey Reg 

Hey Reg how's it going..I attended your Drilling school in March of 07...and I have to say the knowledge that I acquired through you and Colin has been put to great use.. I moved out west in may of 07 but seeing spring break up was still on I took up a job framing.. but was still getting out there making contacts and meeting people in the Oil industry. Well needless to say with all the Certifications that I attained from attending your school spoke for themselves on a resume.. I have been working For Cardinal Well Services for over six months now and am putting all that knowledge to use...Sure helped me out because I was going in as a green hand but with all the shit you crammed into our heads.. made it seem like I had been out there for years, picked it up without hesitation.. Great thing is I started my training about a week ago to start pushing my own Service rig for the company...  They told me my rig will be ready in six months so I better be to...lol..I'll be the fastest person in company history to have my own rig in under a year of service...quite an honor...  And it was all made possible by your training... So Thank you very much for all your hard work and dedication to the Industry... and instilling this into everyone who is lucky enough to pass through your doors..  So all you tell all those guys that you are teaching right now..Listen Up Guys he's giving you a the knowledge to be apart of one of the greatest careers. So take it all in..And yes I WANTED TO BE A ROUGHNECK EH...and Now A Toolpush and after that the possibilities are endless.. So keep Up the Good Work... Thanks For everything
 
 
Thomas McCormick

May 03, 2008

To; Maritime Drilling Schools

Subject: First Hitch

Hi Elaine                                        
How are things on the Cape? I am just coming to the
end of my first hitch with my new position in Oman.
Although my previous experience in the oil patch
helped me get this job the course at Maritime Drilling
was a definite asset to get this position as field
superintendent for MB Petroleum. I am hoping to take
one of the distance learning courses offered at MDS in
the future.

We are moving to PEI this summer and will be up on the
cape more often than the last 30 years.Thanks again
for everything and send my regards to Reg and
Colin.We'll see you at Rollie's

 Regards Kevin

April 27, 2008

To: Maritime Drilling Schools Ltd

Subject: A message from Pierre Presentado
 

Date: March 28, 2008

To: Maritime Drilling Schools Ltd

Subject: Thanks!!!

To MDS,
>
> Hope everyone at MDS is doing well.
> I was in your March 3rd class of 2008.
> I wanted to say thanks to Reg and Colin for the excellent training and the opportunity to start a new career in the oil/gas industry.
> After just two days of looking for employment, I landed a job with a Well Servicing Co. in Saskatchewan. I am heading out on April 2nd to start my career and get a feel for the area, and my family will follow.
> I will keep in touch.
> Thanks again!
>
> Sincerely
> William McMullen
 

Date: January 03, 2008

To: Maritime Drilling Schools Limited

Subject: Hey Reg

Iam not sure if you remember me, but I was there about 4 weeks ago and took the course from Ontario. I am sure you remember Noodles lol, well I was in his class.
 
I thought I would drop you a line and let you know that there is another success story out here thanks to you and Colin.
 
I am currently in Sharjah in port with the rig, and will be leaving to float this big bugger out to Qatar. I am on the Noble Roger Lewis. It's a fully automated 6th generation. This things is massive and more than I expected but I am settling into my new position quite well.
 
I am one of 4 Safety Training Supervisors on board right now because there is allot to get ready before we sail, but this will eventually be mine with the help of another guy once we sail and get jacked up and everything.
 
I wanted to drop you guys a note to say thanks again, I would not be where I am were it not for the work that you guys did to prepare me for this challenge. You should check this sucker out online if you get a chance, she's a dandy!
 
Take care and say hi to everyone for me!
 
PS: I will keep in touch to keep you posted.
 
Thanks again.
 
Mike McGinnis
 

Date: January 05, 2008

To: Maritime Drilling Schools Ltd.

Subject: Hi Reg & Collie

Hi Reg, Collie & Elaine,

Happy New Years to you all!

I have great news. After only sending out a few resumes on Friday I got a call Friday night from Treeline Well Services with a job offer. I am starting on January 4th as a Floorman on a service rig in Medicine Hat. The first thing they said was that they were impressed with my Pre-Floorman course and all my tickets and they knew that I could hit the ground running right away. I am pretty excited and a little nervous as this is all happening very fast.

I will keep you posted on how things go. The HR people were also wondering if Wade was looking for a job as they are interested in hiring people with the course.

Thanks again for all your help.

Regards,
Maurice
 

Date; December 06, 2008

To: Maritime Drilling Schools Ltd

Subject: MDS Training

Hello Elaine,

Thank you again.  I am currently a trainee coil tubing supervisor with Schlumberger based in Aberdeen, Scotland.  I will be attending my first training  school next month and will be  following a structured career plan for the following 2 years.  I started the job in May of this year and was recruited whilst attending a Offshore Survival Course. 
There are plenty of opportunities in the North Sea and Africa.  I will remain in contact and once I return from school, and have more time, I will send more specific information to students who are interested in working over here.

I have yet to send you my completed worksheets from my introduction to well control course.  Can you confirm the course title and the date it must be completed by.

Regards,

Nicholas.
 

Date: March 07, 2008

To: Maritime Drilling Schools Ltd

Subject: Jim Salter Junior

Date: April 21, 2008

To: Maritime Drilling Schools Limited

Subject: Excellent course

Date: December 02, 2007

To: maritime Drilling Schools Limited

Subject: Hey from Shaun Wagner

Date: February 06, 2007

To: Maritime Drilling Schools limited

Subject: Hey Reggie

DATE: June 7, 2005

To: Maritime Drilling Schools

SUBJECT: Preston Henderson

Hey Reg and Collie,

I arrived in Edmonton 8 days ago as soon as I got here the process of drug screening and orientation began with Ensign Drilling.  Everything worked out and I am going to start tomorrow on my first rig up outside of Hines Creek in Northern Alberta. 

There weren’t many positions because of the weather but it just so happened on the day I passed my physical (today actually), I received a call asking me if I was interested in being a crew driver.  The pay is relatively the same so I figured I have to start somewhere.  Easy money!

The course was well received by Ensign and recognize it as a valuable course…It was good to know something about the industry before coming out here…

Take care and good luck with MDS

Preston Henderson

ps   I’ll take a shot at the title next time we cross!

DATE: April 4, 2005

To: Maritime Drilling Schools

SUBJECT: Message Board Posting

Hey reg, collie. Pete macmullin here from july-03. i've lived in
grande prairie since i finished the course and work for rockwell
servicing(ensign). im gettin my first line in 3 weeks and then they’re settin me up drilling. so tell everyone who takes your course to get to alberta because everyone needs hands so bad they'll be drilling in 2 years, if they can handle it. talk to you later.
pete macmullin

DATE: April 1, 2005

TO: Maritime Drilling Schools

SUBJECT: Hello & an Update

Hello Francis, Collie and Reg,  hope all is well with you and at the MDS.  I have spoken to quite a few people who know people who have attended or are planning on attending.  I recently got back from out west,  worked for Tri City for the second year now (Jan-Mar) & (Nov - Mar).  I was on the same rig with the same crew for both years.  This rig drills year round with the oil companies lined up for it, fast drilling with few complications.  The crew was good but the driller was an asshole, compared to the other drillers.   He was a great driller but you had to learn by watching him as he wasn't big on teaching.  A  red neck that always had a big wad of chewing tobacco in his craw, raised bulls for the rodeo in his off time.  Guys on the other crews said they would quit before working for him.  The push was great and my drillers older brother, although nothing like him.  
Rig 538 was a telescopic single with a max depth of 1000 metres, we would move every 3 to 4 days.  It was my choice to work a single because with all the moves you really got to know how things were rigged up and out.   Aron worked for Tri City the first year after graduating but broke his arm the week he was to head out this past year.  Rob (Stack) went out last year and was working for Ensign but didn’t go out this year.  Nancy worked landscaping and construction and hadn’t made her mind up as of last year…

Cheers Doug Hart

DATE: February 7, 2005

TO: Maritime Drilling Schools

SUBJECT: Update

Hello Reg & Collie

Robert Barrett here from your Nov 22 – Dec 11  2004 class.  Just thought I’d drop you a line to let you know how a few of us were making out.  John Mackee and myself drove out just before Xmas.  We both found work after 4 or 5 days.  I got on with Wilson and John with Jade.  I worked leasehand for three weeks before moving up to roughneck because an entire crew didn’t show up.  That was more then enough time to figure out I wasn’t going to work out with my crew.  You said it yourself there are good crews and bad crews.  I had no problem with the work but my crew had a way of making life pretty miserable.  I stuck it out tell the end of my hitch and was all ready to jump to a new rig when I got an opportunity to work as a safety supervisor.  I jumped at it and even opened my own business.  Barrett Safety Services.  Things are going great, I’m so busy I’m turning work away.  Things worked out well, I need far more of my tickets for this new job then I ever did on the rigs.  In fact I am more qualified then the majority of the other safety people I work with in large part due to your course.  But qualified and experience are two different things and I need a lot more experience…I am very happy with the course I took.  It has served me well and will continue to.  Scott and Ron also found work.  Scott is with Ensign, and Ron is trucking I’m not sure with who.

All the best in the future

Robert Barrett

DATE: December 22, 2004

TO: Maritime Drilling Schools

Hey Reg,   Merry x-mas.  It’s me Gerald Wadden.  I took your course 4 years ago.  I was home this summer and my soon to be wife never saw the nice part of the country before so we toured Cape Breton.  I’m sorry I never came over to see you.  I worked on champion 43 for 4 years now, it’s a fast little rig.  We are drilling 700m directional holes and drilling our own surface in under 24 hours, not bad eh.  This summer I challenged my first line and got high 90s and been a driller now for 3 months and love it, but I need more guys from your course.  Some of these roughnecks from here just don’t want to work.  Thank you Reg for everything.  I wouldn’t ever be here without your help.

P.S.  Tell your students drilling companies love us boaters, we are hard working mother _______, they will finish the rest, lol.  Take care Reg.  Hopefully I’ll get to see you when I get married.  Bye for now.

Gerald

DATE: October 6, 2004

TO: Maritime Drilling Schools

SUBJECT: got it

RE: Maritime Drilling Schools and the Pre Entry Floorman (Roughneck) Training Program

Hi Reg,

Well, I apparently got my first job with CAZA Drilling.  I'll start out in Wyoming in the southwest corner near Little America truck stop on the Interstate 80.  (Ensign Drilling subsidiary)  They drill mostly for gas and the tool pusher who hired me over the phone said they are real busy and booked up for a year or more already.  I'm starting out at USD $19./hr plus various bonuses on top - one week on, one off.  Not bad starting wage for a greenhorn I figure.  I will be an extra for a tour or two while they break me in and then play the floater until a permanent position opens up.  Rich, the rig manager who hired me said its a different world out there and its like starting from scratch no matter your background.  Just like you told us, he says if I'm willing to learn and learn fast, and work hard and don't mind getting dirty....I'll get along just fine. 

So, I am to report to work next Tuesday at 6:30am at the rig site ready to go!  I will be leaving Friday evening.  I guess a month from now I will know if I retained all the stuff you and Collie taught us and I send you an update.  I will of coarse be monitoring my email, at least on my off weeks - so don't hesitate to email.  Hope all is well with the new class and your ProTec deal goes thru this month as expected!  I would still like to stay updated and keep me on your "list" especially as I gain experience. 

Talk to you later Reg.  - dave

DATE: October 1, 2004

TO: Maritime Drilling Schools

SUBJECT: Hey Reg it’s Tim Calder

RE: Maritime Drilling Schools and the Pre Entry Floorman (Roughneck) Training Program

Hey Reg it’s Tim Calder from last years Nov/Dec course keeping you up to date on what’s going on out here.  I’m still working with Ensign, after spring break-up I got move to rig 64, its 4 years old telescopic double top drive.  We work 340 days a year for EnCana Oil.  We just drilled 3 record wells underbalanced, our best day was 980 meters in 24 hours.  We are currently 170km NE of Fort Nelson in Global Sierra.  Underbalanced directional drilling you can learn quite a lot about downhole activity and not just what’s going on, on the floor.  I’m training for Motors now and have already made quite a few connections up the stick.  I’m also working at PITS as a contractor, I know people who teach the classes there and occasionally they rent their rigs out to companies to test tools and I work the floor whenever I’m not in the patch.  I just had 3 days work there testing a new technology for Tubing Conveyed Perforation guns for Precision Wireline.  Easy work there, no company man breathing down you neck or screaming drillers :) you trip their tool in the hole and they do 8 hours of testing then trip out again, for three days…easy work.  I’ve had a couple weeks off, as there were some decisions on our next contract to where we were going.  Flying back out on Monday.  I can’t thank you enough for what you and Collie taught us especially well control and all the safety tricks.  I’m currently on Ensigns busiest rig, not surprising looking back on the rigs drilling record, we are breaking records almost everyday we are drilling.  EnCana had some financial situations when they bought a company out from the US so they weren’t sure about their activity for the next couple months but they made sure our rig was working for the year.

Let your students know that right now is the time to come out for Ensign.  They are hiring guys everyday and this weekend and next week they are hoping to have every rig working.  And because they’ve been pretty slow for a while that most of their employees have left for other companies so they are hurtin for workers.  Because of that I’m being trained for motors and with the education I got from MDS my derrickhand and driller are training me for derrick at the same time.  And at PITS my friend is drilling on the service rig courses and asked me to go up the stick on my days off.  I’ll be derrickhand in no time.

I’m also wondering about the offshore activity there, and the best way to go about applying for a job.  I have the contacts but I though you may have some news or some different people to contact, or how I would go about applying for an offshore job.  I plan on being here for another year before I go back home and if nothing comes up then I’ll stay here on land rigs, but my goal is to get offshore.  On the other hand there is more room for promotion out here but I’d say as a roughneck for years if it means being home.  The women in Halifax are so much better than the women in Edmonton :) :) and ah oh yah my family and uhh stuff.  Some advice on what I should do here…maybe you’ve been asked too many times and if so don’t worry about it, but if I should stay here until I get my first line or is there activity offshore right now???  Any info would be great Reg.  Say hello to Francis and Collie and the ladies in North Sydney :) Tell them I’ll be home to visit very soon :) hahaha

Tim Calder

DATE: August 31, 2004

TO: Maritime Drilling Schools

SUBJECT: Oil Rigs

RE: Maritime Drilling Schools and the Pre Entry Floorman (Roughneck) Training Program

Hey Reg,
             It's Dan Horton from the class of July 2004. I got a job with
Diamond Energy Services Inc, with their Service Rig Division In Swift
Current. I am leaving Wednesday September 1. I will start Thursday or
Friday. Thank You for a great course which propelled me to a good career. I will keep in touch.

DATE: August 23, 2004

TO: Maritime Drilling Schools

SUBJECT: thank you

RE: Maritime Drilling Schools and the Pre Entry Floorman (Roughneck) Training Program

Hey Reg, I took your course back in September of 2003. I have been in Alberta since that December. Initially I got a job with Precision Drilling, but I didn't really like it so I applied for a job with Concord Well Servicing and have been with them ever since. I love my job, I find that the work is much better than that of a drilling rig, and I enjoy the much faster pace. I worked on a mobile double for a month and then I was transferred to a single, we rig out and move every couple of days, which is just the way I like it. If you want to check out my rig, its concordwell.com and you go into rig ratings and models and I am on rig 26. Your course helped me get the job before I was even interviewed and I started out at the lead hand wages even though I was green. Thank you, Luke Edwards

July 7, 2004

Lee Kempster

Ensign Drilling, AB

Hey Reg!  I took your course in May last year and I got on with Ensign rig 78 in October.  I worked with that rig pretty much through the winter and I am now off until I get called back or get another rig, whichever comes first.  It was a real learning experience but the training helped and the rest you learn as you go.  I worked with a good crew so I learned a lot. My best month was December, I cleared $5100 on a camp Job.  It’s no simple life and hard work, but at the end of the day it is all worth it.

Cheers,

Lee

DATE: May 15, 2004

TO: Maritime Drilling Schools

SUBJECT: Hey Reg

RE: Maritime Drilling Schools and the Pre Entry Floorman (Roughneck) Training Program

Hey it’s Tim from the Nov. class.  I’ve been working for Ensign since Feb. worked 3 weeks on 93E, diesel electric triple top drive, rigged out for spring break, then to rig 31, 28 year old triple, twisted a collar in two at 2000 meters and couldn’t fish it out, hole abandoned, rigged out for spring break, then got hired on rig 55 in the Pink Mountains a couple hours north west of Fort St. John.  Just got home last week and off until June 9.  Learned a lot about directional drilling on that one.  First attempt straight down to 2000m was a duster then we cemented up to 900 meters and went off at 22 degrees to 2050m, took a few kicks near the end, we now have a brown derrick, haha.  Got promoted to floorhand in only 2 days on my first rig, picked everything up right away, everything I learned is coming together.  The well control course especially because the guys coming out of pits don’t have a clue about a lot of that, so that looks good on us coming from your school, meanwhile ensign was looking for 95 floorhands in Feb and headoffice was only sending out about 20, doesn’t make much sense but I’m out there now.  I have 4 crews asking me to come back and work for them after spring break and my push told me on my last day to make my choice who I want to work with, so that’s good.

Thanks,

Tim Calder

May 10, 2004

Wayne MacDonald

Ensign Drilling, AB

I've been working for Ensign for some time now and it's all thanks to MDS Ltd.  The instruction I received was excellent and Reg really knows a great deal about this industry.  I gained more knowledge in 20 days at MDS Ltd, than some roughnecks 2 and 3 years on the job.  I even had 2 different job offers this year and I wasn't searching for work, it was quite remarkable.  I definitely recommend the pre employment program to anyone interested in the oil and gas industry.

Regards,

Wayne MacDonald

DATE: November 24, 2003

TO: Maritime Drilling Schools

SUBJECT: Working

RE: Maritime Drilling Schools and the Pre Entry Floorman (Roughneck) Training Program

Greetings all,

I worked my first hitch for a drilling company in North Texas the past week. I’m working for Latshaw Drilling who is based in Tulsa. It’s a new company and the rig is brand new which is nice. I’m working 7 on 7 off and still doing a little commercial driving in between drilling. I was on lead tongs my first week but they’re promoting me to derrick man for my next week on so I feel pretty good about what I’m doing. I’ll try and get some pic’s emailed after my next hitch.

Matt Young

DATE: September 30, 2003

TO: Maritime Drilling Schools

SUBJECT: Leo Vincent

RE: Maritime Drilling Schools and the Pre Entry Floorman (Roughneck) Training Program

Hello Reg;
Just a note to tell you that I arrived in Edmonton on Sept, 11^th and was working on the 15^th for Nabors Industries. This was largely because of the training I received at Maritime Drilling School. I might add anyone heading this way should have some sort of transportation. I was hired by two companies because I had a van and didn’t have to live on camp. I’m home in Antigonish now for my 7 days off and will be flying back for my 14 day shifts tomorrow. The work is good, your busy all the time. Its good physical work and I’m working with a great crew.
Drop me a note if you have a chance.

 LEO VINCENT

DATE: May 30, 2003

TO: Maritime Drilling Schools

RE: Maritime Drilling Schools and the Pre Entry Floorman (Roughneck) Training Program

Hey This is Eric Stucki from your April class I don’t know if you remember me or not I was the guy from B.C. I'm just letting you know that I got a job with Phelps drilling. I pretty much got hired on the spot it was the second place I went to. I'm starting out as a roughneck on one of there singles about 2 hours south of Nisku.  Having that well control helped a lot they were telling me how it will be easier to move up because of that. I just bought new Dodge Ram 1500 4+4 so I'm set now. I remembered you wanted us to keep you updated so that what I'm doing.  Thanks again for all the training 

DATE: April 30, 2003

TO: Maritime Drilling Schools

SUBJECT: Glenn Sutherland

RE: Maritime Drilling Schools and the Pre Entry Floorman (Roughneck) Training Program

Hey there Reg.  How is the training going? I took your course a few years ago and have been working ever since. I am in Saudi Arabia right now and have been here for the last 14 months.  I have also worked in Africa and off shore Nova Scotia on the last four wells drilled there...I’ve seen some wild stuff in the past few years.

Best Regards,

          Glenn Sutherland

DATE: December 02, 2002

TO: Maritime Drilling Schools

SUBJECT: Hi,from Calgary!

RE: Maritime Drilling Schools and the Pre Entry Floorman (Roughneck) Training Program

Reggie,

How are things going? Things are looking up for Derek,Walter and myself. We went to Red Deer last Wednesday for an all day orientation with Precision Well Servicing. They gave us our TDG ticket and Load Secure ticket, and fit us for respirators as well. They want us to go back for our Air Brake endorsement this week sometime. They are willing to provide all costs for transportation and accommodations. They will also provide cover-alls to get us started. The orientation was with Lee-Ann Triffo and she thinks highly of your school and said she plans on using more of your graduates in the future. She was very impressed with the amount of certificates we had. Anyway just thought I’d touch base and give you the good news…

                                                          Rob Penny

DATE: September 23, 2002

TO: Maritime Drilling Schools

SUBJECT: hello

RE: Maritime Drilling Schools and the Pre Entry Floorman (Roughneck) Training Program

Hey Reg!

Just mailing to tell ya that Jamie Warren and I are out in Alberta in a little town called Camrose both working on oil service. I am with a small company named “Oil Drop” and Jamie is with Precision. We have only been working for about 2 weeks now but we both love it. It is hard work but it’s work where a ladder can quickly be climbed…Anyways, just thought I’d write and get my name up on that list (he he he).                                                                                                                                              

Take er easy Josh Rambeau 

DATE: July 21, 2002

TO: Maritime Drilling Schools

SUBJECT: Hi!

RE: Maritime Drilling Schools and the Pre Entry Floorman (Roughneck) Training Program

Hey Reg,

Well, I've been working for precision well servicing for over month now, and I love it.  The work is hard, but the money is great. The knowledge i received from Maritime drilling schools was of great help to me on the safety side of things while working out in the oil fields. I'm hoping to go drilling soon, but the drilling side of the industry is a little slow right now. they expect it to be in full swing soon though. I’ll keep in touch, and tell your students if they aren’t afraid of a little hard work, they’ve got a great future ahead of them.

Clary Carrier

DATE: February 02, 2002

TO: Maritime Drilling Schools

RE: Maritime Drilling Schools and the Pre Entry Floorman (Roughneck) Training Program

   Hi there Howie this is Kristen Doucette here in Alberta. Just thought I’d pass this info along to you for your reference.  Kristen Doucette and Jason McLeod hired on to precision drilling on Dec.24.Went to Alberta on Dec.15, didn’t take too long. I’m still working but haven’t heard from Jason. Tell Reg I said hello.  Thanks Howie.

Kristen Doucette 

Maritime Drilling Schools Ltd.
P.O. Box 1916
North Sydney, NS B2A 3S9

Attention: Reg MacDonald

RE: Testimonial

The money is so good, Big money! I am definitely going back. It all started here at Maritime Drilling Schools. The best $2,000 I ever spent. I made my investment back in my first week. Everything I learned at the school all came together as soon as I got to the rig. I would not recommend anyone going to work on the rigs without this course. Its all fingers and toes out there. Safety is everything. The schools reputation with the drilling contractors was exceptional. When I arrived at the offices of Precision Drilling they had all my information. Maritime Drilling Schools sent it all ahead of me. The staff at Precision fast tracked me through their hiring process, and I was working on a rig the next day. It’s been great so far, I am working hard, and the money and opportunity to learn and advance in my career make it all worthwhile. I attribute my success to Reg MacDonald, and Maritime Drilling Schools, and my commitment to succeed.


Yours truly,

Melvin Beaton

DATE: April 25, 2001

TO: Maritime Drilling Schools

SUBJECT: Testimonial

RE: Maritime Drilling Schools and the Pre Entry Floorman (Rougneck) Training Program

I never dreamed that it would be like this. I have worked in an awful lot of different jobs for more than 20 years and none of them come close to working on the oil rigs. The money the work, everything, I love it. I just worked 11 weeks straight and I can’t wait to get back to the rigs. I have to say, Reg MacDonald and Maritime Drilling Schools had me prepared. I was nowhere near a rig before. When I stepped on one for the first time, I was ready. Everything I learned in class was relevant to the actual work. I felt like I knew the rig inside and out. I knew what to do and was able to take advantage of any assignment that came my way. The safety training I received from MDS was critical. Ensign Drilling Limited, the company I am with, was recommended by the school and, with them safety is number one. For anyone looking for a challenging and profitable career in the oil and gas sector, I would not hesitate to recommend that they start with taking the Pre-Entry Floorhand program at Maritime Drilling Schools Limited. They are the best; better than any other courses offered in Canada. Not only do they prepare you for the rigs, they bring you up to date on all the ins and outs of the industry.

Sincerely,

Eddy Mrazek

Francis Wlydyka

Precision Drilling, AB

I was interested in getting into the oil and gas drilling industry, and was advised to take the Pre-Entry Floorman Certification program to prepare me for an entry-level position. I am the type of individual who likes to know what’s going on and Maritime Drilling Schools’ comprehensive approach to training achieves that objective. The Program provided me with the necessary foundation for me to fulfill my desire to learn more about drilling operations. I was advised correctly that it is not just low-level labour training. As I found out, there is a lot more to this industry than I first realized. I am really satisfied that I took the initiative to enroll. I am learning what I always wanted to know, and I am happy with my accomplishments so far.  I am currently working in the service sector and have put my training to good use.

Francis Wlydyka

James A. Murphy
RR # 4
Baddeck, NS B0E 1B0


Maritime Drilling Schools Ltd.
P.O. Box 1916
North Sydney, NS B2A 3S9

Attention: Reg MacDonald

Dear Mr. MacDonald

I just completed my first shift in the Sable offshore. As you are aware I have been interested in a career in the offshore oil and gas industry for quite some time. I actually applied for this job before I took your course. In order to improve my chances I decided to take your Pre-Entry Floorman (roughneck) program while I was waiting to hear back from the drilling contractor. I guess it was a good decision, considering I am now employed with a major international drilling contractor. The company certainly recognized the value of your program, and that in combination with a lot of persistence on my part resulted in securing this position. I just want you to know that the course really had me well prepared. It has given me the confidence to work in this environment and I feel the safety components you put me through have been extremely beneficial. Probably the biggest advantage for me has been that your course laid down such a solid foundation of overall rig operations. It has allowed me to understand exactly what is going on out there. Although I am at the entry level I can easily converse with co-workers and rig management. I must say that taking your course has turned into a wise investment. Once I have enough experience I plan to take your drilling technology program. For now, I am thoroughly enjoying this work and expect to have a long and exciting career in this industry. Thanks for your support, and I would recommend this course to anyone interested in a career in the oil and gas industry.

Yours truly,

James A. Murphy

Calvin Googoo

Unit Drilling, Okalahoma

The instructors at Maritime Drilling Schools were superb. I always felt like I was their main concern and no question was ever considered to be trivial or unimportant. They were knowledgeable and professional in every respect. The support and help from the MDS staff has been second to none.  They stay with you until you thoroughly understand each component of the program.  Everything I learned during the course has been an enormous help in the field and continues to make a difference every day. In just six short months I have already moved from floorman to motorman, and just recently have advanced to Derrickman. For anyone contemplating a career in the oil and gas industry, I would not hesitate to recommend that their first step should be the Pre-entry Floorman Certification Program offered at Maritime Drilling Schools.

Calvin Googoo

Stephen Cole

Rowan Drilling, NS

This course not only improved my chances for employment, but also provided me with the tools to immediately adapt to the offshore rig environment. I know that I am picking up on everything very quickly as a direct result of the Pre-Entry Floorman Certification Program at Maritime Drilling Schools. I was amazed at the course content. Nothing was left out, Reg MacDonald and his instruction team are the best. This is a very good program.

Stephen Cole