IADC Lexicon Launched to Provide Resource for Industry Regulators

Houston, 13 November – The International Association of Drilling Contractors (IADC) recently announced the launch of the IADC Lexicon, a free online repository of definitions for commonly used industry terms.

The Lexicon provides a forum for critical review and analysis of terms used in drilling operations and production, particularly those used for regulatory purposes. It was developed with the intent that users would use the information to influence, improve, and where appropriate standardize, the use of terminology in legislation, regulations and standards.

To populate the website, terms were drawn from many sources, broadly categorized as legislation, regulations, regulatory guidance, internationally recognized standards and IADC guidelines. These include API, OGP, ISO and NORSOK, among others. Many of the included terms have multiple definitions, demonstrating that regulators and standards developers should assume that a common understanding exists for the terms they use.

“The Lexicon was developed after conversations with regulators, who noted the complexity of drafting regulations for the drilling industry. They requested a resource to help ensure that terminology used in standards and regulations is readily available to those who draft regulations, enabling them to work toward consistency,” said Stephen Colville, IADC President and CEO. “The Lexicon provides a powerful tool for authorities to draw up legislation that is appropriate, consistent and transparent across time and geography.”

More than 7,000 terms, encompassing more than 20,000 definitions, are currently included in the Lexicon. The website is evergreen, with users encouraged to provide feedback and submit relevant terms defined in additional sources to ensure the website remains up to date as the industry evolves. The Lexicon website has had more than 3,000 hits since it was launched on 27 October.

Please visit the IADC website to access the IADC Lexicon.

About IADC

IADC is dedicated to enhancing the interests of oil-and-gas and geothermal drilling contractors worldwide. IADC’s contract-drilling members own most of the world’s land and offshore drilling units and drill the vast majority of the wells that produce the planet’s oil and gas. IADC’s membership also includes oil-and-gas producers, and manufacturers and suppliers of oilfield equipment and services. Founded in 1940, IADC’s mission is to improve industry health, safety and environmental practices; advance drilling and completion technology; and champion responsible standards, practices, legislation and regulations that provide for safe, efficient and environmentally sound drilling operations worldwide. IADC holds Accredited Observer status at the International Maritime Organization and the International Seabed Authority, specialized agencies of the United Nations. The Association is a leader in developing standards for industry training, notably its Well Control Accreditation Program (WellCAP)® and rig-floor orientation program, RIG PASS®. IADC is headquartered in Houston and has offices in Washington D.C., the Netherlands, Thailand, and the United Arab Emirates, as well as chapters in the UK, Venezuela, Brazil, Australasia, South Central Asia, Southeast Asia, the Middle East and across the United States. For more information, visit the IADC website at www.iadc.org.