Mike Thompson

As Chief Operating Officer, I lead the strategic and operational evolution of Petroleum Training Services (PTS) Asia, a specialist center dedicated to advanced well control competency. My focus extends beyond traditional instruction; I am committed to delivering high-fidelity training solutions that address the technical and human factors essential to preventing well control incidents. By aligning our operational execution with global IWCF standards, I ensure PTS Asia serves as a critical partner in elevating global safety and technical proficiency. Key Focus Areas: Well Control Excellence: Driving the development and delivery of world-class training programs that ensure drilling teams possess the technical mastery and decisiveness required for safe operations. Institutional Legacy: Cultivating a culture of excellence within the training environment that transcends short-term certification gains to create lasting competency. Strategic Leadership & Governance: Leveraging my position on the IWCF Board to bridge the gap between global regulatory standards and practical, on-the-ground operational training. Human Capital & Psychological Insight: Applying behavioral science to well control, focusing on how high-performance teams maintain situational awareness and execute under pressure in complex drilling environments.

Regional Director for RelyOn in South East Asia.

Board Member and Branch Chairman – International Well Control Forum (IWCF) As a dedicated Board Member and Branch Chairman of the International Well Control Forum (IWCF), I play a pivotal role in shaping the global standards of well control training and accreditation. My responsibilities encompass strategic oversight, ensuring industry best practices, and fostering innovation to uphold IWCF's mission of enhancing safety and competency in well control across the upstream oil and gas sector. In my capacity as Branch Chairman, I focus on driving collaborative initiatives and expanding IWCF's influence within the Asia-Pacific region. This includes engaging with industry leaders, stakeholders, and regulatory bodies to address emerging challenges and implement solutions that prioritize operational excellence and workforce development. Key contributions include: Facilitating the development of advanced well control training programs tailored to industry needs. Leading accreditation efforts to ensure training centers maintain the highest standards of delivery and compliance. Advocating for continuous improvement in well control practices through policy recommendations and industry partnerships. Supporting knowledge sharing and professional growth among IWCF’s global network of branches and members. By combining technical expertise with strategic leadership, I am committed to fostering a culture of safety, innovation, and accountability that underpins IWCF’s reputation as the gold standard in well control training worldwide.

Regional Director for Aberdeen Drilling International in South East Asia.

Drilling and Well Control Instructor Surface & Subsea Levels, IWCF / IADC.

Establishing and updating course offerings and content to reflect current technology knowledge across IADC and IWCF accredited Level 2, 3 and 4 Well Control programs. Undertaking internal professional development program - Direct Instruction and Mastery Learning Approaches with Dr Robert Steventon PhD. MEd. BA. Psychology/Education (UniSA, Adelaide and Flinders Uni).

Maintaining offshore drilling operations onboard the ultra-deepwater semi-submersible 6th Gen. rig 'Songa Eclipse' for Total Offshore Angola.

Maersk Discoverer - Assistant Driller onboard deepwater dual derrick cyber semi-submersible (6th Gen). Nan Hai 6 - Assistant Driller onboard semi-submersible drill rig across exploration and production programs.

Drilling operations in remote/outback Australia, started as leasehand and progressed to Driller. Ensign took over acquisition of ODE and 23 drilling rigs in 2002.