IWCF Subsea Well Control Exam

IWCF Subsea Well Control Exam Practice Questions And Correct Answers (Verified Answers) Plus Rationales 2026 Q&A | Instant Download Pdf

• What is the primary function of a subsea blowout preventer (BOP)?
• To drill the well faster
• To monitor reservoir pressure
• To control well pressure and prevent blowouts
• To circulate drilling mud

Rationale: The BOP is designed to seal the wellbore, control

unexpected pressures, and prevent uncontrolled release of hydrocarbons.

• Which type of BOP is commonly used for subsea wells?
• Ram BOP
• Annular BOP
• Both Ram and Annular BOPs 1 / 4

• Drill pipe BOP

Rationale: Subsea wells typically use a combination of ram and

annular BOPs to provide multiple methods for well control.

• What is a key difference between surface and subsea BOP stacks?
• Subsea BOPs are smaller
• Subsea BOPs are located on the seabed and remotely operated
• Surface BOPs are remotely operated
• There is no difference

Rationale: Subsea BOPs are placed on the seabed and controlled

remotely from the surface via hydraulic and control systems.

4. The purpose of a choke line in subsea well control is to:

• Increase pump efficiency
• Measure mud weight
• Allow controlled circulation of well fluids under pressure
• Drill the well faster

Rationale: The choke line is used to control well pressure by directing

flow from the BOP to the choke manifold during a well control event.

• During a subsea well kill operation, which fluid property is critical?
• Viscosity only
• Density (mud weight)
• pH level
• Gas content 2 / 4

Rationale: The correct mud density is critical to ensure the

hydrostatic pressure is sufficient to control the well.

• What is the main function of a subsea control pod?
• To pump mud into the well
• To drill subsea wells
• To operate the subsea BOP remotely
• To measure reservoir temperature

Rationale: The control pod provides hydraulic and electrical control

to operate the subsea BOP stack from the surface.

• Which ram type is used to seal around the drill pipe?
• Blind ram
• Pipe ram
• Shear ram
• Annular ram

Rationale: Pipe rams close around the drill pipe, sealing the well

while allowing the pipe to remain in place.

• Which BOP ram type can cut through the drill pipe?
• Annular ram
• Pipe ram
• Shear ram
• Blind ram

Rationale: Shear rams are designed to cut through the drill pipe and

seal the well in an emergency. 3 / 4

9. The main purpose of the subsea choke manifold is:

• To increase pump output
• To drill faster
• To control well pressure during circulation
• To store drilling mud

Rationale: The choke manifold allows controlled reduction of well

pressure by safely diverting fluids.

• Which of the following is NOT part of the subsea BOP control

system?

• Hydraulic lines
• Control pod
• Top drive
• Umbilical

Rationale: The top drive is part of the drilling system, not the BOP

control system.

• When performing a subsea well kill, what is the first step?
• Increase pump rate
• Close the annular preventer
• Confirm well pressure and evaluate the situation
• Open the choke

Rationale: Proper evaluation and confirmation of well conditions are

essential before taking action to avoid worsening the situation.

• / 4