Drilling Services

SOCOTEC UK is committed to supplying highly trained, skilful and well-motivated crews to carry out a variety of different types of drilling services. 

Our aim is to represent our clients to the highest standard possible and in turn ensure that our client's reputation is safe in our hands. With the variety of plant and equipment we have available, we’re able to cover a wide range of drilling techniques regardless of your access requirements or technical specification. 

As a Corporate Member of the British Drilling Association (BDA), the standard of our drill crews and our compliance to relevant standards & legislation are independently audited to the highest standard.  

We can take a leading role in organising and implementing all types of contracts, covering sites across the whole of the UK along with various sites across Europe. 

What is drilling?  

• Boreholes allow exploration of the ground to reveal the sequence of strata.   

• Samples can be recovered for inspection and laboratory testing.   

• A variety of in-hole testing can be completed in the field.   

• Completed boreholes can have instrumentation installed to allow for ongoing monitoring of the natural ground conditions.  

Various methods and types of equipment are available to suit the purposes of the investigation, taking into account ground conditions, types of sampling and testing required. A range of different drilling rigs and techniques can be supplied to deal with operational limitations due to access, confined space, working on slopes, over-water, emission controls etc.  All rig data sheets are available via www.drillingwizard.com.

How can SOCOTEC support your project? 

Training and experience 

Our trained and experienced field operatives hold recognised working certifications including Land Drilling Vocational Qualifications, CSCS cards, BDA audits,  First Aid and Site Supervisors Safety Training Scheme (SSSTS). In addition, all SOCOTEC drillers are enrolled onto our in-house Drilling Academy which provides them with the opportunity and support to achieve a Level 3 Advanced Diploma in Land Drilling, the highest qualification available for land drilling in the UK.  

The Level 3 qualification is not just a theoretical certification; it requires practical, on-site assessment where candidates must demonstrate their abilities across seven complex modules. These modules cover a wide range of topics including complex drilling techniques, site supervision, process management, and health and safety protocols. The assessment process involves collecting a variety of evidence, such as photos, videos, and site-specific documentation, ensuring that the candidates meet the rigorous standards set by the qualification. SOCOTEC Drilling Academy is one of only three assessment centres in the UK that offers this award. 

Digital data capture 

Drilling information is captured digitally via bespoke OpenGround Data Collector profiles, designed to capture not only technical and progress information but also mandatory Health & Safety compliance checks, such as plant maintenance, rig checks and equipment checks. The Data Collector profiles also include a series of validation checks to ensure all information is complete and correct at the time of input. The collected data is synchronised to OpenGround Professional in AGS format, and instantly accessible by our reporting teams for seamless transfer to our clients.  

Industry involvement 

Members across our team sit on various committees of both the Association of Geotechnical & Geoenvironmental Specialists (AGS) and the BDA, ensuring that we are not only aware but also contributing towards updates to industry standards and expectations.