Due to COVID-19 the BDA Dinner Dance did not take place in 2020 and 2021. However, the BDA Awards still took place, and all winners were presented with a trophy in person, following strict COVID-19 distancing guidelines.
The 2020 BDA Award winners video can be viewed here – https://www.britishdrillingassociation.co.uk/news/2020-bda-awards/
All Awards Winners (2014 – 2021):
LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD
Ian Slater – 2020 – BAM Ritchies
Dean Eley – 2017 – BAM Ritchies
Craig Mullarkey – 2016 – Raeburn Drilling and Geotechnical Ltd
Frase Dellet – 2015 – Raeburn Drilling and Geotechnical Ltd
Ricky Backshall – 2014 – ESG (SOCOTEC)
The list below is just a snapshot of the many landmarks and achievements that the BDA is rightly proud of and serve as an encouragement to existing and future members to seek for further improvements in the industry:
New General Manager (Joel Stevens) appointed.
Introduced a Digital Election Process for BDA elections; BDA Audit scheme accredited by Mineral Products Qualifications Council MPQC, ensuring it is run and administered in line with ISO 19011; New Rotary Drilling Manual published and FREE to all; BSI documents distributor agreement signed with BDA; BDA SAP Apprenticeship Scheme 2021/22 – Group 10, with largest number of Apprentices to date (12 in total); Online series of webinars delivered.
Level 3 Diploma qualification in Advanced Land Drilling launched in association with MP Awards; Online series of webinars introduced, on a variety of topics; New BDA website launched; BS 5930_2015+A1_2020 went live on the BSI system; Re-launch and rebrand of the BDA Audit.
8th Series BDA Technical Seminars – What are the Risks of Rising Complacency about Geotechnics?; 70th Land Drilling Apprentice taken on; New Level 3 NVQ developed. Initiated work on a non-drilling NVQ for Geotechnical Operatives so they can get CSCS cards. 2019; Common Data Errors Guidance published.
7th Series BDA Technical Seminars – Solutions for the Future of the Geotechnical Industry; Drillers 5-a-Side Football Tournament launched; Cable Percussion rig manual published.
Highest number of members (since 2004) – standing at 133; Record number of audited members – standing at 224; “Quality Matters” Road Show – delivered across the UK; 6th Series BDA Technical Seminars – Best Practice in Linear Infrastructure Projects.
BDA 40th Anniversary; Guidance Cable Percussion; 5th Series BDA Technical Seminars – Health & Well Being.
Health & Safety Manual (Revised); 4th Series BDA Technical Seminars – Digital Data.
EN16228 Drill Rig Safety developed with help BDA (replaces En791); 3rd Series BDA Technical Seminars – Innovation.
2nd Series BDA Technical Seminars – Safety.
Hazardous Gases document with Coal Authority / Health & Safety Executive; BS5930 A2 amendment co-ordinated/facilitated by BDA; 1st Series BDA Technical Seminars – Quality.
4th Geodrilling Show. Developed Sector Scheme for Geothermal Drilling.
BDA launched new website launched; Developed Sector Scheme for Ground Investigation.
Guidance, Contaminated Land revision; 3rd Geodrilling Show.
BDA Apprenticeship Scheme; Guidance, Dynamic Sampling.
2nd Geodrilling Show.
BDA Audit launched; Guidance, Cable Percussion; 1st Geodrilling Show.
BDA Joined the NSCC.
BDA Health & Safety Manual launched.
BDA website launched; CSCS Land Drilling card created.
National Vocational Qualifications, Land Drilling, for drill crews.
Guidance Notes, Protection of Persons from Rotating Parts.
Directory of Ground Investigation Contractors created.
EN 791, Drill Rig Safety developed with BDA’s help.
Guidance Notes, Safe Drilling Contaminated Land.
Drilling Technology Open Learning Course launched.
Code of Safe Drilling Practice Seminars – Safety.
BDA endorsed Training School.
BDA Driller Accreditation; First Competence Award scheme.
BS 4019, Part 2 developed and became ISO Standard.
Looking to the future, many more initiatives are in progress and the BDA is continuously evolving to truly represent the entire drilling sector. Your contribution to these initiatives would be extremely useful and if you are not already, why not join the BDA now.