CAODC is both a meeting place and a coordinating resource for Canada's drilling and service rig contractors.

Within the CAODC community, this industry forges ahead in close cooperation on issues that encourage stronger, safer and more efficient operations across the sector.

As a unified industry voice, CAODC also offers a ready means of contact and cooperation for federal and provincial governments, municipal authorities and others in matters relating to the oil and gas drilling and well servicing activities.

MILESTONES

June, 1949 10 drilling contractors working in western Canada found CAODC.

1949	CAODC, with Canadian Petroleum Association (CPA) and Alberta Energy and Natural Resources, found the Petroleum Industry Training Service (PITS) to be the training arm of industry.
1966	CAODC with PITS, the Alberta Petroleum Industry Training Centre (APITC) in Edmonton establish a 4-week pre-employment course for drilling rigs, and later, service rigs.
1968	CAODC designs the first complete Blowout Prevention (BOP) course to be offered through APITC.
1971	A well control training facility is constructed at Golden Spike (near Edmonton) to provide "hands-on" experience.
1978	PITS takes over all BOP training, formatting a 5-day First-Line course and a 3-day Second-Line (Golden Spike) Supervisors course.
1979	CAODC works with other Canadian petroleum association and government to establish the BOP Examination and Certification Committee. CAODC provides training and certification to improve industry's awareness and responsiveness to hydrogen sulphide risks.
1980	PETEX (Petroleum Extension Service of the University of Texas) grants CAODC Canadian distribution rights for all their training and educational materials.
1981	CAODC finalizes a 10-part videotape workbook BOP training course structured for first-line training.
1984	CAODC offered, in conjunction with the University of Texas, certification in home study courses.
1986	CAODC, in conjunction with PITS and the ERCB, announces a "world class" training facility to be constructed at Nisku, near Edmonton and to be operated by PITS.
1988	PITS training facility officially opens.
1989	The Upstream Petroleum Industry Task Force on Safety (UPITFOS), organized the previous year, tables 42 recommendations designed to improve the safety performance of the oil and gas industry. CAODC was instrumental in initiating the Task Force and in the subsequent "Implementation Committee." CAODC officially endorsed the "Petroleum Industry Guiding Principles for Worker Safety." The Association is the only organization which mandates acceptance of those principles.
1991	CADE/CAODC Spring Drilling Conference - the fourth in a series of technical drilling conferences, held every two years, brought professionals from both the contracting and operating sides of industry together with regulators.
1993	CAODC introduced a series of environmental guidelines, including instructional aids for each location, advising crews how to handle hazardous wastes. The first 'automated' Standard Contract forms were introduced, following two decades of CAODC Standard Contracts available only in a printed form.
1994	CAODC introduced Recommended Practices for overhead equipment. Four practices were accepted by Alberta Occupational Health and Safety (OH&S) as the industry standard - two for drilling and two for well servicing.
1995	CAODC signed a memorandum with Natural Resources Canada, to work within the Voluntary Challenge and Registry framework. A study was undertaken to evaluate the possible efficiency gains and resultant emission reductions, through the replacement of drilling rig engines. The CAODC, in conjunction with other upstream industry associations, initiated the Saskatchewan Petroleum Awareness Week (SPAW) to raise the profile of the industry. At the same time, a joint industry display was put into the Air Canada wing of the Calgary International Airport.
1996	The CAODC signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Natural Resources Canada to limit greenhouse gas emissions through the Voluntary Challenge Registry.
1997	The CAODC, in conjunction with government agencies and departments from across western Canada, as well as other upstream petroleum associations, launched the Canadian Petroleum Safety Council (PSC).
1998	CAODC reconfirmed their commitment to the Voluntary Challenge Registry. In conjunction with PITS, the CAODC launched a driller's upgrade program for senior crew members of both drilling and well servicing contractors. The Service Rig Division of the CAODC introduced the Master Well Servicing Agreement, based on the Standard Daywork Contract that drilling contractors have employed for approximately thirty years.
1999	The Service Rig Division signed a Safe Transportation Memorandum of Understanding with Alberta Transportation and Utilities, to consolidate a number of permits and regulatory exemptions granted to well servicing contractors.
2001	A CAODC/CAPP Standard Daywork Contract was introduced. This Agreement, which balances the interests of contractors and operators, replaces the CAODC Standard Daywork Contract that was in place for approximately 40 years.
2003	The CAODC introduced a new official publication, the "Canadian Oil Driller".
2004	In response to CAODC's application and development work, the Alberta government announces the inclusion of the Rig Technician trade among the province's apprenticing community. Alberta is the first jurisdiction in the world to offer a traditional journeymen certification program (combination of on-the-job training and classroom training) to rig workers.
2006	The Rig Technician trade is granted Red Seal designation, giving the trade recognition across Canada.
2007	CAODC completes work on a unique engineering specification for slab-sided diesel fuel tanks. The new TC-44 tank standard is the first Canadian-made tank design to be approved by the Canadian Standards Association (B-620 Committee). On completion of this initiative, the tank standard will be the first Canadian-made tank design to be adopted by Transport Canada.
2009	CAODC celebrates its 60th Anniversary.