

Figure 32-5. A six well derrick is shown being constructed atop a platform in the Gulf of 

 Mexico. In the background, an LST is shown prior to hooking up to the structure to 

 begin serving as a drilling tender. 



In a number of areas, particuarly along the California Coast, it is not 

 possible to utilize the conventional Gulf Coast type of off-shore platform because 

 of the steepness of the slope of the continental shelf. Under the same conditions, 

 it is frequently not feasible to construct man-made islands for well locations. 

 The special well-location problems of these areas are presently under study, and 

 several oil companies are testing or planning new types of off-shore drilling 

 barges and platforms which will be suitable for Pacific Coast conditions. Cal- 

 ifornia law also restricts the type of exploratory and development wells which 

 can be drilled in certain areas. Along some stretches of the coast, only on-shore 

 drilling locations may be used, and no off-shore barges or islands are permitted. 



Where a prospective or proved tidelands oil field lies reasonably close to 

 the shoreline, the use of directionally drilled wells from an on-shore location 

 solves many of the location problems of off-shore drilling. The well site is 

 readily accessible and location costs are at a minimum. This type of drilling 

 has been especially popular along the Southern California Coast. In fact, until 

 1955 it was practically the only type of off-shore drilling permitted in California 



689 



