Q. (Mr. Howe): It’s really just the last entry that I want to ask you about, which seems to indicate that you made a comment to the effect that there were regular changes to the program during the first phase of drilling, most of which were just to save two to three minutes and cut corners. Do you see that?
A. (Mr. Horne, Atlas driller) Yes
Q. Do you recall providing that information to anyone?
A. Yes.
Q. Does that information that is attributed to you accurately record your views?
A. Yes.
Those comments by one of the rig’s drillers are consistent with the sense one gets in reading the submissions and testimony. Efficiency superseded caution:
- Don’t deviate from the “batch” approach to drilling and completing the wells even if events dictate that a change might be prudent.
- Don’t stop to pressure test the casing shoe even after there was evidence of channeling.
- Don’t weight-up the treated water prior to the suspending the well even if there were indications that its specific gravity was lower than needed to provide an overbalance.
- Use “barriers” that can be quickly installed and removed even if testing and safe installation/removal have not been fully considered.
- Only provide training that is required by the regulator – well control school.
Bud's Offshore Energy (BOE) 
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