Oil Well Pictures in the Permian Basin

The derrick board or “Monkey Board” is the catwalk along the side of the derrick (usually about 35 or 40 feet above the “floor”). The monkey board is where the derrickman works while “tripping” pipe.

Oil & Gas Rig Monkey Board Explained

A monkey board is a platform on a drilling rig, typically found on oil and gas rigs, where the derrickman (also known as a derrickhand) works. This platform is usually located high up on the derrick or mast of the rig. The primary purpose of the monkey board is to provide a safe and secure area for the derrickman to stand and perform essential tasks related to the handling and stacking of the drill pipe.

Key functions and purposes of the monkey board include:

1. Pipe Handling: The derrickman uses the monkey board to guide and secure the drill pipe as it is raised or lowered into the wellbore. This involves managing the pipe’s alignment and ensuring it is properly connected or disconnected from the drill string.
2. Pipe Racking: During tripping operations, when the drill string is being removed from or inserted into the wellbore, the monkey board serves as a station for the derrickman to rack (organize and store) the drill pipes in the derrick.
3. Safety: The monkey board is equipped with safety features such as guardrails and harness attachment points to protect the derrickman while working at significant heights.
4. Efficiency: By positioning the derrickman at an elevated level, the monkey board allows for more efficient and precise handling of the drill pipe, which is crucial for maintaining the smooth operation of drilling activities.

Overall, the monkey board is an essential component of an oil rig, contributing to the safety and efficiency of drilling operations.

For a more detailed explanation of oil & gas rig components, please see our Oil Rig 3D Virtual Tour and our Oil & Gas Glossary of Terms.