What is the immediate action to take when a positive kick indicator is observed?

When a positive kick indicator is observed, the immediate action to take is to shut the well in. This procedure is critical in well control as it serves to prevent the influx of formation fluids into the wellbore, which can lead to a blowout or other hazardous situations. Shutting the well in effectively isolates the well from the atmosphere and minimizes the risk of uncontrolled flow.

This step is taken as part of a systematic approach to managing well control situations. Promptly closing the blowout preventer (BOP) and securing the well helps stabilize well pressure and allows for further assessment and response to the situation. After securing the well, the drilling team can then proceed with monitoring the well pressure, informing the drilling supervisor, and adjusting the mud weight as needed, but the priority is to ensure the well is contained immediately upon indicating a kick.