The British Drilling Association (BDA) is a trade association formed in 1976 with over 130 member companies, representing all aspects of the drilling sector. The BDA strives to support the needs, activities and ambitions of its membership and its aims and objectives are:

- Improve efficiency, health & safety awareness and standards in the industry
- Promote and support scientific research into drilling techniques
- Promote and support the training and education of any personnel involved in the drilling industry including drilling operatives, supervisors, apprentices and engineers
- Promote and support the establishment of new and relevant standardisation
- Establish and improve Codes of Practice
- Liaise with Government bodies and Institutions
- Disseminate information to interested parties
- Compile relevant statistical support
- To collaborate with other related associations both in the UK and abroad to advance our industry
- Promote the industry
- Promote BDA members as exemplars