The upstream sector is used to refer to the search for, followed by the recovery and production of, crude oil and natural gas. This sector is also widely known as the exploration and production (E&P) sector. Stages within the upstream petroleum-product industry include the search for underground or underwater oil and gas fields, the drilling of exploratory wells and, if the wells are deemed economically viable and recoverable, the operation of wells that bring crude oil and raw natural gas to the well’s surface.

Once of the most recognizable sights in the Oil & Gas industry is the standing oil rig. Varying in design type, height, hook load, color and many other factors. API sanctions the manufacturing of these components and requires established, and well regulated, standards to ensure they are manufactured to specific guidelines to ensure safety of its operators. Certifications, and implementations, such as API 4F and ISO9001:2008 are a great start.