Abstract: In situations where it is necessary to directionally drill boreholes from the surface in a substantially horizontal attitude, such as for pipeline river crossings, the precise directional parameters of drilling become critical. A system of tools for efficiently accommodating the precise directional steering of the drilling includes a continuous electrical communications path within a drill string, which path provides steering data at the surface for controlling the drilling operation. A side entry sub is positioned in the tool string at its upper end. A cable system is employed in each pipe section placed in the string and includes provisions for breaking and making connections with the cable without withdrawing the cable from the pipe string. A steering tool is fixedly positioned in the drill pipe near the drill bit and is not normally withdrawn from the hole except with the drill bit.