Abstract: A method and apparatus for drilling wells for producing petroleum products from an earth formation that is covered by shallow water having a depth of about 600? or less, using a self-elevating drilling unit (SEDU) to drill one or more wells having wellheads located at or near the seabed. Well drilling is accomplished through a blowout preventer stack and a drilling spool string having a wellhead connector secured at its lower end and establishing releasable connection with the subsea wellhead. As a plurality of wells are being drilled, production of petroleum products can begin from wells that have already been completed, thus initiating an income stream from petroleum production starting only a few months from initiation of well drilling activity. When a well has been drilled, completed and rendered safe, the drilling spool string and wellhead connector is removed to the SEDU, leaving the wellhead positioned at the seabed in readiness for later production.