• Increasing Work-Class ROV Competency• New Diver Trainee Scheme• ADAS Diver Case Study: Erik Jakobson• New Appointments• Australasian ROV Market Update

• Second Vessel for Subsea Trials and Testing• Tracerco Tests Innovative New Product• Bolt Tensioning Added to Commercial Diver Training• New ROV Course to Meet International Demand• A Final Word

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Supporting Industry: Increasing Work-Class ROV CompetencyDouglas-Westwood’s report on the Market for Work-Class ROV Operations from 2008-2017 showed that ROV expenditure was expected to more than double by the end ofthe period. Following that report the International Marine Contractor’s Association(IMCA) highlighted that, due to the projected growth in the market for ROVoperations, there would be a shortfall of approximately 2,000 ROV personnelthrough 2012-2017. The Underwater Centre has been working in collaboration withindustry to help meet the challenges that the increase in activity is creating.At the end of 2013 the Centre purchased a new vessel which has been adapted toprovide a mobile marine platform for work-class ROV training. The vessel will be anintegral component in the Centre’s new ROV Industry Training Academy.This new training initiative will provide candidates with structured work-class ROV training ina contextual experience environment, accurately replicating the offshore marine environment.Candidates will learn to maintain and pilot a full contemporary work-class ROV system from themobile marine platform, building and progressing competence levels to help meet the industry’srequirements. Delivered by competent and qualified personnel, the course syllabus has been developed by the Centre in tandemwith some of the key ROV operators to ensure that the key competencies in work-class ROV operations are taught.Steve Ham, General Manager at The Underwater Centre, said: “For companies to take advantage of the market opportunities outthere the competency of staff is crucial. We believe the new industry-led training programmes offered by the ROV IndustryTraining Academy will help to increase the competence of ROV personnel and ultimately help ROV companies deliver safe,effective, profitable contracts.”

Second New Vessel for Subsea Trials and TestingSubsea engineering research and development has always been a vital area for the energy industry, and its importancecontinues to increase as operators seek more efficient methods of extracting oil and gas from deeper waters. TheUnderwater Centre has been providing a realistic and cost-effective subsea facility for trials and testing for over 40 years. It hasrecently acquired an additional vessel due to the increase in demand from subsea technology companies.The new vessel is 49m long by 13m wide, with a large main deck area which can easily accommodate a wide range of operationalsystems and arrangements. The vessel gives companies even greater flexibility in utilising the tidal sea loch on which TheUnderwater Centre is based. With depth ranges up to 150m The Underwater Centre provides a marine environment similar towhat can be found in the North Sea, but with the convenience of performing trials or testing at an inshore location.

IN THIS ISSUE

New Diver Trainee Scheme: An HSE Commercial Diver Case StudyAngus Haig was brought up in Kishorn, Wester Ross and completed The Underwater

Centre’s Premium Industry Package at the end of 2012. He was one of the first of theCentre’s students to be successful in being offered a three-year fixed term contractwith N-Sea, then Stork Technical Services.Angus explains why he decided to become a commercial diver and talks about the workhe’s now doing with them.What is the course you are studying? “I am currently working with Stork TechnicalServices (now N-Sea) on their new graduate training scheme for divers. It is the first of itskind in Scotland and is a three-year work-based training initiative.”

What does the course involve? “So far, we have been doing on-site training asmechanical dive technicians with the in-house technicians at Stork’s Subsea Unit, working

on the maintenance of the new diving boats, panels and equipment. Part of the training alsoincludes getting both inshore and offshore diving experience and training and this week I have

been working at Peterhead, Aberdeen and Dundee harbours. I am looking forward to my first tripoffshore, which will be on board Stork’s diving support vessel The Siem Stork. The key thing is

getting the right on-the-job experience to be able to work as an offshore commercial diver.”Why did you choose a diving career? “I began recreational diving when I was 16, and actually did my first PADI ticket at TheUnderwater Centre in Fort William. I worked for a while as a diving instructor in Turkey before returning to Scotland, where I got ajob as a chamber operator at the Hyperbaric Centre in Aberdeen. It then seemed like a natural progression to train as acommercial diver, so I returned to The Underwater Centre last year to do the training.”Why did you choose Stork? “Stork actually picked me! I am one of two newly-qualified commercial divers to be chosen by Storkto participate on their new dive trainee programme. They are the only company in Aberdeen that employs newly-trained divers,so it has been a great opportunity for me. I am gaining a lot of experience and learning new skills, which is just what the industryis looking for when it comes to employing divers.”What do you think are the best and worst bits of a career in diving? “The best bits are definitely the job satisfaction, thediversity of the work, always seeing and doing new things and, of course, the money! The worst bits are the sitting around wet,and at times the conditions can be hard and demanding, particularly when you can’t see your hand in front of your face.”Who or what has influenced you most in your study and career decisions to date? “That’s difficult to answer as there wasno one person in particular that influenced me. However, the lifestyle which is on offer is very attractive – being able to work allover the world, every day being different, always seeing and doing new things and the opportunity to make some good moneywere all things which drew me to a career in diving.”What advice would you give to others looking at studying towards a career in diving? “Know for sure that it is definitelywhat you want to do as it’s a big investment to undertake. Also take advantage of any opportunities that come your way.What dream job are you aiming for? “I’m doing it! More than anything, diving is what I want to do and I’m on my way.”

Tracerco Tests Innovative New ProductAn innovative new subsea CT scanner has been trialled at The Underwater Centre inFort William. Tracerco, part of the FTSE100 company Johnson Matthey, is a leadingindustrial technology company providing unique and specialised detection,diagnostic and measurement solutions to the oil and gas industry.They recently trialled their latest unique innovation, Discovery™, which provides a highresolution tomographic image of pipeline contents and pipe wall thickness by scanningthe outside of the pipeline without removing protective coatings.Discovery™ allows pipeline integrity flaws and flow assurance conditions to beaccurately visualised without any interruption to production or the need for pipelinemodifications. The scanner is deployed using an ROV and clamped onto the pipe and realtime communications allow instant assessment of pipeline conditions.Unlike alternative technologies, such as ultrasonic and pulsed eddy current, Discovery™ canbe deployed without the expense of coating removal/re-application and risk of damaging thepipelines.Lee Robins of Tracerco commented: “In order to fully test Discovery™ it was vital that we used well equipped and realisticfacilities to validate the engineering. Trialling at Fort William fulfilled these requirements and, since UK based, we avoided thedelay and the expense of shipping the device overseas.”Douglas Ormiston, Technical Marketing Manager at The Underwater Centre said: “Our trials and testing facilities are increasinglybeing used to facilitate the ever-expanding range of new equipment coming into the industry. Our sea water facilities, onshoretank and support infrastructure offer companies the confidence and reassurance that the results they receive here during trialsare what they will experience in practice, therefore saving them time and added expense.”

Bolt TensioningAdded toCommercial DiverTrainingThe Underwater Centre, FortWilliam, has added Bolt Tensioningtraining to each of its commercial divertraining packages: this training is anothervital component of the subsea constructiontraining provided as standard throughout theHSE diver training.The key purpose of the commercial diver training at TheUnderwater Centre is to provide diving contractors and subseaoperators with well trained and competent subsea personnel thatthey can be confident in. The bolt tensioning equipment wasdonated by Mach 10, arranged by Alan Melia (now with GlobalDiving); highlighting the importance and strength of the Centre’srelationship with the subsea industry. The equipment will initiallybe used for surface training which students can then put intopractice on a surface or subsea site.This new element of the training follows on from other coursedevelopments brought in to increase the skills and knowledge ofthe Centre’s commercial diving graduates. The subsea constructiontraining also includes a range of underwater tools training and tasks,as well as essential rigging and slinging training and welding and burning.

ADAS Diver Case Study: Erik JakobsonCanadian Erik Jakobson recently finished the ADAS Premium Package at The Underwater Centre, Tasmania. He nowenjoys some of the lifestyle benefits of being a commercial diver, like travelling and good rates of pay. Erik says that itwas his adventure-hungry nature that lured him to dive into the industry.“I grew up in a small town outside of Toronto in Ontario, Canada. I have always enjoyed the water, sailing, fishing and swimmingbut was never a diver. I pushed for a job in Events and Marketing studying with a Canadian College and then continuing on toGriffith University on the Gold Coast. After my studies I worked with a sales agency representing Burton Snowboards in Ontarioas an Event Coordinator. I moved to Whistler, British Columbia to snowboard and manage a sports store.”What attracted you to the subsea sector?“I was looking for something totally different: after some encouragement and further research it supported the lifestyle I waslooking for. I was looking for a specialised purpose. In the water even a simple task becomes a challenge. Diving requires

you to overcome any fear of the water or its marine life. Achieving confidence in an unfamiliarenvironment makes you feel as though you can do anything.

“A colleague of mine was a former student of The Underwater Centre in Tasmania,who highly recommended the career path starting with the Centre.

Tell us more about why you choose to train at The Underwater Centre?“I attended The Underwater Centre because the package options made thetransition from Canada to diver training in Tasmania very easy. Theadministrative care and enthusiasm simplified the finer logistical details ofpayment, transportation and lodging. I feel I have been very fortunate to receivethe level of training and care offered by my instructors at the Centre – it was aprofessional, safe and a fun place to be. At the Centre, there was a major focuson safe practices which are drilled into the students. They reiterate thatrepetition breeds a safety culture amongst students. So on the job you can be

confident in your abilities and your equipment.”Can you tell us about the ins and outs of what working as a commercial

diver is like for you?“Learning more every day; working hard; being safe and continuing the adventure. I

enjoy working with a team. Everyday has something new to offer, for example: weather,the tide’s influence on the current, visibility – and that I’m being challenged. I least enjoy the

short term time in remote areas away from my family.” Could I do it?

“I would encourage others to seek a job in the subsea industry, if you want a challenge andthe opportunity to earn a good living. Diving is actually safer than you think, and

Australia offers the best rates in the world. I am happy working onshore making $350a day, with accommodation provided; although if you go offshore or into saturation

diving work you can earn much more. I was lucky to have a contact in theindustry, which helped me but most of my classmates have also found work.”

Find out more at www.theunderwatercentre.com/tasmania

New AppointmentsThe Underwater Centre, Fort William & Tasmania, has strengthened its team with the appointment of a number ofnew staff to meet ever-growing demand from industry.In Fort William, Former Royal Air Force Officer (Engineering) Kevin MacIvor has been appointed Training OperationsManager. Originally from London, Kevin has a number of years experience working in the oil and gas industry, mostrecently offshore in Malaysia. He will be leading the delivery and development of training for new and experiencedcommercial divers and ROV pilot technicians.Steven Clare has joined the engineering support team as an Assistant Engineer. A qualified diesel fitter, he will beresponsible in part for the maintenance of the two recently-acquired ferries, the Loch Sunart and Loch Scavaig, as well ascarrying out routine maintenance on other vessels owned by the Centre.Patricia Archibald is a new Student Advisor recruited to the increasingly busy sales team. Patricia will provide assistanceto those looking for a new career as an ROV pilot technician or commercial diver, and will be on hand to answerquestions regarding career opportunities, training, facilities and accommodation provided by the Centre.Meanwhile, the ROV team has been bolstered by the arrival of two new instructors – Paul Mitchell, who will be trainedas an ROV and electronics instructor and Kevin Randerson. A time-served engineer, Paul is a graduate of TheUnderwater Centre. His most recent job was providing deepwater ROV support for a company in Dubai. Kevin, alsoan experienced ROV instructor, previously worked for Forum Energy Technologies.

Two new trainee Assistant Life Support Technician (ALST) posts have also been created. Christopher Simpsonand Connor MacRae have been taken on as part of the Centre’s highly successful two-year training programme.The Centre has also appointed Closed Bell Supervisor Yuri Di Pietro and Life Support Supervisor CharlesStaniforth as permanent members of the team. Yuri, a former freelance Closed Bell Supervisor and Air Diving

Supervisor, has worked all over the world in Vietnam, Libya, Nigeria, Angola and the Congo. Charles also hasconsiderable offshore experience and has worked for Subsea 7 as a Life Support Technician since 2004.

They will both work on the HSE Closed Bell course, which was previously run by contractors.Steve Ham, General Manager, at The Underwater Centre, Fort William, welcomed the new arrivals:

“These new appointments come at an important time for the Centre, which is developing new initiativesto respond to the needs and demands of industry for skilled personnel. The appointment of so many

experienced and enthusiastic new colleagues will help the Centre as it continues to compete, growand develop in the current environment.”

David Loudon also joins The Underwater Centre, Tasmania, from Gilbert Diving PTY Ltd,where he spent the last three years as a diver and workshop manager. Australian Diver

Accreditation Scheme (ADAS) qualified and approved PADI master SCUBAtrainer/technical diver, David brings a wealth of experience to his new

role. David will be responsible for helping to ensure Australia’snewest commercial divers are trained to the latest health and

safety regulations.Allan Brown, General Manager at The Underwater Centre,

Tasmania, added: “David is a very experienced diver andbrings many years of experience to the Centre. David’sexperience will be used to strengthen the offering wehave to both individual and corporate customers at atime when the industry is on the up.”

Visit www.theunderwatercentre.com/jobs forcurrent available positions at The Underwater

Centre

New ROV course to Meet International DemandThe Underwater Centre, Tasmania, recently completed an inaugural, three week ROVPilot Technician Course, delivered to employees of French Naval Defence companyDCNS. The course was specifically tailored to their needs with a new Seaeye FalconROV flown specially from the Centre’s sister operation in Fort William.The Centre’s ROV Training Manager Paul Bury said: “DCNS has recently purchased aSeaeye Falcon ROV after using the smaller Video Ray ROV, so they were looking fortraining in the new system, which we use and operate at The Underwater Centre inFort William.“We have extensive experience of working with these systems in Fort William, sotraining was based on the range of different scenarios and problems we haveexperienced with the system there. This provided a challenging, but relevant, course forthe trainees – there was very poor visibility in the Tamar Estuary at Beauty Point thanksto significant rainfall in the area which made it all the more realistic. They also experienceduse of the LARS, pre and post-dives and checks, hazards in the water and anode, hull,pipeline and shipwreck surveys. The trainees were also taught to take the Falcon to bits andreassemble it.“DCNS will use the ROV to undertake contract work, including surveys and inspection work, and we have helped them todevelop a competence scheme for their staff in Singapore.”Thibaut Caritey, ROV Pilot with DCNS’ ROV division, was one of those who attended the course.“We found the course at The Underwater Centre, Tasmania to be very useful and realistic, and it fully met with ourexpectations,” he said. “We now feel confident that we will be able to use the new Seaeye Falcon ROV effectively andefficiently in all contract work.”General Manager of The Underwater Centre, Tasmania, Allan Brown said: “These new ROV courses have been designedwith the needs of the oil and gas industry very much in mind. They are also aligned to the diving courses, which givesinvaluable experience to both the divers and the ROV pilot technicians, who will very likely be working side by side in real life.“The next few years look very busy indeed for the global oil and gas sector, and we very much looking forward to playing asignificant part in that.”

Australasian ROV Market UpdateAcross the offshore sector ROVs are now seen as an indispensable tool, working on a spectrum of life-of-fieldapplications from exploration drill support to decommissioning of offshore infrastructure. Infield Systems forecaststhat the Australasian offshore market is likely to require more than US$40bn over the 2014-2018 period, an increase fromUS$22bn over the previous five years and largely driven by the rapidly expanding LNG market. Vessel demand, includingROV services, is expected to increase significantly.Whilst largely a shallow water region, deepwater capital expenditure, a key driver of ROV demand, is expected to remainstrong offshore Australasia over the 2014-2018 timeframe, with key projects including the Inpex-operated Ichthys project andthe continued development of the Greater Gorgon area. Within the South East Asian region, Infield Systems forecastsdeepwater Capex to increase significantly over the forthcoming five years, with key projects driving demand including thePetronas-operated Rotan development and Chevron’s Gendalo-Gehem joint hub project. Within the vessels market theAustralasian market is characterised by a strong presence of cross-regional assets, all competing for work within its waters.Commonly, such assets navigate from Asia, due to the region’s close proximity and the relative oversupply within Asianwaters. Within the Subsea Construction market i.e. the number of vessel days required for subsea completions, excludingtrees, Infield Systems expects Australasian demand to increase almost three-fold over the 2014-2018 period compared to theprevious five years, whilst Subsea IRM demand within the region is anticipated to increase to a peak of 1,467 vessel days by2017, an increase of some 87% since 2012. Within the neighbouring South East Asia region Subsea IRM demand is forecastto increase to peak at 10,073 vessel days by 2015.The key ROV market drivers, therefore, appear to be aligned to support strong short to medium-term growth in Australasiaover the forthcoming five years.

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www.theunderwatercentre.comFORT WILLIAME: fortwilliam@theunderwatercentre.comT: +44 (0) 1397 703786

A Final WordAlf Leadbitter, Diver Training Authority at The Underwater Centre, Fort William, recentlyspoke to European Oil and Gas magazine about the importance of training.In the 38 years since he first arrived at Fort William, Alf has seen a huge change in both attitudesand control measures in diving.

“There have been a great many advancements in diving and, as an occupation, it is so much saferthese days – there is much more planning and recording of all processes involved in a job. Safety is a

major priority for oil companies, particularly in the UK and European sectors, and they certainly don’t putup with dangerous practices nowadays.“Since 1990, companies have tended to use surface supplied equipment rather than SCUBA, which means that everything iscontrolled by the surface. Offshore diving actually has a very good safety record.“The recent announcement by the UK Government that it will give more financial backing to offshore wind power, as opposed toonshore operations, is good news not only for the energy industry, but also for commercial divers and those who train them. Thepromise of more subsidy by the Government to encourage long-term investment shows a confidence in the sector which shouldultimately lead to more jobs for divers.“The oil and gas industry is cyclical, but the operators appear to be investing heavily in new boats and equipment, which is verypositive and encouraging. All this investment in the renewables industry, as well as tight gas recovery, should ultimately increasethe number of divers needed. The next few years are looking pretty good all round.”Visit www.theunderwatercentre.com/fort-william for more information on commercial diver training.

TASMANIAE: tasmania@theunderwatercentre.comT: +61 3 6383 4844