All-change for SUT elected officers + news of SUT award winners
This week’s AGM of the Society for Underwater Technology marked the official hand over to new elected officers in all senior posts – President, Chair, Hon Secretary and Hon Treasurer; the announcement of three new Fellows of the Learned Society; and of winners of three Awards, The President’s Award, the Lennard-Senior Award; and the Gwyn Griffiths Award for Underwater Robotics. Once all the formalities were concluded SUT members were treated to a fascinating talk on ‘eDNA: The future of ocean biodiversity monitoring’ by Dr Katie Cruickshanks of NatureMetrics.
The new officers
SUT’s Cheryl Burgess explained:
“By coincidence our Chair, David Saul; our Hon Secretary, Dave Brookes; and our Hon Treasurer Mick Cook had all reached the end of their permitted terms of office at the same time; and our President Judith Patten MBE has also stepped down after her year in office. We thank them all for their sterling service during unprecedented times. Both David Saul and Judith Patten will remain on SUT’s Council
“Moya Crawford is our new President; Sue John our first female Chair; Iain Knight takes on the role of Hon Secretary and Nigel Carey becomes Hon Treasurer – what a team!”
New Fellows of the SUT
Three new SUT Fellows have been elected:
- Simon Hems for services to the London and South of England Branch
- Steve Duffield for services to the Perth (Australia) Branch and SUT’s International Committee
- Rex Hubbard for services to the Perth Branch
Awards
The President’s Award 2021 was presented to John Howes, publisher and editor of UT2, and UV2 at an auspicious time. UT2 has recently reached a major milestone – 75 issues have been published since 2006. As the citation states:
“The President’s Award is made to John Howes, a great friend of the Society, the respected journalist, publisher and expert in the field of underwater technology in recognition of the years of service he has performed with, and for the SUT, its members and the wider industry.”
UT2 was one of the first magazines in the world to be produced for online publication and: “is not only a ‘go-to’ publication for its content, but visually is in a class of its own”. UV2 focuses on underwater vehicles and increasingly has video embedded which can also be found on the Subsea Video YouTube channel. John Howes also publishes old underwater-related photos on LinkedIn a service that has attracted over 17,000 followers and a host of comments which may in time lead to history qualification looking at ‘Subsea 1960 to the present’.
The Lennard-Senior Memorial Prize is awarded annually in memory of two of the original members of SUT’s Marine Renewable Energies Committee (MREC) – Don Lennard and Gordon Senior. This year’s winner (nominated by and voted for by members of MREC) is Neil Kermode, Managing Director of the European Marine Energy Centre (EMEC) in Orkney.
Neil won the inaugural award ten years ago in 2011 and “still – perhaps more than ever- deserves this accolade today..... EMEC has marine renewables at its core and has extended its reach, to great effect, to encompass hydrogen and energy systems..... Neil is a true champion of enabling the marine energy sector”. His Award will be officially presented at All-Energy 2022 in Glasgow in May 2022.
Attendees at the AGM were also made aware of the winner of the inaugural Gwyn Griffiths Award for Underwater Robotics – Aleksandra Tomaszek, co-founder of 1CSI Ltd (see press release issued 8 November https://tinyurl.com/42y5t8wb)
Full information on the SUT is available at www.sut.org. The Learned Society has both individual, corporate and student members. SUT Individual membership is £76 per year. To join visit https://www.sut.org/sut-membership/application-for-membership/ or e-mail [email protected].
LISST suspended particle size and concentration Systems for Rothamsted
Sequoia Scientific, Inc. has built and shipped 3 LISST-200X packages to be deployed by Rothamsted Research. Planet Ocean, the Distributor for Sequoia in the UK has worked closely with the end user staff to meet their technical and delivery needs.
The LISST-200X instrument harnesses laser diffraction to obtains in-situ measurements of particle size distribution, volume concentration, optical transmission, and the optical volume scattering function (VSF) at depths down to 600 meters. An accessory item installed on each of the LISST-200X units is a Bio Block anti-fouling shutter for reducing the effects of fouling during extended deployments.
When asked about the expected use, Rothamsted Research staff member states, “As part of one of its current strategic science programmes (Soil to Nutrition – funded by the UK Research and Innovation-Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council), Rothamsted Research, UK, is assembling a unique dataset on the effective particle size characteristics of the water-stable aggregates eroded from different land uses (peaty moorland, grassland, arable). In turn, these data, which are being assembled using the LISST (Laser In-Situ Scattering and Transmissometry) 200X, and being linked with experimental work by Canadian partners (University of Waterloo and the National Water Research Institute, Burlington) on the critical thresholds for erosion and deposition of sediment flocs in the aquatic environment. The overall aim is to understand the landscape scale propensity for the flocs originating from different land uses to be deposited and thereby contribute to more severe in-stream impacts on aquatic ecology and nutrient and contaminant transfers. More widely, the work is contributing to ongoing exploration and debate over the impacts of land use change that might occur in the UK as a result of a number of drivers including climate change forecasts, net zero aspirations and the changing dietary preferences of consumers.”
Following delivery of the 3 LISST-200X systems in just 2 weeks the team at Rothamsted Research benefited from training provided by Sequoia staff in the US, ensuring their ability to successfully operate and deploy the instruments.
Planet Ocean, the Sequoia Distributor based in country, has supported clients throughout Europe for years with an attentive staff and extensive knowledge base of applications and technology for the multidisciplined scientific community in the region.
https://www.sequoiasci.com/about/news/rothamsted-research-lisst-delivery/
#LISST #RothamstedResearch #PlantOcean #ParticleIntelligence #ScienceandEnvironment #Sediment
SEA-KIT strengthens fleet with new 12m USV to meet expected 2022 market demand
SEA-KIT International, an award-winning pioneer in the Uncrewed Surface Vessel sector, has announced plans to build another of its X-class, 12m USVs as a fleet vessel for launch in 2022.
This build, the sixth X-class to be constructed at the company’s Essex base, will pave the way for the company to meet increased market demand for unmanned vessels and to penetrate new sectors of the global maritime industry.
SEA-KIT CEO, Ben Simpson, commented:
“Our X-class USV has changed very little since we won the Shell Ocean Discovery XPRIZE with USV ‘Maxlimer’ back in 2015. The fact that this will be the sixth build of this class is testament to its robust and now well proven design. We want to continue to push boundaries in other sectors of the maritime industry and this new addition to our fleet will enable us to demonstrate the benefits of uncrewed vessel technology to new markets.”
From the outset, SEA-KIT has positioned itself as being sharply focused on driving down the environmental impact and cost of geo-data collection. This latest build is set to be even more versatile and fuel efficient than its predecessors, with the potential for three different propulsion packages within one hull: diesel-electric, hybrid and hydrogen hybrid.
SEA-KIT is currently leading a Clean Maritime Demonstration Competition funded project to demonstrate zero emission maritime operations using a hydrogen fuel cell manufactured by Bramble Energy. The silent running and low vibration that can be achieved with hydrogen propulsion enables highly sensitive acoustic devices and sensors to monitor underwater environments more efficiently and with minimal disturbance, a huge benefit for activities such as marine mammal observation.
Ben Simpson continued: “Interest in SEA-KIT’s designs is increasing now that we have vessels operating on commercial offshore projects globally and we are keen to develop new strategic partnerships to build our client base. With the launch of this vessel, we will be able to offer tailored capability demonstrations as well as charter options and additional services from next summer. It opens the door for customers to order zero emission vessels as the industry collaboratively works towards its net zero goals.”
Greensea Creates a Dedicated User Interface Team
Greensea invests in its mission to improve the relationship between operators and robots
Greensea Systems, creator of OPENSEA®, the universal open architecture software platform for the marine industry, has announced the creation of a dedicated user interface team. This team will be instrumental in making Workspace, its flagship user interface, more streamlined and operator focused.
To support its mission to develop technology that improves the relationship between operators and robots, Greensea has invested in the creation of a new development team focused entirely on improving the operator experience within Workspace. The User Interface Team will be led by Brian Crist, a veteran Greensea developer. Brian will be joined by Mike Wieliczki, Senior Software Developer. They will be joined by two new team members: Zack Forsythe, User Experience Designer; and Ben Rickman, User Interface Developer. While the team will have a focused role, its individual team members will be joining ongoing project teams to advocate for user experience and the implementation of UI improvements in Workspace.
“I’m thrilled to be working with a dedicated team of such creative and talented individuals.” says Brian Crist, Engineering Team Lead. “Having a collaborative team will allow us to move UI development along at a much more rapid pace and will let us provide a clean, intuitive and state of the art user experience that matches the power and reliability of the rest of OPENSEA.”
In November, Greensea brought the user interface team together to meet face-to-face for the first time and for Brian to bring the new members up to speed with an intensive three day deep dive into the backend systems that power Workspace.
This focused team will help to make the Workspace UI better for all of our customers, and most importantly for operators in the field.
Greensea continues to expand its workforce. Interested parties can monitor job openings at greensea.com/careers.
Ashtead Technology bolsters rental fleet with investment in iXblue technologies
International subsea equipment rental and solutions specialist Ashtead Technology has further strengthened its rental fleet with a significant investment in iXblue subsea navigation systems.
The investment includes the addition of further Rovins and Rovins Nano inertial navigation systems as well as Octans attitude and heading reference systems which are now available to rent throughout the company’s nine international technology and service hubs.
Based on fibre-optic gyroscope technology, iXblue navigation solutions have become a standard in the offshore industry. Equipping over 80% of the subsea vehicles used in the energy and geoscience industries, iXblue inertial navigation systems and attitude and heading reference systems are accurate and maintenance-free, offering unrivalled performance and power, with robust navigation for remotely operated vehicles and autonomous underwater vehicles.
Ross MacLeod, Ashtead Technology’s Technical Director, said:
“For 36 years, we have built a strong track record as a market leader in the provision of subsea equipment rental and solutions across the offshore energy sector. This latest investment of iXblue equipment is a direct result of listening to our customers’ requirements and ensuring we have the broadest and most technologically advanced subsea equipment from leading manufacturers to support our customers’ projects worldwide."
Maverick Piccininni, iXblue’s, Regional Sales Manager, said:
“It is great to see the ongoing support and investment from Ashtead Technology which is testimony to our long-term partnership. It also demonstrates Ashtead Technology's commitment to leading edge technology and innovative solutions that brings robust performance, safety, reliability and differentiation to their customers".
So far this year, Ashtead Technology has invested £8million in new subsea equipment and technology to expand its extensive equipment rental fleet, further strengthening its position in the offshore energy subsea equipment rental sector. The company has also increased its workforce by 36 taking employee headcount to 206.
Senior Hydrographic Specialist - UK Hydrographic Office
Location: Taunton, Somerset
Salary: £33,287
Hours: Full time / Part time / Flexible
Contract: Permanent
The remit of the hydrographic team at UKHO is evolving. To support current and emerging requirements UKHO is increasing its hydrographic and bathymetric capability, presenting exciting opportunities for Senior Hydrographic Specialists.
In this key role, you will plan and oversee bathymetric surveys and take ownership of the verification of all bathymetric data (including multibeam and Lidar) received by the UKHO for use in defence specific (and wider UKHO) products and services. As a subject matter expert you will also provide consultancy and training to external organisations and UKHO visitors.
This is a highly analytical role that requires the postholder to be able to examine and verify large quantities of hydrographic data, of varying density and quality. Applicants will require practical experience of bathymetry collection along with competency in the use of a range of bathy processing and archiving software and tools. Adaptability and a willingness to undertake and potentially lead surveying in the field, or lead on development work/projects as and when the opportunity arises are also key requirements for the role.
UKHO is a great place in which to explore your career potential. While our projects are career-defining, the work/life balance that we can offer you is equally exceptional. From flexitime, flexible working, an award-winning office environment and a generous annual leave allowance of 34.5 days including public holidays, the opportunities open to you here are hard to beat.
For more information please click the apply button.
Closing date: 11:55 pm on 19 December 2021.
Apply link: https://www.civilservicejobs.service.gov.uk/csr/jobs.cgi?jcode=1755867.
Metocean Engineer - TechWorks Marine
Metocean Engineer
TechWorks Marine has an immediate opening for a Metocean engineer to join our team.
We are looking for a dynamic person who will have:
- A Degree or Masters in Science, Engineering
- 2 years’ experience in the marine survey sector/engineering
- Professionalism, exellent communications skills.
You main duties will be:
- Working with Metocean engineers/scientists to ensure safe and successful deployment and delivery of our Marine Survey contracts.
- Delivering Marine Surveys, including mobilisation, deployment, ongoing maintenance and recovery of Metocean Data Buoys and Seabed Frames.
- Manage the ongoing calibration and maintenance of our Metocean equipment pool, including Data Buoy Platforms and Maintenance of Seabed Frames.
- Preparation of project documentation and field reports for our clients, in keeping with our ISO and HSQE procedures.
- Carry out preventative and scheduled maintenance to oceanographic instrumentation and moorings deployed at sea.
Your skills/experience will include:
- Experience with managing and delivering Metocean surveys to clients in Europe
- Experience working in different sectors (Water, Coastal Engineering, Offshore Marine Renewables)
- Knowledge of operating and troubleshooting Oceanographic equipment.
- Working to firm deadlines whilst being flexible to schedule changes.
- Strong organisational and IT skills, including MS Office/Python
- Ensure our survey activities adhere to the latest EU and industry standards.
- Full clean driver license
- Powerboat license and appropriate HSQE certifications for working on water.
- Fluent English (reading, written and spoken).
The position is based out of our offices in Dun Laoghaire, and will involve travel primarily in Ireland and Europe.
We offer:
- A competitive salary and benefits
- Ongoing training
- A flexible working environment with a supportive team
- Career development pathways within the company.
- Working as part of a dynamic and innovative team.
Interested candidates should send their CV by email to [email protected] by December 15th.
Metocean Proposal Specialist - Fugro
Metocean Proposal Specialist needed for an exciting opportunity to support a newly merged and growing commercial team in the offshore energy transition sector based in either Portchester or Wallingford. Compiling winning quotes and tenders to secure metocean data analysis work together with business development. Corresponding with clients in Europe and Africa as well as colleagues in the regional Fugro offices in both Asia and the Americas. Fugro places an emphasis on working with clients on a consultative basis so a strong technical knowledge paired with commercial experience is pre-requisite to this role.
Responsibilities:
- Preparing quotes and tenders as well as providing technical input to multi-entity proposals for metocean criteria studies.
- Develop business opportunities in Europe and Africa for metocean studies.
- Liaise with technical specialists in the metocean consultancy team.
- Keep in regular contact with the metocean consultancy teams in APAC, the Americas and
- Fugro geoconsulting teams in Europe and Africa
Typical day:
Analyse client requests and engage with clients.
Prepare quotes and tenders for metocean desktop studies.
Prepare costs, margin and schedules.
Ensure all relevant documents are communicated to the clients and all questionnaires are completed as well as reviewing Terms & Conditions.
Attend client meetings, both internal and external.
Keep up to date with industry, competitor and applicable scientific news and developments plus attend selected conferences.
Support marketing activities.
Requirements:
MSc level qualification in metocean or engineering and professional experience of metocean data analysis, criteria derivation and/or modelling in support of commercial applications.
Experience of tendering and/or commercial activities.
Organised, able to prioritise, strong attention to detail, conscientious and showing initiative
Competent IT skills to include Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint.
Fluency in an additional language is desirable.
Please apply Fugro's career page.
MMO & PAM TRAINING COURSES
Ocean Science Consulting Limited (OSC) is offering its next Joint Nature Conservation Committee (JNCC)-approved Marine Mammal Observer (MMO), Protected Species Observer (PSO), and Passive Acoustic Monitoring (PAM) training courses in January 2022.
JNCC-certified MMOs comply with UK regulations, and PSOs comply with USA regulations, to minimise the risk of injury and disturbance to marine mammals from various offshore operations. OSC’s MMO course comprises theory and practice, including binocular and range estimation, and role-play sessions. The PAM course comprises theory and practice using PAM equipment in OSC's workshop facilities and/or onboard OSC’s survey vessel (subject to weather). The intention is to run the following courses in-person near Edinburgh at OSC’s Dunbar headquarters:
- JNCC MMO training on 25 January 2022 at a cost of £220 per person, which includes a copy of the 'Marine Mammal Observer and Passive Acoustic Monitoring Handbook'
- BOEM PSO training on the morning of 26 January 2022 at a cost of £100 per person
- PAM training on 26-28 January 2022 at a cost of £450 per person
All courses are capped at a maximum of 10 participants. Prices are exclusive of VAT, which is charged at the current rate. A discounted package price of £700 is offered for participants who wish to attend all three courses (MMO, PSO, and PAM).
Course participants will also receive a discount for purchases of marine binoculars or tripod mounts – these should be ordered in advance of the course to ensure availability.
For further details: https://www.osc.co.uk/training
For course registration: https://www.osc.co.uk/jncc-registration
Best wishes,
OSC training team
Delegate Registration for the Remote Hydrography Conference & Exhibition is Open
The Hydrographic Society UK & Ireland (THS:UKI) is pleased to announce the conference programme for the Remote Hydrography Conference & Exhibition, 22-24 February 2022, The Printworks, Dublin Castle, Ireland.
We can also announce that delegate registration is now open. The conference programme and delegate registration can be found at Remote Hydrography Conference & Exhibition - The Hydrographic Society (ths-uki.org). Early-bird delegate rates are available until-mid-December.
The announcement of the conference programme and opening of delegate registration coincides with the launch of our new website www.ths-uki.org. The new website is the culmination of our work to re-brand the Society following the membership approving our change of name at this year’s AGM in April.