Beneath the Waves: Underwater Inspection and Survey Training Course

Introduction

The vast and often challenging underwater environment houses critical infrastructure, from oil and gas pipelines and subsea cables to port facilities, offshore wind foundations, and ship hulls. Ensuring the integrity, safety, and operational efficiency of these assets is paramount, requiring specialized techniques for comprehensive inspection and accurate data acquisition. Traditional methods are increasingly complemented by cutting-edge technologies, demanding a new generation of professionals skilled in navigating the complexities of underwater data collection and analysis.

This intensive training course is meticulously designed to equip participants with a comprehensive and practical understanding of modern underwater inspection and survey methodologies. From exploring various sensing technologies and underwater vehicles to mastering data acquisition workflows, quality control, and advanced reporting techniques, you will gain the expertise to conduct thorough and reliable underwater assessments. This empowers you to contribute effectively to asset integrity management, risk assessment, and informed decision-making across a wide range of marine industries.

Target Audience

  • Marine Surveyors and Hydrographers.
  • ROV (Remotely Operated Vehicle) Pilots and Technicians.
  • Commercial Divers involved in Inspection.
  • Offshore Engineers and Asset Integrity Managers.
  • Naval Architects and Marine Superintendents.
  • Government Regulators in Maritime Safety.
  • Quality Assurance/Quality Control Professionals in Offshore Sector.
  • Students pursuing careers in Marine Technology or Ocean Engineering.

Duration: 10 days

Course Objectives

Upon completion of this training course, participants will be able to:

  • Understand the fundamental principles of underwater inspection and survey.
  • Grasp the operation and application of various underwater sensors and platforms (ROVs, AUVs, divers).
  • Analyze different inspection techniques for various underwater assets (pipelines, structures, hulls).
  • Comprehend the importance of data quality control, processing, and interpretation in underwater surveys.
  • Evaluate the regulatory requirements and industry standards for underwater inspections.
  • Develop practical skills in planning, executing, and reporting on underwater inspection and survey projects.
  • Navigate the challenges associated with underwater operations, including environmental factors and logistical planning.
  • Formulate robust strategies for ensuring the integrity and safety of subsea infrastructure through effective inspection.

Course Content

  1. Introduction to Underwater Inspection and Survey
  • Importance of Underwater Inspection : asset integrity, safety, environmental protection, regulatory compliance
  • Types of Underwater Assets : pipelines, cables, platforms, wind turbines, port infrastructure, ship hulls, wrecks
  • Overview of Inspection Methods : visual, NDT (Non-Destructive Testing), dimensional, hydrographic
  • Challenges of the Underwater Environment : visibility, pressure, currents, marine growth
  • Historical development and future trends in underwater inspection
  1. Underwater Inspection Platforms
  • Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROVs) : types (work class, observation), capabilities, sensors, operational procedures
  • Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (AUVs) : types, mission planning, advantages for large area surveys
  • Commercial Divers : capabilities, limitations, safety protocols, specialized tools for inspection
  • Uncrewed Surface Vessels (USVs) : for near-surface and sensor deployment
  • Selection criteria for appropriate inspection platforms
  1. Underwater Sensing Technologies
  • Acoustic Sensors : multibeam echosounders, side-scan sonar, sub-bottom profilers for mapping and imaging
  • Optical Sensors : underwater cameras (still, video), structured light, laser scanners for visual inspection and 3D modeling
  • Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) Sensors : ultrasonic thickness gauges, ACFM (Alternating Current Field Measurement), cathodic protection (CP) probes
  • Positioning and Navigation Systems : USBL, LBL, DVL, INS for accurate location of inspection data
  • Environmental sensors: CTD, turbidity meters
  1. Inspection Techniques for Various Assets
  • Pipeline Inspection : free span detection, burial depth, coating integrity, anomaly detection, scour
  • Structural Inspection : jackets, risers, subsea templates (corrosion, fatigue cracks, marine growth)
  • Ship Hull Inspection : general condition, propeller, rudder, thrusters, anodes, damage assessment
  • Offshore Wind Foundation Inspection : monopiles, jackets, scour, corrosion
  • Port and Harbor Structure Inspection : jetties, piers, quay walls, breakwaters
  • Pre-inspection, during inspection, and post-inspection procedures
  1. Data Acquisition and Management
  • Planning the Inspection Survey : defining objectives, scope, equipment selection, logistics
  • Data Recording and Logging : systematic collection of visual, sensor, and positional data
  • Data Quality Control (QC) : real-time checks, post-processing verification
  • Data Formats : industry standards for imaging, sonar, and NDT data
  • Data Management and Archiving : ensuring data integrity and accessibility
  1. Underwater Data Processing and Interpretation
  • Sonar Data Processing : georeferencing, mosaicking, bathymetric model generation
  • Visual Data Analysis : annotation, defect identification, measurement from images/video
  • NDT Data Interpretation : understanding signals from ultrasonic, ACFM, CP measurements
  • 3D Reconstruction from Optical Data : photogrammetry, laser scanning for detailed models
  • Reporting and Documentation : clear, concise presentation of findings, defect categorization
  1. Structural Integrity and Damage Assessment
  • Types of Defects : corrosion, cracks, fatigue damage, impact damage, scour, marine growth
  • Assessment Methodologies : fitness-for-purpose, remaining life assessment
  • Codes and Standards : relevant industry guidelines for defect acceptance criteria (e.g., API, DNVGL)
  • Risk Assessment : probability of failure, consequences of failure
  • Recommendations for repair and remediation
  1. Regulations, Standards, and Safety
  • International Maritime Regulations : SOLAS, Classification Society rules
  • Offshore Industry Standards : DNVGL, API, ABS, ISO relevant to inspection
  • Permitting and Environmental Compliance : for underwater operations
  • Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) : specific risks of underwater work, emergency procedures
  • Data protection and confidentiality in inspection reporting
  1. Project Planning and Management of Underwater Operations
  • Vessel Selection and Mobilization : suitable survey vessels, equipment setup
  • Personnel Requirements : roles and responsibilities of survey crew, ROV team, divers
  • Logistics and Contingency Planning : weather, equipment failure, emergency response
  • Cost Estimation and Budgeting : for inspection campaigns
  • Contractual Aspects : scope of work, deliverables, quality assurance
  1. Emerging Technologies and Future of Underwater Inspection
  • Autonomous Inspection : advances in AUV navigation and sensor integration
  • Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) : for automated defect detection, data analysis
  • Digital Twins for Subsea Assets : real-time monitoring, predictive maintenance
  • Advanced Robotics and Manipulators : for complex subsea interventions
  • Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR) : for immersive data visualization and training
  • Integrated sensor platforms and multi-disciplinary surveys.

CERTIFICATION

  • Upon successful completion of this training, participants will be issued with Macskills Training and Development Institute Certificate

TRAINING VENUE

  • Training will be held at Macskills Training Centre. We also tailor make the training upon request at different locations across the world.

AIRPORT PICK UP AND ACCOMMODATION

  • Airport pick up and accommodation is arranged upon request

TERMS OF PAYMENT

Payment should be made to Macskills Development Institute bank account before the start of the training and receipts sent to info@macskillsdevelopment.com

For More Details call: +254-114-087-180

 

Beneath The Waves: Underwater Inspection And Survey Training Course in Niger
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