The Underwater Centre in Fort William, Scotland, has invested in two new barges to meet the demand for its commercial diving and ROV Pilot Technician training courses.
The new vessels, the renamed Loch Sunart and Loch Scavaig, have been purchased from Western Ferries (Clyde) Limited.
One will be fitted out with two of the centre’s work-class ROVs (WROV) and supporting ROV launch and recovery systems (LARS), and used for work-class ROV training – providing realistic training for students to learn how to launch work-class ROVs from a vessel.
The centre will be further developing its ROV training next year to provide students with the opportunity to train with work-class ROV systems, given that the majority will go on to work with these when they enter industry.
Students will get hands on experience with the three WROVs, loaned to the centre by Fugro, to offer additional courses that can extend students’ training and development while at the centre.
The Underwater Centre is working closely with industry to establish the needs and determine the level of training required.
The other vessel will be used for the development of diver training and subsea technology trials.
The investment in the new barges comes after the centre has just announced an increase in the number of students through its doors, with even more projected by the end 2013.
General manager Steve Ham says the centre is aiming to up its capabilities to cope with the demand of the very buoyant energy sector and is also develop its courses to meet the requirements of industry.