The Underwater Intervention (UI) technical program at this year’s International WorkBoat Show will offer discussions around the latest advancements in underwater technology. Attendees can expect a detailed look at topics in deep-sea exploration, diving safety, autonomous systems, marine robotics, and workforce development, including panel discussions at the UI Think Tank. Below is a comprehensive overview of the key topics and sessions to expect during the event.
Submarines and submersibles
A primary focus of the UI Hall is the exploration and technology surrounding submarine and submersible operations. Key presentations include:
- Yearly Overview of the Global Submarine Industry in 2024 (UI Room 338 – Sub Symposium): This session provides a comprehensive review of the submarine industry, including developments in research, commercial endeavors, tourism, leisure, and security operations. Keynote speaker William Kohnen from Hydrospace Group will discuss industry trends and emerging technologies.
- DSV Alvin: 60 Years of Support for Science (UI Room 338 – Sub Symposium): A retrospective on Alvin’s contributions to scientific research, highlighting missions to hydrothermal vents, deep-water methane seep communities, and more, presented by Bruce Strickrott from Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution.
- SEAmagine’s Latest 1300m Depth-Rated Submersible (UI Room 338 – Sub Symposium): A presentation on SEAmagine’s new submersible, designed for National Geographic’s scientific expedition to the Pacific, showcasing its technology and role in marine conservation.
Diving safety management systems (DSMS)
DSMS and practical safety measures are another key theme, focusing on safe operational practices for diving contractors in inland and inshore environments.
- DSMS for Small Inland-Inshore Diving Contractors (UI Classroom 2): Troy Gessner from Integrated Underwater Services will present cost-effective approaches to implementing DSMS in small diving operations and emphasizing risk management in challenging environments.
- Practical Safety for Inland-Inshore Diving Contractors (UI Classroom 2): Gessner will also host a session on the safety challenges for diving operations in the U.S. inland-inshore market, with case studies and industry drivers.
Workforce development
The theme of workforce development will be discussed in several presentations dedicated to bridging the skills gap in the blue economy.
- Peerside: Ocean STEAM Workforce Development (UI Classroom 1): Colbi Gemmell and William ‘Monty’ Graham from the Florida Institute of Oceanography will discuss initiatives aimed at developing the next generation of ocean professionals through hands-on learning and professional development programs.
- Bridging the Gap: Workforce Development in the Blue Economy (UI Classroom 1): This session, featuring Jason Beckham, Joseph Ramirez, and Tara Willis from Long Beach City College, will address the workforce challenges in the blue economy and how academic institutions are adapting their curriculum to meet industry needs.
- Building an Ocean Technician Workforce Using Microcredentials (UI Think Tank): Liesl Hotaling of the Marine Technology Society will explore the role of microcredentials and stackable certifications in training skilled workers for the marine industry.
Marine robotics and autonomy
Several sessions will cover marine robotics, with a focus on the integration of autonomous systems and unmanned vehicles in underwater operations.
- Leveraging Technology to Maximize Efficiency in Diving Operations (UI Classroom 2): A presentation on the use of technology to streamline dive operations, covering dive plans, checklists, safety meetings, and personnel certification tracking.
- The Future of Marine Technology is Autonomous (UI Classroom 2): Bridgit Boulahanis from Bedrock Ocean Exploration will discuss how autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs) are transforming subsea survey and mapping, improving the efficiency of ocean exploration and conservation efforts.
- Uncrewed Multi-Payload Operations with High-Power USVs (UI Classroom 1): Michael Scherer from Chance Maritime Technologies will showcase the capabilities of their uncrewed surface vessel (USV), the MC-29, highlighting its long-endurance operation and multi-payload capacity.
Advances in acoustic and sensor technologies
Innovation in acoustic technology and sensor systems is also a significant focus, particularly for applications in underwater asset inspections and exploration.
- Advances in Acoustic Technology for Ocean Exploration (UI Classroom 2): Meme Lobecker from Kongsberg Discovery will cover recent innovations in sonar systems for seabed, subsea, and water column data collection, applicable to both research and commercial operations.
- Increasing Perception of ROVs with Enhanced Optical Sensors (UI Classroom 1): This session will highlight the integration of advanced optical sensors with inspection-class ROVs to enhance underwater asset inspections, focusing on improving data collection accuracy and reducing risks associated with traditional diving methods.
Panel discussions
- Comprehensive Approaches to Building a Workforce for the Ocean Enterprise (UI Think Tank): A session discussing how academic institutions and private-sector partnerships can collaborate to address the skills gap and better prepare the marine workforce.
- Maritime Autonomy: Developments and the Way Forward (UI Think Tank): Jin Wang from the American Bureau of Shipping will discuss the development of regulations for maritime autonomy and the challenges of integrating autonomous systems into the marine industry.
