Advising, developing, gaining accreditation of, and delivering Maritime Autonomous Surface Ships (MASS) training for FUGRO Remote Operations workforce.
Fugro, the worlds leading geo data specialist, recognised, in 2019, that adding remote operation of uncrewed surface vessels to it’s maritime operational capability, would improve it’s capabilities for clients.
Fugro engaged SeaBot Maritime to identify the skills gaps in the Fugro workforce, and to design, gain accreditation of and deliver a training programme to improve Fugro workforce competency in the remote operation of unmanned surface vessels (USV’s).
Hannes Swiegers, Director IRM Services & Remote Operations Fugro Middle East, said,
“SeaBot Maritime’s curation and delivery of this ground-breaking course plays a significant part in Fugro’s Dynamic People Plan, being firmly focused on next-generation maritime. Introducing new technologies into a well-established sector has inherent risks associated; having the right personnel who are sufficiently trained and competent, determines the ability to deliver quality remote solutions safely and consistently."
Identifying Fugro workforce development needs
Fugro, the worlds leading geo data specialist supports clients by mitigating risks in design, construction and operation of assets, on land and sea. Since 2019, Fugro has sought to expand its Maritime Autonomous Surface Ships (MASS) capabilities, worldwide. Improving this capability and integrating it into Fugro’s everyday operations will provide cost savings and new market opportunities for the business.
From the outset, Fugro recognised that the adoption and integration of umanned surface vessels (USV’s), automated processes and remote decision making would be a significant change for it’s workforce. Fugro engaged SeaBot Maritime to evaluate the change in requirements of the Fugro workforce, and to benchmark the changes against existing Fugro workforce capability.
The SeaBot Maritime team, leaders in identifying and developing maritime skills; commenced by reviewing Fugro’s existing manned and unmanned operational procedures. The team identified improvements that could be made to the command and control structure for unmanned vehicles.
By reviewing the qualifications, skillsets and competencies in the crew to operate manned vessels, SeaBot Maritime were able to benchmark differences in skillsets required in a transition from crewed vessel operational competence to uncrewed vessel operational competence.
In summary, the team identified that operators would need to develop to become broader mission managers, providing operational information to the vehicle(s), including mission planning, potential target object avoidance, risk assessment of missions and deployment planning.
They’d need improved knowledge on technology, cyber security and environment requirements and new or improved skills in teamwork, decision-making, problem solving, communication and leadership would be required.
Designing, delivering and gaining accreditation for the MASS Professional Training Scheme
SeaBot Maritime created a roadmap which would build upon operators existing knowledge and support their upskilling in key stages, towards competence in uncrewed vessel operation.
The team developed a sequential training programme to upskill operators in the knowledge, skills and practical experience required to become a competent remote operator.
The SeaBot Maritime MASS Professional Training Scheme® (MCP) was born. The scheme is made up of 3 modules which provides basic, advanced and remote operations management training. The training includes instructor led learning and USV operation at SeaBot Maritime and/or Fugro locations, e-learning and on the job professional development throughout the programme.
The team, in conjunction with Fugro, sought independent validation of the training offered and the competence that would be gained in Remote Operations. The training programme secured accreditation from the UK Maritime & Coastguard Agency and it continues to be underpinned by SeaBot Maritime’s continuing position at the forefront of remote operations developments.
Progress to date and feedback
Fugro operations teams have completed Module A Basic Training and continue to progress towards full professional competence accreditation.
Commenting on SeaBot Maritime’s MCA's recognition award, the MCA’s Autonomy Vessel Training Lead, Rob Gale, said, “Gaining MCA voluntary recognition demonstrates that in the absence of internationally agreed standards for MASS Training, SeaBot Maritime’s training promotes maritime safety and the protection of the marine environment, whilst seeking to promote best practice within the industry.”
The SeaBot Maritime MASS Professional Training Scheme® (MCP) and other training courses on the management and remote operation of Uncrewed Surface Vessels is now available.
Click here for more details or contact us.
About Fugro
Fugro is the world's leading Geo-data specialist, collecting and analysing comprehensive information about the earth and the structures built upon it.
Adopting an integrated approach that incorporates acquisition and analysis of Geo-data and related advice, Fugro provides solutions. With expertise in site characterisation and asset integrity, clients are supported in the safe, sustainable and efficient design, construction and operation of their assets throughout the full lifecycle.
Employing approximately 9,500 talented people in 59 countries, Fugro serves clients around the globe, predominantly in the energy and infrastructure industries, both offshore and onshore. In 2021, revenue amounted to EUR 1.5 billion. The company is listed on Euronext Amsterdam.