Offshore operators encounter significant HSE challenges when conducting inspections, modifications, and repairs in the splash zone. This hard-to-reach area is constantly exposed to waves, currents, and slippery surfaces, increasing the risk of accidents involving personnel and equipment. Adverse weather can further disrupt operations, extend project timelines, and heighten exposure to these hazards. Environmental considerations are also essential, as accidental releases of oil or chemicals can contaminate surrounding waters and harm marine life.
At OceanTech, we are dedicated to operating with zero incidents and without causing environmental harm. To date, we have successfully completed over 200,000 incident-free offshore work hours through our commitment to:
- A project execution model aligned with ISO 9001 standards
- Stringent competency and certification requirements
- Collaborative training and long-term partnerships
- Environmentally-friendly technology
Project execution model based on ISO 9001
We have developed a project execution model based on ISO 9001, a globally recognized standard for quality management. Our execution model ensures that every stage of our offshore maintenance and inspection work meets the highest standards of quality, consistency, and safety. By following ISO 9001 principles, we standardise processes, enhance risk management, and maintain thorough documentation for traceability and accountability.
OceanTech sends various types of equipment offshore. All equipment we use undergoes annual inspections. For example, lifting equipment is inspected by a third party, and every soft sling, lifting sling, and lifting point on containers is subject to inspection. Additionally, we have internal control routines for all equipment in use. These inspections are recorded in Landax, our quality management system. During operations, our access robots and tooling are remotely operated from a control unit topside (suitcase unit or control container).
Our execution model is applied consistently from the time we submit a proposal until we deliver the final report to our clients, and is built on experience from large-scale offshore projects to the execution of ROV operations. It emphasises continuous improvement, enabling us to adapt quickly to project needs and environmental conditions. Additionally, it aligns with regulatory requirements, helping us deliver reliable and compliant solutions that meet client expectations.
Stringent competence and certification requirements
OceanTech’s organisation is structured into specialist groups, each led by a discipline lead. Our discipline leads are actively involved in staffing to ensure that each project team fulfils competence requirements. They also ensure we are always up-to-date with regulatory requirements.
We ensure that all personnel—including subcontractors—hold the required certifications. This includes certifications covering technologies, systems, and inspection and sizing software mandated for staff involved in non-destructive testing (NDT). Personnel performing rope access work adhere to stringent standards, and before any rigging operations, we ensure our team is thoroughly trained in all necessary techniques and equipment. Our Subsea Test Centre provides a realistic training environment, replicating offshore conditions to prepare our team for the challenges of real-world operations.
Our splash zone tools are verified and certified by Det Norske Veritas (DNV), ensuring reliability in the face of marine hazards–and satisfying the safety requirements laid down in the NORSOK standard Z-015.
Collaborative training and long-term partnerships
We collaborate with a network of trusted suppliers and partners to execute our projects effectively. Among these are Vertikal Service, an Archer company specialising in industrial rope access and work-at-height solutions, and Sistac, a leading offshore service provider in Brazil. While our in-house staff manage and coordinate all projects, these collaborations provide flexible access to skilled specialists and local know-how.
All Tier A suppliers are audited to ensure they comply with our project execution standards. This includes working safely to protect their employees, adhering to regulatory requirements, and maintaining necessary quality control processes. For partners supplying personnel to OceanTech, we carefully verify that all personnel have the required skills and certifications.
Our commitment to safety and efficiency is grounded in long-term partnerships, joint training at our Subsea Test Centre, and collaborative planning—all of which ensure we uphold the highest HSE standards.
Environmentally-friendly technology
Environmental regulations vary by region, but typically mandate measures to minimise pollution, protect marine ecosystems, and ensure safe management of chemicals and waste. OceanTech’s access robots attach directly to the asset, enabling operations without support vessels. This significantly reduces emissions and minimises the risk of oil spills.
For nearly 20 years, we have developed modular equipment packages, with 70% of each solution built on field-proven components. This reduces the need for adaptations, minimises material use, cuts waste, and enables the reuse of most of our fleet. We maintain a large inventory of access robots and tools available for reuse, and continually implement measures in our daily operations to reduce consumption and waste volume.