The Knowledge Gap

The Knowledge GapIrish Canadian Case Study

Geomara & Highland Geo Solutions

Eoghan Kieranwww.geo-mara.com

INFOMAR Seminar, October 2013

GeoMara – Hydrographic, Geophysical, Archaeological and Environmental

OverviewIntroduction

GeomaraHighland Geosolutions

Industry ContextWhere Geomara and Highland Geo fit in the PlanThe Knowledge Gap – as we define it

Practitioners/Potential PractitionersGeneral Public

Case StudiesSeafloor Exploration CourseSuccess – The Moyle Interconnector Project

Conclusion

Based in Clarinbridge, Co. Galway

Service provider to Petroleum, sub sea communications and research industries

Contracts in over 26 countries

9 full time staff and continually expanding

Based in New Brunswick, Canada

Specialises in provision of data processors and surveyors

Global Client base

Industry ContextThe Global Ocean Market•€1200 billion per annum•Massive future Growth Opportunities

Figures from Harnessing Our Ocean Wealth, An Integrated Marine Plan for Ireland, July 2012

The Irish Plan – Harnessing Our Ocean Wealth - Vision

Where we are Targets

2.4% of GDP by 2030

Turnover 6.4 billion by 2020

Where Do Geomara and Highland Geo Fit into the Plan ?

Enablers of Growth and Key Actions taken from Harnessing Our Ocean Wealth, An Integrated Marine Plan for Ireland, July 2012

Business Development Marketing & Promotion

Strengthen and develop a common message and theme that promotes Irish marine products

Give a clear message to investors that Ireland is ‘open for, and a good place to do, marine business’ domestically and internationally and

Encourage and facilitate coastal communities to avail of existing and future marine enterprise opportunities.

Progress a number of targeted emerging business

development opportunities (e.g. offshore renewables, offshore services, maritime security and safety, shipping logistics and transport, ICT and sensors,

biotechnology).

Research, Knowledge, Technology & InnovationContinue to fund strategic marine RTDI (industry, policy

and discovery research) through cross-government/ agency collaboration across a range of national and international funding mechanisms. Increased industry R&D activity and industry academia

collaborationsAddressing barriers to marine innovation and the progression

of research into applied products and services (commercialising research)

Develop the role of INFOMAR In training of Irish graduates in latest techniques Utilisation of data in major research projectsDevelopment of collaborative added-value products through

engagement with SMEs and the research community.

Capacity, Education, Training and AwarenessPlan for the appropriate HR to be in place to meet the current

demands and capture the future opportunitiesMaintain and build capacity (people) to meet the needs of the

maritime sector; e.g. through tailored education and training programmes and research capacity building.Identify future skills needs and labour market supply and demand

trends in the marine areaTailor higher education, vocational and professional training

programmes to meet the identified needsEncourage utilisation of employment and training programmes (e.g.

Job Bridge and Springboard) that offer the necessary training and upskilling for marine personnel

Continue to build marine research capacity and capability through targeted national and international research funding

Establish Ireland as an international marine training destinationDevelop outreach programmes that create an awareness of our

ocean wealth

The Knowledge Gap

As defined by two commercial companies

Survey…the realities

The Knowledge GapActually 2:

Lack of suitable graduates Lack of technical knowledge Lack of real word experience

Lack of Public Awareness Need to increase public awareness of the industry Need to increase public awareness of Irish capabilities Result is lack of public participation in industry

Same problems in N America as Ireland

The Knowledge GapWhat are we doing to fill this?

Ireland & Canada Collaboration Greenland, USA, Nigeria, Adriatic, N. Africa, Italy,

UKJob BridgeReskilling and UpskillingTailored Training

Case Studies

Sea Floor Exploration Course – An attempt to bridge the Knowledge Gap

The Moyle Interconnector Project- Achievement and Innovation

To introduce candidates to the basic principles and methodologies of seafloor and sub sea surveying and exploration.

Students were introduced to a range of geophysical, visual and seabed sampling techniques, as well as a number of commercial and open-source software for data manipulation, processing and visualization.

19 candidates from throughout the world including France, Brazil, Colombia, Canada, UK, Ireland and Malta

Partners

Supported by

Practical Experience

Practical Experience

Theory

Processing

Learning OutcomesCandidates had a better

understanding of the basic theoretical concepts and operational foundation of seafloor mapping

Candidates prepared for both commercial or academic assignments.

Candidates were exposed to many different types of marine survey hardware and software, and developed an understanding of which technology best matches the survey aims

Rationale for the CourseDeveloping a

structured set of introductory lessons and exercises to develop relevant skills that are in demand by both the commercial and academic sectors.

Moyle Interconnector Project

Moyle InterconnectorFind insulator fault

Moyle InterconnectorGeomara, ESB International, Irish Lights,

Marine InstituteFull Irish Team..with the exception of American Surveyors and UK

Divers

Identified after 5 days – previous contractors took 6 weeks

SuccessfulDue to competent experienced technical

personnelInnovationGreat team

SummaryFilling the knowledge gap through

international co-operationFilling the Knowledge gap through national

innovation and collaboration Filling the Knowledge gap through Industry

‘Lets just make it happen’ attitude Using ‘Job Bridge’ to train graduatesRetrainingThe gap still remains

Filling the Knowledge GapVision, Enablers ActionsStill a gap remains.We recognise that need to do more

Publicise our achievements moreWhat can we do together to help Ireland

achieve 2.4% GDP in 2030?

Sonar Wiz Training - Chesapeake Technology

SSS, SBP, MAG and Bathy

Harbour Hotel, Galway13-14th November 2013

[email protected]

[email protected]