In 2009 Skilltrade provided two courses, specifically designed to SAIPEM requirements, for groups of engineers, barge personnel and superintendents. For Skilltrade it was a challenge to make this course such that it offered a good balance between theory and practice intertwined with real work examples, video footage and exercises. SAIPEM confirmed that it would run another two of such courses in 2010.

A two day Introduction Hydrography course was provided in the Fastolff Business Centre, a nice location with a hospitable atmosphere in the centre of Great Yarmouth. The main topics of this course are geodesy, surface and underwater positioning, bathymetric measurements, tide, side scan sonar, sub bottom profiling, processing and reporting. Attendants from Eastport UK, Gardline Geosurvey, IMCA and Deep Ocean made up a nice group with various levels of knowledge and experience in nautical charting, hydrographic data processing, engineering, cartography and management. Besides the material provided by the Skilltrade instructor, the attendants had numerous questions and cases based upon their own experience. All this resulted in good understanding of the different fields and processes regarding hydrographic surveys, and that each of these fields have their own characteristics; two lively and interesting days in Great Yarmouth.

From our First Hydrographic Survey course Nils Jungblut received his diploma and Nils is the very first person. His course mates could not attend for various reasons, most of them were away on a job. Nils works for for “Van Oord” and returned home from a project in Azerbaijan just the day before. Three of his class mates will receive their diploma in the post and one of them we eagerly await the completion of his training record book. The employers were pleased with official award of the diploma for their personnel. After the completion of the logbook and the theoretical exams this diploma is the first one that Skilltrade and STC awarded. STC BV director Edwin Schepers and STC BV Course Coordinator and Marketing Manager Gert Jan Wiegman and Michiel Koper (head of van Oord Hydrographic Department) were present to illustrate the importance of this event.

Nils is still in contact with his class mates who are all working around the world. Nils, who has a background in land survey expressed that after the course he had a much better understanding of his task as a hydrographic surveyor. All present were pleased with Nils' results and that the course ran for the 6th time together with the practical approach of the Hydrographic Survey Category “B” Course.

The first "International Diploma" is a registered diploma and we are all pleased with this result. Initial development of the course started in 2000 as the dutch and international market showed a shortage of hydrographic surveyors at that time! Despite the downturn in the economy, hydrography remains a positive future. Mr Edwin Schepers expressed during the closing ceremony also his thanks to all who are not present and contributed to the result of this celebbration of the first Hydrographic Survey "B" in Rotterdam. He wished Nils Jungblut and the 6th Category B group all success in their hydrographic survey career.

Maarten-Jan Theijs opened the reception with a presentation about the history of Skilltrade and its design and set of the various survey modules according to the M5 guidelines working towards the current Hydrographic Survey Course. At the same time, in the background a slide show ran showing the people who have been involved since the start : Robert van der Velde, Huibert Jan Lekkerkerk, Cor Beemster and our students from the previous four Hydrographic Survey courses. All supplemented with the support of and the visists to the various companies who host the workshops and site visits for our Hydrography course. His presentation ended with a personal word for each student who obtained his IHO Category B Hydrographic Survey diploma.

The diploma's were presented to Steve Smith and Will Griffiths of Global Marine, Aone Dikkerboom and Ranon Salvador of van Oord Dredging, Dennis Schreuders of Rijkwaterstaat and Sagidolla Mardenov of AGIP KCO, Kazachstan.

STC's director Albert Bos and Johan Stam of Skilltrade outlined the latest developments in training and education and confirmed their interest in this practical approach especially with various companies who provide their support in the format of field exposure, workshops and guest lectures. At the end we presented a copy of the certificate in "Delft's Blue" tiles to all who supported the curriculum of the Category B recognition and to all the companies who provided their field support.

We appreciate all who supported our curriculum and celebrated the event with other special guests at STC's simulation centre. Visitors were informed about STC latest developments in DP I and DP II simulators. Arie Goedknegt showed his simulation underwater technology ROV courses and Survey Engineer courses which started on the 17th November 2008 in Rotterdam for Gardline Surveys Ltd and Acergy Ltd.

Paul van Waalwijk van Doorn organised another excellent workshop about Data Processing and ROTV. In Zierikzee, where Noordhoek Offshore BV is based. Paul presented and discussed the importance of quality control, data quality, data continuity, processing experience and data integrity.In the workshop real project examples were used and discussed, highlighting the fact that the overall data integration is only possible if each and every component is properly checked, calibrated, interfaced and QC’d. At the end of the day Paul provided a tour in the workshop facilities showing Noordhoek’s ROTV, test basin, diving equipment and other equipment.

This workshop for the Hydrographic Survey Category “B” Course is every time organized in Amsterdam. Gert-Jan Siepel discusses some of the typical DEEP projects and survey equipment involved. After about ½ hour the overall group split in for smaller groups to work on an assignment about project planning. First the students are required to ascertain if the information provided by the client is actually sufficient to base their quotation on. Questions like: is all information available, what kind of accuracy is required, what is the purpose of the survey, what are the expected survey methods to be used raise its head and are discussed in the smaller groups. After a general group discussion, Q&A and answers the groups now use the up to date information as a starting point to base their quotations on. Further discussions follow about Planning, preparations, Weather, mobilizations etc. The workshops concludes with a discussion about the different quotations .

Ellen Stuifbergen and Nico van Woerkom explained the various principles of Single- and Multi-beam systems. By using both theories and real data examples from the RESON systems they explained the students the similarities and the differences of the two measurement techniques. Detail samples of data were shown to provide more insight into why, where and how the information acquired from single- or multibeam systems is used. By using the PDS2000 s/w Ellen explained the important issues in both data acquisition and processing of multibeam data. With the use of a recently completed project where RESON supplied all hydrographic equipment the students were shown what a complete and complex single-/ multibeam/ multipurpose survey spread should comprise and the possible problems / challenges one may face during installation. The workshop ended with a tour through the RESON workshop with water testing units and after that the students discussed their survey backgrounds and exchanged their experiences whilst enjoying RESON’s complimentary drinks and snacks ( Bitterballs ).

This show was organized by Nautikaris BV who represent “HYpack” software. Pat Sanders showed the audience in 3 days the latest developments of their software packages. A special training dvd was provided for our CAT B students. The exhibition was well attended with 60 delegates of the Faroe Island, Denmark, Romania, Poland, Greece and various Belgium -and Dutch operators. A short presentation by Johan Stam explained our training services more in depth after he was specially introduced by Rob Karis, Director of Nautikaris BV.

The Cat B class visited the site which is located to the west of Rotterdam. The project is an example of “Design & Construct” and involves an enlargement of the coastline. The joint venture partners Boskalis & Van Oord explained during the introduction of the project the survey procedures and chosen survey method. The insurvey was measured by “Fly Map” as they explained the set up of their profiles over a length of 15 kilometres. Two survey vessels were visited which are equipped with a single beam and the other with a multi-beam system. We all had a good discussion about the use of equipment as the survey needs to be executed in the open sea with a strong variation of tides. Also the reclamation area was visited as the bulldozers are using VSR ( Virtual Reference Solution ) “QPoS” system to push the sand at the right location and height. A great day to cover “Coastal Zone Module” for all the students.

Meteo Consult hosted the Hydrographic survey Category “B” class for the morning workshop about Meteorology, weather forecasting, routing and planning. The group showed a great interest in various presentations and aspects of prediction short and long term weather forecasts. A practical exercise about wind direction and speed concluded the workshop.

For the first time the Cat B class have paid a visit to Stema Survey. They are specialized in the combining Hydrographic techniques with subbottom profiling and bottom characterisation. Stema operates and develops equipment for these purposes : Rheo Tune in-situ density and yield-strength probe and the Silas high resolution seismic data-acquisition and processing system see their website www.stema-survey.com. The presentation focussed on assessing the thickness of fluid mud for nautical purposes. A combination of stationary in-situ probing ( Rheo Tune ) and free sailing survey provides a cost efficient method for nautical depth management in area’s with high siltation rates. The students experienced the operational system at their visit to Port of Rotterdam last week, where it is in use on a regular basis in combination with their MBES survey vessels. The 1200 gr/l depth layer could be addressed nearly real-time and sediment characteristics mapped. The nautical depth assessment was explained and shown on examples of various surveys by their Geophysicist. Finally some examples of the Silas system were shown. The combination with echosounders, profilers, boomers or sparkers creates a wide band of deployment, ranginging from object detection, geotechnical site investigation to siltation monitoring. In a visit to the workshops the working method of the Rheo Tune was demonstrated. A representatives of the “Hydrographic Department of Suriname” confirmed that they were also using the Silas system in their delta areas.

Today 5 graduates from Acergy, a seabed-to-surface engineering and construction contractor for the offshore oil and gas industry, completed their Survey Theory and Software Course. The bespoke Course, provided by Skilltrade and EIVA, is part of the extensive Acergy graduate Training Program with which Acergy attracts more and more people from within and from outside the industry. The 5 graduates completed a 3-week program in which they covered the very basics of survey and electronics, detailed survey theory, online EIVA software and the ins and outs of Survey, ROV and Pipeline operations.

Class size is kept small in order to provide students with the maximum amount of personal attention, both in the classroom and in the field. Studenst come from a variety of backgrounds from both the private and public sectors from countries within the E.U. and abroad.

By invitation Johan Stam presented a paper on “New techniques in Training” to the attendants of the conference, as simulation is becoming more and more the issue for training. Johan explained the IHO programme in detail along with more practical training with latest technologies, cooperation with various suppliers and market developments. Particular attention was given to Skilltrade’s ROV course as the oil industry is moving fast into deeper waters. China will have the first deepwater drilling program starting in 2009 and results are very positive about gas field development. The presentation was well-received by the international audience, many of which were leading Chinese companies. We hope that our training programme will also soon gain recognition in this part of the world.

Ellen Stuifbergen and Natasja Verboom explained the various principles of Single- and Multi-beam systems. By using both theory and real data examples from the RESON systems they explained the students the similarities and the differences of the two measurement techniques. Detail samples of data were shown to provide more insight into why, where and how the information acquired from single- or multibeam systems is used. By using the PDS2000 s/w Ellen explained important issues in both data acquisition and processing of multibeam data. With the use of a recently completed project where RESON supplied all hydrographic equipment the students were shown what a complete and complex single-/ multibeam/ multipurpose survey spread should comprise and the possible problems / challenges one may face during installation. The workshop ended with a tour through the RESON workshop and after that the students discussed their survey backgrounds and exchanged their experiences whilst enjoying RESON’s complimentary drinks and snacks.

This dredging project includes hydrographic survey operations for backhaw and cutter dredger operations which have to dredge with high accuracy in layers of polluted soil. In the morning Chief Surveyor Michel Preng of Boskalis explained what the Surveyors task was for this project. He explained the importance of dredging operations, soil investigations, set up of survey systems, volume calculations, tides, dump areas, safety and reporting. In the afternoon the group was split in two for data collection on board the survey vessel and we were invited to visit the cutter dredger. In the office we had a good discussion about various processing techniques. This project is coming to an end by the end of this year and we appreciate Boskalis and van Oord for their hospitality.

This day we visited Meteo Consult in Wageningen. A very interesting day with explanation about the weather forecast for the offshore industry and in particular vessel operations; tying with nautical science subject. Predictions for long term planning with waves & wind directions depending on your location of vessel operations. The day ended with a tour off the Meteo Consult premises - see www.weer.nl

Today we visited the Port of Rotterdam. On the picture on the left you see Jeroen van Reenen together with the current group of students onboard the Surveyor 2. It was the first day away from the STC lecture building, finally getting some hands on experience and more practical information outside the classroom. Jeroen and Willem gave an excellent presentation about the requirements of Hydrographic Survey in a Port like Rotterdam. Inside was provided in the techniques used for the various types of surveys and interfacing with the Port dredging operations. To conclude the afternoon the students sailed with the Surveyor 2 to do some really Multibeam survey work. In the picture in the middle you see a Multibeam coverage screen shot as provided by the QPS software.

Early July we were very proud to issue our press release in which we informed the world that the Skilltrade-STC Category `B` course in Practical Hydrography was no officially recognised by the IHO-FIG-ICA, set up according to the FIG/IHO/ICA standards of Competence for Hydrographic Surveyors, 9th edition (2007).

And today the fourth course in Practical Hydrography started with participants from the following companies - VanOord, Rijkswaterstaat, AGIP KOCH, GTEC, UTEC and Global Marine.Some company already registration their personnel already for the 4th or 3rd time. Today the students started with the Basic subjects covering the fields of Mathematics, Physics, Meteorology and Oceanology by the following lecturers - Piet Pols, Jaap Mooij and Mr van Dam.

We were very pleased with all the participants for the course which we organised at the ASSET premises, Minto Avenue, Altens in Aberdeen. Excellent facilities topped up with the equipment support from SEATRONICS in Aberdeen, nothing beats the real stuff. By being able to show equipment while explaining it and its usage it adds value to the understanding of the subject. Participants came from companies like Acergy, Andrews surveys, GEMS, NCS Surveys, Seatronics, Shell, Sonsub, Seatronics and Trident Offshore. The variety of backgrounds from the participants, ranging from GIS analyst, engineer, online surveyor, HR recruitment to navigation engineer plus the varied years of experience was a good basis for discussions and point of view.

We are pleased to provide a link on the website to GlobalEnglish.

GlobalEnglish is the leader in on-demand assessment, learning, and support for business English communication. We teach people business English so companies can do global business. For more information, please visit http://www.globalenglish.com

We are pleased to recommend GlobalEnglish which is also an excellent tool for those looking to improve their English competency prior to attending the IHO “B” Course.

In cooperation with Fidena ( education division of “Secretaria de communicaciones y transportes for ports and merchant marine) we will run the ROV Grade II course in Ciudad del Carmen. The course will take place at the new “DP Centre” of Fidena and runs for 3 weeks. Applicants can be registered through info@skilltrade.nl

Today is the final day of the 3rd class international from the IHO “B” course to present the certificates to the candidates. Maarten-Jan Theijs evaluated all students and complemented them personally about the results of their practical tasks in the last week. The two teams showed a good cooperation and achieved a satisfying result in their final report. A special gift was handed over to Ibrahim Mohamed of the Nile River Authorities of Egypt for his general efforts and for Ben Brookes and Jeff Oblina of Van Oord who achieved the highest average marks. The director of STC BV complimented all students with their eforts before the ceremony. We also emphasize that the STC organisation did a good job by supporting the planning perfectly as no time was lost during the whole course. We thank the teachers for all of their dedication and all the companies who supported the class with their practical exercises, workshops and hospitality. All students were relieved as can be seen on their faces of Ben Brookes, Mohamed Abdelwahab Abdelrazek Elshewaikh, Ibrahim Mohamed Abdelmagid Gad, Tarek Salaheldin Aly Halowa, Bert Kulk, Jeff Oblina, Wim Roelse and Gareth Owen Roberts. On the same picture Maarten-Jan Theijs, Edwin Schepers, STC teacher Jaap Mooij and our new STC course coordinator and marketing manager Gert Jan Wiegman. We look forward to start our 4th Class International on the 25th of August for the Hydrographic Survey Category “B” Course. Registration has already started.

Picture of STC BV ; Edwin Schepers & Albert Bos and Skilltrade BV; Maarten-Jan Theijs & Johan Stam managers as they both were proud to present their latest developments on the IHO “B” course. Skilltrade shared their stand with the “Dutch Ocean Group” as we present the industry our cooperation of various Dutch companies ( see www.dutchoceangroup.nl) We had a great international interest and we welcomed many new people of various directions of our industry in Ports, Oil & Gas, Dredging and Hydrographic Survey related managers. The last day we had some interesting contacts with various students who seems very interested in our curriculum and practical approach.

Skilltrade will exhibit during "Oceanlogy 2008" at the "Dutch Ocean Group" stand 850 and will provide latest information on "New Courses" in Australia, Mexico, Malaysia and Abu Dhabi. For more information please visit our website. Skilltrade will exhibit with Tritanium at "GetEnergy" in London 26 to 28th of March. The "Learning Area" is for "HR Managers" and is the only Global Education and Training event for upstream oil and gas. See www.getenergyevent.com/getenergy_2008_london/London_2008_programme

After a successful ROV Grade II course all applicants received a Skilltrade certificate in Abu Dhabi. We thank “Global Training Safety Centre” for all their support and we were pleased to run for the first time the ROV course in the Middle East. The next course is scheduled for May 24th also in Abu Dhabi which have still some open places. We are pleased with the interest of various operators in this region.

This Quarter Noordhoek Offshore will host the two-day “Introduction to Hydrography” course. Noordhoek Offshore recently equipped their new vessel with Panther ROV’s. Skilltrade will also run ROV courses in January and February for Noordhoek Offshore BV.

We are pleased to start the first ROV Grade II Course in Abu Dhabi. The course has started at GTSC "Safety Centre" in Abu Dhabi who host our course as supported the maritime aspects of the curriculum. The course is scheduled for 3 weeks. In the planning we have booked in May the second course which is now open to register. We are pleased with the various positive responses during the present course and bookings for the next ROV course in May.

Boskalis hostest the IHO B group for a full day. The introduction started by Mr. Michel Preng about the task of a “Dredging Hydrographic Surveyor”.Mr. Preng explained the dredging project in detail as the accuracy for dredging and survey is within 5 centimetres. Dredging material was investigated to be polluted and needs to be dredged carefully by a “Special Cutterdredger” with assistance of a “Back Hoe”.
Dredging material is stored a special created storage.The group was split up in two as one collected the data and the other processed the previous data of that morning. All various steps was explained on board the survey vessel and in the processing room. We thank Boskalis to host the group and support during our visit.

Weather Routing explanation at “Meteo Consult” in Wageningen. Weather information was explained during a full day. The IHO B class started to learn basic information about weather, current directions, waves and how the data is explained to the client.
At the North Sea data could be changing rapidly and various clients are using “Meteo Consult” data for rigmoves and other survey operations.We also had a presentation about saving fuel as “Meteo Consult” assist their clients with their “SPOS” software ( www.meteogroup.com ).At the end of all sessions we had a tour through the building as they support various radio and television stations also with weather information.

Practical exercise along guay side of STC building in Rotterdam. Explanation of tides and velocity measurements.
After the measurements all data was executed in the class-room and compared as the group was split up in two tasks.

Today we visited the Port of Rotterdam. At the left you see the current group of students. Some registered already as early as June last year, whereas others registered only in November, when their colleagues completed the previous course. We are pleased for all students to be in Holland with the course running in Rotterdam, the biggest port of the world. We are now in the 3rd week of the course, after completing the Basic subjects of Mathematic and Nautical Science, we are now getting more and more into the hydrographic side of things. Today we started with a general introduction to Hydrography in which we, amongst others, explained the various topics to be covered and some of the industries hydrographic surveyors work in. Saipem provided an excellent DVD about the Bluestream project in which hydrographic Survey for a pipelay project was explained. The DVD also showed the S7000 in its full capacity, which we later saw in the harbour.
The Port of Rotterdam provided the students with an excellent afternoon about Survey in Ports, Multibeam and many many other things. We visited the dredging desk from which the Port of Rotterdam keeps track of its dredgers, survey areas and amount of dredged material. The students were really impressed with the amount of technology used, the general Multibeam work, the tidal effects 30km down form the sea and the explanations form one of our previous students. On top of all of this the students were split into two groups. Each group sailed with one of the Port of Rotterdam's survey vessels and performed a small Multibeam survey

The following reference was received from Noordhoek Offshore BV: "Mr. Arie Goedknegt from Skilltrade B.V. has provided the course ROV Pilot/Technician Grade II in the period from the 14th January until the first of February.

Our employees are very satisfied with the structure and the contents of the training. Even our most experienced ROV pilots were enthusiastic and told that they have learned a lot of this training. That means that this training is from a very good level.

Our company will use the experience of Skilltrade B.V. in the future."

ROV IMCA "Grade II" course

We are pleased to announce that the first group of ten selected, Filipino ROV Pilots have successfully completed the Grade II course for Allseas. The training was provided by Skilltrade at the Maritime Academy of Asian Pacific (MAAP) in the Philippines where Skilltrade was permitted use of their facilities including classrooms, computers and accommodation for the students. The Filipino subsea personnel, on long term contract to Allseas, are recruited by Multiplan / MRA. Multiplan / MRA are the co-coordinators for all logistics such as :recruitment, safety training and pre-employment medical before students start the ROV course. The course contents follow the IMCA guidelines. All students are logged in by Skilltrade into Skills XP (for future internal references), allowing us to follow-up their competence levels. Skilltrades' flexibility, market driven initiative and international network have resulted in a first major and internationally recognized increase in young and competent subsea personnel.

Survey Engineer IMCA "Grade II" course

Allseas also requested Skilltrade to train a selection of Filipino subsea personnel for a Survey Engineer course also according to "IMCA " guidelines. The course was run in Rotterdam, the Netherlands, with equipment purchased by Allseas for their Survey vessels. STC ( Shipping Transport College) provided the practical Electronic Workshop and Maritime modules, while Skilltrade provided all other modules. Additional support was provided by Seatronics, Aberdeen for Acoustics , Veripos for GPS equipment and Reson BV for the "Multibeam” equipment. Skilltrade was able to provide a comprehensive course which was completed in three weeks. The lessons in the first two weeks were divided into morning (theory)- and afternoon ( practical) sessions dealing with all user related aspects of the equipment to be utilized. The third week was used to mobilize a vessel for practical tests and measurements. Allseas have scheduled all trainees to join their vessels soon.

The third IHO course will start on January 14th at STC in Rotterdam. Participating survey departments include Rijkswaterstaat, van Oord Dredging, Global Marine Systems Ltd and the River Transport Authority of Egypt. We are pleased that Meteo Consult has agreed to present a one-day lecture on February 4th 2008. The topic of the lecture will complement the ‘Weather Routing’ and ‘Planning Your Projects Offshore’ sections of the curriculum. For more information see www.meteoconsult.nl Port of Rotterdam, Boskalis, Reson, DEEP and VanOord have agreed to run practical training and workshops for the next courses. They will host the new group on a dredging project south of Rotterdam (Hollands Diep) during which various survey techniques will be demonstrated.

On December 13th Skilltrade teaching staff spent the day evaluating the IHO B courses. Students of both courses were asked to evaluate all aspects of the curriculum including course content and teaching staff. Although the student evaluations were positive there is always room for improvement. All comments and recommendations were discussed and assessed and the curriculum adjusted where relevant. Everyone involved is excited about the improvements to the program and look forward to the new season in 2008. Thanks go to our hosts TNO for providing an excellent venue for the day.

All students were pleased that the Second Course was completed and that they could relax. The practical week and some re-exams have taken most of the students energy however most of them were pleased with the result. The “Final Report” of the practical survey was well documented and all students really did an excellent job. The Course Coordinator, Maarten Jan Theijs, made a speech for each student and a special attention for Andrew of Global Marine System Ltd. Andrew was awarded with the best list of results with he thank all teachers and other delegates of STC and Skilltrade.

An excellent day for future hydrographic surveyors as this opportunity, a visit to the survey workshop of one the world's biggest dredging companies, was provided to us. Survey equipment identification and selection is one part of the surveyor's job, and what else is involved with proper equipment preparation's maintenance and tracking became clear to the students today. Systems, databases, scanner, warehouse lay-out and correct paperwork also forms part of the job. Today showed how important it is to set up and test your survey equipment before it is send to the job. The students exercise was to set up, interface and test a survey system. An exercise to interface equipment & configure computers, think about drivers, settings and cabling for equipment like, DGPS, LRK, Echosounder, Gyro, Computers and Tidal recorder.

Today's workshop about navigation, military aspects of hydrographic surveying, tides, geodesy and UNCLOS maritime boundaries. The day started with a description by the Hydrographic Services of the tasks and responsibilities of its various departments: Planning, Geodesy & Tides, Technical & Developments & Production. Not only did we observe the actual plotting of navigational charts but we were also provided with a test demonstration of a new product called "Digiplot". Another presentation was about the production of Electronic Navigational Charts (ENC’s), which are produced in compliance with the S-57 format of the International Hydrographic Organisation (IHO) and meet all SOLAS requirements.

This quarter we are pleased that Bluestream is hosting the “Introduction to Hydrography” Course on 22 & 23 November in Den Helder. Mr. Michel Hebert and Gerrit-Jan Kranenburg of Bluestream have expressed an interest in this course as well as ROV Sensor and Project Management Courses in the first quarter of 2008. We welcome new attendees who are active direct or indirectly in the Hydrography industry. Please contact Johan Stam for more information.

After all the theory of the last weeks it was time for the students to do some practical work themselves. Geometius BV (www.geometius.nl) kindly lent us five GIS / Mapping type dGPS receivers (GeoXT and GeoXH) as well as an accompanying instructor; Marcel Jansen. The first hours were spent in the classroom where Marcel taught the students the basics of the receiver and software. Then the class went outside where, in groups of two, they were assigned a number of practical exercises.

From the assignments the students learnt the do's and don'ts of GPS surveying onshore. For example they learnt what the effect of shading the horizon has on the quality of the GPS position. In the afternoon the students prepared a project entailing the creation of a data dictionary, the actual data collection of part of the Rotterdam harbour and the processing of the data

After today's exams about tides, water levels, currents and waves plus legal aspects we drove to Zierikzee in the south west of Holland to visit Noordhoek Offshore. Paul van Waalwijk van Doorn had arranged two workshops for the day: "data processing" and "ROTV". After a general presentation, from David, about the company the students split into two groups for the workshops. The frist group went to the workshop where they saw Noordhoek's new ROTV. Proper explanations about the ROTV set-up, interfacing and the equipment involved plus possible installed survey sensors proved the survey capabilities of the ROTV. Later on, in the test basin, we observed two divers involve din training exercises. The processing workshop discussed the various software packages used from Qinsy to VisualSoft, each with its own applications. Most interesting part was first about the processing of all individual sensors and subsequently bringing all the data together. Comparing and interpreting bathy, SSS and video information, thus comparing similar data sets from the different survey sensors.

This course we have the pleasure of introducing a couple of new lecturers, each with their own field of expertise. First and foremost we are very pleased with the addition of Mr van Dam to our team. Other new lecturers are Ben de Ridder (www.cybenny.nl) who lectures on ICT and Sicco Kamminga (www.qmetrix.nl) who lecturers on currents and waves. For those outside the Netherlands, who are not familiar with his name, Mr van Dam was the initiator, course leader and hydrographic survey subject lecturer of the Hydrography Survey class " A" course in Amsterdam, for which he was responsible from 1982 onwards. The practical joke amongst the Dutch surveyors was that he actually trained and instructed all Ducth Hydrographic Surveyors up to his own retirement a couple of years ago. Mr van Dam currently lecturers the subject of the Tides ad he subscribes to the practical methods of our particular hydrographic survey course.

Being in the 4th week of the course we visited Reson in their Rotterdam offices. Starting with the history of multibeam survey equipment the students found out that only since the late eighties / early nineties multibeam echo sounders became available to the survey industry. Reson multibeam applications range from a kind of underwater radar to identify and track moving targets to marine research and hydrographic survey applications. Multibeams available can take depth measurements from 0.5m to 12kilometers, the applications of the newly introduced Reson7000 series were disclosed and the students were introduced to acoustic noise, range settings, filtering and other sensors required for a proper multibeam survey. An interesting discussion followed after Reson presented a project that had been awarded to them in which they had to supply every piece of equipment. This ranged from GPS, computers, sound velocity meters, Pitch&Roll sensors, echo sounders, survey room lay-out, interfacing to PDS2000 survey software etc etc Thus once more creating awareness to the students of what is actually all involved for a proper survey set up. Last but not least we saw data from the new 7125 MBES and equipment in the workshop.

Nothing beats the hands on experience and the Port of Rotterdam invited us for a workshop about the hydrographic survey responsibilities of the hydrographic department of the Port of Rotterdam PoR). We were welcomed with a presentation about the various tasks of this survey department, like actual water level measurements, tidal information, currents, wave heights, density and salinity measurements. What followed were two workshops about the PoR activities and its dredging desk & an actual multibeam survey. Most impressive were the two brand new survey vessels the PoR took delivery of in April and June this year. The way the survey room was set up was well thought over and the QPS survey software exposed the students to yet again another way of collecting and presenting data. During the survey we sailed past AllSeas new pipe lay vessel the "Audacia", allowing us a close up look of its design and stinger.

How can you get students interested in surveying and the dredging Industry? VanOord just did that by organising a workshop on an actual project site. The students were welcomed by the project surveyor and the VanOord survey Manager in IJmuiden. After a comprehensive introduction about VanOord, its projects, its fleet of dredgers and the works of a surveyor in the dredging industry the first coffee break was a combined with some practical comprehension of RTK DGPS. After the break a complete explanation followed of the IJmuiden project and the works of the hydrographic surveyor from planning, collecting data, processing to charting and providing the dredger with the required information in time. Lunch was followed by a trip to the cutter dredger, "AEGIR", where the students were welcomed by the captain and her crew. The group was split in two and one half of the students received a tour and explanation of the cutter dredger by the captain while the other half went onboard the survey launch for a TS-dip and a multibeam survey with the project surveyor. In the afternoon the students could see first-hand how the cutter dredger operates and how the mud/sand is transported by pipeline towards the barges. While sailing back to the project office, passing the Pontra Maris and the HAM601, the day was concluded with explanation of the projects these vessels are involved in.

For the fourth time this year an introduction Hydrography course was organised at the STC in Rotterdam. Almost ten candidates participated from the following companies: Atlis BV, Loodswezen, Reson BV, SeaBed BV andSeaway Heavy Lifting. The candidates work as engineer, managing director, pilot, database expert, support engineer, marketing manager, operations manager or proposal manager. This plus the variety of backgrounds of the participants resulted in a sound two days of presentations, discussions, hydrohraphic understanding together with sharing of opinions, knowledge and experiences.

On 15 June 2007 Professor Tan Soon Keat and Dr. Xiao Zhangmin from Nayang Technological University and Miss Lee Yuashan and Mr. Ng Yi Han from the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore visited the Rijkswaterstaat Multi Purpose Vessel ARCA. They were welcomed by Dr. Cees Laban and Mr. Frans van Dongen, chairman and secretary of the Dutch Ocean Group. Mr. Geert Mosterdijk demonstrated the SeaDarQ Oil Spill Detection System. Mr Johan Stam discussed the training and education services provided by Skilltrade Training

Skilltrade supports the MS Research Foundation and on this day Skilltrade made a donation to the foundation and participated in the 2007 Voorschoten Golf Open.
8 team members tackled the course which was set up in the beautifull town of Voorschoten in Holland. Greens were laid out on the existing golf course, parks, farmland and around some of the ponds in Voorschoten. Many lost balls, some rainy weather and an excellent organisation and good cause contributed to a entertaining day.

For the practical survey project the students were handed the task to perform a survey with a survey launch in the Rotterdam harbour right opposite the STC college. In the middle of the -nieuwe maas- a site, 500 by 300m, had to be surveyed and charted. Equipment was provided by DEEP, Reson and VanOord.

The students had to plan, mobilise, install, interface, calibrate all equipment, cabling, sensors and computers from scratch. After calibrations and checks the vessel was accepted by the client and the survey commenced, thus requiring good survey, nautical, communications and helmsman skills from all the students.

After demobilising the survey launch and returning all equipment to its respective suppliers the students processed the data using Qinsy software and produced a comprehensive project report containing: Survey specifications, project preparation, safety and regulation, equipment, mobilisation, calibrations, data collection, survey plan and control, data acquisition, processing with daily logs, survey set up, appendixes plus charts and volume calculations.

The project brought together all theoretical and practical knowledge gained in the previous 11 weeks. It was a real test to see how it all came together as setting up and interfacing in real time is something completely different from discussing it in a lecture. The students did an excellent job. The students input, communications and organisation is something they can be proud of. Without doubt we will contract again the 1st class international (survey company: SeaWatcher) for such a survey project

The exhibition provided a good platform for the latest developments in our Hydrography Survey industry. With over 160 stands , presentations, demonstrations of equipment and well organized social parties we were pleased to explain our company and training objectives. Maarten-Jan Theijs teaches in an afternoon over 16 interested people from different parts of the world.Johan Stam presented a lecture about the different Skilltrade survey modules and the Class B Hydrographic Survey course which has been submitted to the IHO and should be recognized in June by the IHO / FIG /ICA committee in Hamburg. The hydrographic survey course is a practical course and contains 9 or 11 or 12 weeks of education depending on the students background and experience. With a great interest in our practical Class -B- IHO hydrographic survey course program, various survey modules and stand we were pleased to have attended the Oceans Offshore Business 2007 show

After a word of welcome from Dutch Navy Commander Captain de Haan of the Royal Dutch Navy Hydrographic Service were given a presentation on their activities in Dutch and Caribbean waters. Mr. Jan Schaap talked about the organisation of the Hydrographic Department and Mr. Marco Kwanten explained in detail the tides and boundaries. Mr. J. Appelman told us about their two new survey vessels and their tasks for the year. He explained what you can do with a Class B diploma and available trainee places. A tour along the various departments provided a very interesting overview of their tasks, responsibilities and new developments. A perfect combination of translating knowledge into practical training.

On the 14th Feb, Reson arranged a lecture from & visit to their company in Rotterdam. Many thanks for making this possible goes to Ellen Stuifbergen, Nico van Woerkom and Bas Moerman. Reson started with a presentation about the company, their products, product development and some projects. A lecture followed about multibeam echosounders, the usage of software, configuration of survey sensors and some equipment of the Reson product range were on display. Digital terrain models (DTM) of multibeam echousounder data was shown, edited and displayed with the help of Reson's software package, PDS2000. It was interesting to hear and understand the reasons behind the use of the back scatter of a Side Scan Sonar or a Multibeam. Dr Van Heteren explained a lot about sand wave migration, sediment composition, sediment transport, seabed mobility and the impact the weather can have on the data that is collected. Dr Laban concluded the day by lecturing about the various sampling techniques and the importance of knowing at which depth or in which sediment type you will take your sample and so choosing your equipment.

A visit to Amsterdam, which started by arriving at DEEPS office in the North of Amsterdam. Gert-Jan Siepel, Willem Knoops en Dieuwertje Smallenburg made this all possible. We started the afternoon with a tour of the company and a presentation about DEEP and the variety of projects the company is involved in around the world. Diewertje and Willem had compiled a case study about an actual project. This required the students to put all their knowledge together and put on some differents hats for organising, technical equipment specifications, ascertain requirements and planning. The case study was well received and allowed the students to look from different perspective at a complete hydrography project.

On the 14th Feb, Reson arranged a lecture from & visit to their company in Rotterdam. Many thanks for making this possible goes to Ellen Stuifbergen, Nico van Woerkom and Bas Moerman. Reson started with a presentation about the company, their products, product development and some projects. A lecture followed about multibeam echosounders, the usage of software, configuration of survey sensors and some equipment of the Reson product range were on display. Digital terrain models (DTM) of multibeam echousounder data was shown, edited and displayed with the help of Reson's software package, PDS2000.

A visit to the Port of Rotterdam, responsible for the waterways of the entire Rotterdam harbour was made possible with the help of Arie Noordijk, Herman Meijer, Jeroen van Reenen and Willem Snoek. A full explanation about the organisation, port maintenance, dredging, disposal, surveying, data processing, charting, tides, currents and waves. The lecture wasa followed by some actual survey work and data collecting onboard one of the survey vessels. The Port of Rotterdam measures in waterdepths ranging from 6-34m and takes out about 20M cubic meters of mud. The frequency of surveys of particular areas in the Port of Rotterdam ranges from once every 3weeks to only once a year. Thr Port of Rotterdam has set up its own GPS RTK reference system. We ended with an interesting question about depth and density and how it is measured.

We would like to thank AllSeas and in particular Dick Hendriks, Rein de Vries, Captain: Carlo Floor and Remon Geeven for our visit to the anchor lay barge the Tog Mor. We started with an introduction to AllSeas and the type of work, projects and surveys the company is involved with. A more detailed explanation of hydrographic surveys, equipment and software followed. After more discussions on the bridge about the survey work area and anchor lay pattern we received an in depth tour of the Tog Mor by the Captain. He showed showed us the ins and outs and peculiars of a anchor lay-barge. Finishing off the morning with an excellent lunch.

Steve Ritchie is impressed with the "Handbook Offshore Surveying" of Skilltrade and take a good look.

Some companies prefer to run a survey module with a particular subject. We have trained the Saipem AGIP KCO, Kazachstan survey team for the Skilltrade module Offshore Construction Surveyor- at the STC premises in Rotterdam. All applicants received the -Skilltrade handbook personally-.