Lagos — Deep-water operations in the Gulf of Guinea is set for a boost by the activities of the Society for Underwater Technology (SUT), which recently established the Sub-saharan Africa branch with headquarters in Lagos.

Nigeria was first on the list of specialised nations for activities to arrange the successful and highly renowned (SUT) Subsea Awareness Course, for individuals and organisations, with a common interest in under-water technology, ocean science and offshore engineering.

Ross Agazuma, who is the pioneer chairperson for the new branch, said SUT was founded in 1966 and now has members in more than 40 countries. The association is headquartered in London with branches in Norway, U.K , U.S.A , Brazil , Australia, Malaysia and Nigeria.

He further disclosed that through its numerous learning and membership programmes, SUT will enhance Subsea capacity building within the Gulf of Guinea especially at this time of unprecedented deep-water exploration success in the region.

To this end, he said arrangements have been concluded to hold the first Subsea Awareness Course in Nigeria, come 2010. Originally developed by Shell, and taken over by SUT, the seven-day course is suitable for engineers who are new to the offshore industry, top level industry managers, and those transferring from other disciplines within the industry. Others include engineers who have worked in subsea previously, but who would benefit from a refresher course and exposure to the latest technology.

In her contribution, the SUT Events Manager for Sub-saharan Africa, Omolua Oyakhire, noted that history is being made as the Subsea Awareness Course will be holding for the very first time on African soil. She disclosed further that Subsea U.K and the National Subsea Research Institute will lead major oil producing and service companies to contribute to the course. Some of the companies include FMC Technologies, Cecon ASA, Technip, Shell, Total, BP, Castrol Offshore, Aker Solutions, 2H Offshore, Global Maritime, Cooper Cameron, Subsea7, Intec SEA , Fugro, OAG Technologies, Framo Engineering Oceaneering, Schlumberger, Dof Subsea, Duco and Statoilhydro

Expounding on the mandate of the society, Agazuma added that the SUT aims to promote further understanding of the under-water environment and encourage cross-fertilisation and dissemination of ideas, experience and information between members in academic research, applied research and technology, industry and government. It also seeks the development of techniques and tools to explore, study and exploit the oceans as well as achieve proper economic and sociological use of resources in and beneath the oceans.

In addition, he said Subsea is concerned about the further education of scientists and technologists to maintain high standards in marine science technology and offshore engineering. The Society provides its members with a forum for communication through technical publications, events, branches and specialist interest groups.