SPONSORS OF UNEXPLODED ORDNANCE
In this challenging society Ramora are called out more and more. They work very closely with the HSE and local agencies – should explosives require storage or collection Ramora can provide safe and secure removal and despatch.
DISPOSAL/DETONATION Within the wind industry the team are called upon to check and in many cases remove UXOs. They provide a re-active service and are teamed with maritime divers and ROV specialists.
A subsea survey is undertaken. If an item of UXO is detected they must inform DECC or Maritime Management Organisation and apply for a permit. This can take anything from 4 days (exceptional circumstances) or anything up to several months – a bureaucratic stopper. However this ensures that the business operation is effective, thus allowing the progress of the project in an orderly effective manner.
Once underwater they use sonar to locate the UXO and connect elements of their Remote Explosive Ordnance Disposal System (REODS) to safely relocate of disposal of the item. Should the item need to be disposed of in situ, there is usually a team of 3, comprising of a Superintendent, and 2 man EOD team. ROVs are used for the entire operation unless conditions dictate diver intervention.
ROVS V DIVING
If the water is less than 30 metres they utilise the ROVs – however this can be a struggle. If recovering an UXO they can undertake a quick dive. Dependent on the tidal window, they usually have 50 minutes of dive time per tidal window (every 6 hours). Should the item be a small one they detonate approximately 250 metres away, however should it be a larger one the required distance for detonation is 1000 metres away.
SETTING A PRECEDENT Ramora was the first commercial company to be called upon to remove pipemines from a number of sites around the UK. These have been discovered more recently when landowners are purchasing to build, searches are undertaken/geophysical surveys and UXO studies pending removal. It’s literally a boom time!
MOTIVATION & ATTITUDE A very down to earth and modest man, when asked to describe himself... “I don’t do regrets or looking back, the past cannot be changed, find a solution.” His motivation is life itself.
It is abundantly clear that this is a vocation to Dave. Holidays? – not had one since 1999, his weekends are his ‘holidays’. He delights in watching people develop and credits his ‘team’ for the support within the company and making it all possible – all have a tenacious attitude and thrive on the adrenalin.
INSPIRATION
When asked if there is one person who has inspired him throughout his career, he could not attribute it to just one. His mother has been an inspiration to him, he never knew his father as he sadly died when he was young, an only child he had a strict upbringing which was the grounding for the future.
Throughout his career he has had exposure to very credible people who have taught him much. With this mixture of influences, he has aspired to many things. He mentions he has a special bond with his Grandfather, again whom he sadly did not have the opportunity to meet, however he has been told he is almost the double of him. His Grandfather was also in the Navy and had all the characteristics that Dave has, perhaps his guiding light – we are all said to have one!
AIMS & ASPIRATIONS Looking to becoming a palatable replacement for the Ministry of Defence Bomb Disposal Teams Capable of undertaking ammunition/munition disposal and dealing with hazardous (explosive) waste, they have the skills, expertise and equipment to undertake this level of service.
UNUSUAL CIRCUMSTANCES He and his team (some commercial) were posted overseas in North Africa to undertake a project. Suffice to say he was ‘forcibly kept against his will’; overseas militaries have a different set of rules it would seem to here! He was arrested twice, questioned over the explosives he was holding (dispite of course all with the relevant licences). Not a pleasant situation to have your liberty taken. However his powers of negotiation succeeded and all were released! An intimidating and hugely uncomfortable situation for all to endure!
“I DON’T DO REGRETS OR LOOKING BACK”
HOW TO UNWIND? Marginally slowing down! Walking their exuberant Springer Spaniel (who was trained as ‘sniffer’ but not in an official capacity – more for leisure – a YTS!) In fact his four legged friend is an official stress buster and it has been mooted that he may well have a place on the team – in the office! Pre-requisite for new recruits to be a dog lover!
HOBBIES:
Leisure constitutes research! Dave has a passion for the subject of underwater counter-terrorism, and finds the psychology of this fascinating – the complexities of limpet mines and terrorist devices – and how to counteract these! He continues his quest for knowledge unstintingly!
WHAT THE FUTURE HOLDS... To grow into areas and provide a service with the police/government as well as responding and moving forward with the wind energy industry.
There is no doubt that Dave is an exceptionally modest man who is an excellent orator and motivator and his passion and professionalism within this highly charged industry is likened to a luminary! If he reads this he will no doubt deny it! Upon our discussions I can confirm it!
Fliss Chaffer Wind Energy Network
www.windenergynetwork.co.uk
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