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Alumni article Date: February 27, 2014 Working offshore: Geomatics globetrotter By Marjolein Koudijs, Geomatics Alumna One of my biggest love affairs in life is with traveling: Exploring the world. Not because I like great holidays, but because of the diversity of the environment. Different cultures, different languages, and the people you meet. With your Geomatics degree you will be able to experience this lifestyle while working offshore. My job as a Senior Data Processor with Allseas gives me the opportunity to work in an international environment with people from all over the world. I work in the survey team on a survey vessel, and am responsible for the data acquisition, modelling, and representation of pipelines at the seafloor. With the use of a remote operated vehicle (ROV), equipped with a sonar system and cameras, we can perform underwater surveys. With advanced software and 3D modelling techniques, the seabed topography can be created as well as a model of the pipeline. Life in a survey vessel is a really interesting working environment. First of all, we support the biggest pipelay vessel in the world (Solitaire). The survey vessel is a lot smaller, but a very important partner of the pipelay vessel. Furthermore the sunsets at sea can be absolutely amazing. I currently work in Australia, which has a cornucopia of marine life, such as; whales, dolphins, sharks, etc. The crew is predominantly male, and as a lady I have had to learn to excel in a man’s world. With a good attitude it is possible to do the job like a man but still be a woman. At sea I face a lot of circumstances in which I have to rely solely on my team. When problems occur, support onshore is not always available due to the remoteness at sea, or because of the different time zones. It is therefore important to be a flexible person, with a pragmatic mind-set, and able to think outside of the box. While working at sea, the working week consists of 12-hour shifts, 7 days a week. It seems like a lot but with the diversity of the job, time flies and before you realise it you are on your way home. Sometimes it is not easy to be away from home for a few weeks, missing your family and friends. Fortunately all other people on board have the same problem so you will soon have lots of new friends which you will miss during your time at home. I believe working offshore enriches me with an amazing experience which I would never have gained working in an office.
