UNEXPLODED ORDNANCE - Wind Energy Network

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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