Embark on a journey with RECOA

Join the premier industry-recognised education programme for risk management of unexploded ordnance in offshore development sites.

This education programme aims to inform a wide range of personnel about the methods and equipment used to mitigate seabed remnants of war. Understanding the risks posed by remnants of war to offshore energy development requires an inquisitive mind, an accumulation of practical understanding, the application of knowledge, and the ability to accurately communicate observations. There are various methods used by expert technicians to lower or remove these risks which need to be fully understood by those approving and witnessing the neutralisation operations.
Consequently, the UXO education programme is designed to combine these elements and help the candidate understand the requirements for a wide range of situations they may encounter

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  • Topic: UXO – Explosive Remnants of War - Specialist Course

  • Estimated study time: More than 6 hours of self-paced studies, to be completed within 17 weeks of enrolment

  • Price: € 495, ex. VAT*

  • Language: English

  • Instructors:
    Chris Weaver - Senior Instructor
    Martin Warming - RECOA Founder & Managing Partner

  • * VAT is subject to Student and/or Clients country of registry. VAT exemptions may apply .

Learning Goals

Technical Knowledge

You will understand how different explosive weapons work and the methods used to locate and assess the risk from unexploded ordnance (UXO)

Risk Reduction

You will be aware of the complex risks from unexploded weapons encountered during offshore development operations and the mitigation methods commonly used.

Documentation

You will understand the procedures & documentation required for UXO clearance operations and the importance of Sign-Off Certificates issued before the main construction work can begin.

Here’s what offshore
wind professionals say about the course

"What I found most valuable in the course was the application of the practical GIS map for a planned Offshore Wind Farm and associated offshore export and array cables"

The UXO course was especially helpful for me in my professional development as an Offshore Cable Installation Client Representative. What I found most valuable in the course was the application of the practical GIS map for a planned Offshore Wind Farm and associated offshore export and array cables. I would highly recommend the course due to the double value of both the UXO and GIS lessons.

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by Dean Dalton

"The course is well structured, with detailed material, clear presentations, and tests of knowledge at the end of each chapter"

My feedback is very positive. The course is well structured, with detailed material, clear presentations, and tests of knowledge at the end of each chapter. I've enhanced my skill set, especially with the first module (categories of explosives, mechanism of underwater explosion, artillery munitions, etc.) and the items of the second one that are closer to my qualifications.

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by Sabina Melandri

"It is the best awareness/guidance training for building a thorough knowledge on challenges relating to UXO/ERW operations in the commercial domain"

This course is excellent value for money. More importantly, in my opinion, it is the best awareness/guidance training for building a thorough knowledge on challenges relating to UXO/ERW operations in the commercial domain outside military training and I fully recommend it.

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by Khushal Khan

The UXO Course is for you if you can say yes to at least one of the following ...

  • I am involved in managing subsea construction operations

  • I have experience as an Offshore Client Representative.

  • I am an experienced offshore or maritime professional.

  • I am involved in geophysical or hydrographic surveying

  • I am a technical graduate who wants to progress further in an offshore career

  • I am a professional Environmental Observer, Marine Mammal Observer, or other stakeholder representative

The Course Broadly Covers

  • Which different types of UXO could be encountered
  • Risks involved with remnants of war
  • The analytical approach used to determine risks
  • Various stages of seabed UXO mitigation
  • Sensors and tools used to find UXOs
  • Documentation associated with UXO mitigation
  • Methods to locate and dispose of explosive remnants of war
  • Potential effects of UXO disposal on various marine creatures


What is included in the course

High quality videos and
tailor made knowledge
directly from our industry expert
High Quality Video lessons

Interactive Presentations
and Quizzes to test your knowledge
Interactive Lessons & Quizzes
Illustration of the current methodologies
for UXO mitigation
Illustration & Case Studies
Terminology commonly used in UXO operations
Common UXO Terminology
After passing the final exam,
you will receive a digital,
printable certificate
Certificate of Completion
Where you can network with other professionals,
get updates on events and job hires.
Student Community

About the UXO Specialist Course

Unexploded ordnance poses a significant risk in many parts of the world, and the safe neutralisation of munitions found within the subsea development areas where offshore renewables are being installed is essential before any seabed construction work can begin.

Industry experts will conduct the physical neutralisation processes, but a wide range of management and support personnel will also be involved in decision-making to reduce the risk to As Low As Reasonably Practicable (ALARP).

Throughout the process, there will be options to redesign the essential assets to avoid the risk or to deal with the neutralisation at the site, but some mitigation methods may be unacceptable to other stakeholders. Consequently, Developers, Contractors and Stakeholders must be aware of the options available to reduce risks to an acceptable level.


What can you expect from this course?

This education package is presented in two separate modules, each about 3 hours long. We have focused on offshore wind farm sites and subsea cable routes in this current version, but much of the content is equally pertinent to developers planning and installing other subsea infrastructure such as pipelines.

This course will certainly not teach you how to disarm unexploded ammunition – that specialist work is undertaken by expert personnel, many of whom have had long careers in the military; but you will gain a detailed insight into how it’s done.

Our aim is to supply the background information so that onshore management teams, offshore representatives, vessel managers and surveyors understand how the work will be conducted and where they will interface closely with the UXO experts. 

There are a surprising number of different weapons scattered on the seabed, and in some locations, their abundance can be daunting. Construction noise is one of the greatest concerns during offshore development work, and the neutralisation of seabed UXOs using explosive charges can cause permanent damage to many creatures. During the course, we’ll also be examining alternative, quieter render safe methods that have now been successfully introduced.

Your instructors are not just passing on material from textbooks,
they are sharing their first-hand practical knowledge.

Martin Warming

Martin Warming

Collaborating Instructor | RECOA
Co-Founder | RECOA

Area of Expertise:
Design, Risk and Construction management.

Chris Weaver

Chris Weaver

Senior Instructor | RECOA

Area of Expertise:
Offshore and onshore construction.