News
Beyond the Certificate: What our Trainers Really Think About CPD
September 2026
What does meaningful CPD really look like and what makes training genuinely worthwhile?
In our latest blog, we asked Offshore Marine Academy trainers Paul Potter and Paul Hampton and Academy Manager Mat Vickers to share their experiences and insights into professional development, from the importance of engagement and shared experience to putting new knowledge into practice.
Discover why, for our trainers, CPD is about far more than simply earning a certificate.
What does meaningful CPD really look like and what makes training genuinely worthwhile?
In our latest blog, we asked Offshore Marine Academy trainers Paul Potter and Paul Hampton and Academy Manager Mat Vickers to share their experiences and insights into professional development, from the importance of engagement and shared experience to putting new knowledge into practice.
Discover why, for our trainers, CPD is about far more than simply earning a certificate.
Offshore Friendships
August 2026
Offshore life can be challenging, but it also creates friendships that last a lifetime. Following International Friendship Day on 30th July, we contacted Offshore Marine Academy's friend and industry professional Sonia Carley, to get her account of how working offshore has shaped some of her closest friendships.
Offshore life can be challenging, but it also creates friendships that last a lifetime. Following International Friendship Day on 30th July, we contacted Offshore Marine Academy's friend and industry professional Sonia Carley, to get her account of how working offshore has shaped some of her closest friendships.
Building a Stronger Path into the Offshore Industry Through Knowledge-Based Training
May 2026
The offshore industry continues to attract professionals from a wide range of backgrounds, from marine operations and engineering to renewables, subsea services, and offshore construction. While many people are looking for a clear route into the sector, the reality is that there is rarely a single direct path.
The offshore industry continues to attract professionals from a wide range of backgrounds, from marine operations and engineering to renewables, subsea services, and offshore construction. While many people are looking for a clear route into the sector, the reality is that there is rarely a single direct path.
Safety First, Always: Lessons from an Offshore Medic
April 2026
28th April is World Day for Safety & Health at Work where the focus is on creating and promoting a positive health and safety culture to help reduce the number of work-related deaths and injuries.
It serves as an important reminder, for ourselves, our colleagues and our contractors, of what HSE truly represents: ensuring that everyone returns home/to their cabin safely at the end of the day.
28th April is World Day for Safety & Health at Work where the focus is on creating and promoting a positive health and safety culture to help reduce the number of work-related deaths and injuries.
It serves as an important reminder, for ourselves, our colleagues and our contractors, of what HSE truly represents: ensuring that everyone returns home/to their cabin safely at the end of the day.
From Cleaner to Client Representative
March 2026
To mark International Women’s Day, we’re proud to share the inspiring story of one of our contractors, Sonia Carley. Reflecting on her remarkable journey from self-employed cleaner and single parent to offshore geotechnical professional and Client Representative. Her story is a powerful reminder that determination, curiosity, and resilience can open doors to extraordinary careers.
To mark International Women’s Day, we’re proud to share the inspiring story of one of our contractors, Sonia Carley. Reflecting on her remarkable journey from self-employed cleaner and single parent to offshore geotechnical professional and Client Representative. Her story is a powerful reminder that determination, curiosity, and resilience can open doors to extraordinary careers.
Permanent vs Contract Employment in Offshore Wind
February 2026
The offshore wind industry is booming. With global projects accelerating across Europe, Asia, and the Americas, demand for skilled professionals has never been higher. As the sector scales at pace, many professionals find themselves facing a key career decision: contract or permanent employment?
The offshore wind industry is booming. With global projects accelerating across Europe, Asia, and the Americas, demand for skilled professionals has never been higher. As the sector scales at pace, many professionals find themselves facing a key career decision: contract or permanent employment?
Waves of Pride: Celebrating Offshore Success – Competition winner
December 2025
We’re proud to present the winning entry of our Waves of Pride: Celebrating Offshore Success competition. Congratulations to Roger Maitland, whose story reflects the dedication, professionalism, and spirit that define the offshore community.
We’re proud to present the winning entry of our Waves of Pride: Celebrating Offshore Success competition. Congratulations to Roger Maitland, whose story reflects the dedication, professionalism, and spirit that define the offshore community.
Navigating Talent Shortages in Offshore Wind
October 2025
The wind industry is entering a period of unprecedented growth. Offshore wind in particular is at the forefront of the global energy transition, with ambitious build-out targets across the UK, Europe, and beyond. Yet alongside this rapid expansion lies one of the industry’s greatest challenges: a shortage of skilled talent to deliver projects on time and to the highest standard.
The wind industry is entering a period of unprecedented growth. Offshore wind in particular is at the forefront of the global energy transition, with ambitious build-out targets across the UK, Europe, and beyond. Yet alongside this rapid expansion lies one of the industry’s greatest challenges: a shortage of skilled talent to deliver projects on time and to the highest standard.
Through My Lens: Capturing the Beauty and Extremes of Offshore Life
September 2025
"Working offshore provides me with a unique environment for my photography. Very few people get to see the day-to-day lives we live at sea, the vessels, operations, the diverse crews, the amazing views and the most breath-taking sunrises and sunsets" - Sonia Carley, Offshore Client Rep. Read her exquisite account of the beauty and extremes of offshore life in her latest blog.
"Working offshore provides me with a unique environment for my photography. Very few people get to see the day-to-day lives we live at sea, the vessels, operations, the diverse crews, the amazing views and the most breath-taking sunrises and sunsets" - Sonia Carley, Offshore Client Rep. Read her exquisite account of the beauty and extremes of offshore life in her latest blog.
End-of-Year Address – Managing Director, Rob Grimmond
December 2025
Offshore Marine People and Offshore Marine Academy originally joined forces to simplify our offering to the international market. In 2025, however, growing demand across both people supply and training has highlighted the need for renewed focus. As a result, we are moving towards a strategic separation of the two businesses...
Offshore Marine People and Offshore Marine Academy originally joined forces to simplify our offering to the international market. In 2025, however, growing demand across both people supply and training has highlighted the need for renewed focus. As a result, we are moving towards a strategic separation of the two businesses...
Celebrating a Decade of Offshore Excellence: OCR Alumni Success Stories
August 2025
As we celebrate 10 years of the Offshore Client Representative (OCR) Course, we’re turning the spotlight onto the people behind the progress: our alumni. Their stories show us that learning doesn’t stop at the classroom door, it extends offshore, into every decision made, every team led, and every challenge overcome.
As we celebrate 10 years of the Offshore Client Representative (OCR) Course, we’re turning the spotlight onto the people behind the progress: our alumni. Their stories show us that learning doesn’t stop at the classroom door, it extends offshore, into every decision made, every team led, and every challenge overcome.
How to Attract Millennials and Gen Z to the Offshore Industry
July 2025
To explore the challenges and opportunities facing younger professionals, we spoke with Gordon Foot, a seasoned maritime operations expert with over 35 years’ experience, and Tom Caple, an undergraduate engineer just beginning his journey into offshore wind. Their perspectives highlight what the sector is getting right—and where it still has work to do.
To explore the challenges and opportunities facing younger professionals, we spoke with Gordon Foot, a seasoned maritime operations expert with over 35 years’ experience, and Tom Caple, an undergraduate engineer just beginning his journey into offshore wind. Their perspectives highlight what the sector is getting right—and where it still has work to do.
What is Hydrographic Surveying?
June 2025
Long before satellites and sonar, daring mariners ventured into the unknown with little more than a lead line and a whole lot of nerve. Offshore surveying has come a long way since those early days of exploration, evolving into a high-tech, high-stakes field critical to modern industry, safety, and science. From navigating treacherous coastlines centuries ago to laying deep-sea cables today, hydrographic surveys have played a quiet but vital role in our relationship with the ocean.
Long before satellites and sonar, daring mariners ventured into the unknown with little more than a lead line and a whole lot of nerve. Offshore surveying has come a long way since those early days of exploration, evolving into a high-tech, high-stakes field critical to modern industry, safety, and science. From navigating treacherous coastlines centuries ago to laying deep-sea cables today, hydrographic surveys have played a quiet but vital role in our relationship with the ocean.
Life as an Offshore Surveyor: Behind the Scenes
June 2025
We recently caught up with Tim Bishop, a highly experienced Offshore Surveyor, to hear first-hand what life offshore is really like, how the industry has evolved, and what advice he has for those considering the career path.
We recently caught up with Tim Bishop, a highly experienced Offshore Surveyor, to hear first-hand what life offshore is really like, how the industry has evolved, and what advice he has for those considering the career path.
Mental Health Awareness Week 2025: Strength in Community Offshore & Beyond
May 2025
As we mark Mental Health Awareness Week 2025, we’re encouraged to reflect on this year’s powerful theme: Community. For those of us working offshore, this message couldn’t be more relevant.
As we mark Mental Health Awareness Week 2025, we’re encouraged to reflect on this year’s powerful theme: Community. For those of us working offshore, this message couldn’t be more relevant.
Celebrating Women of OMPA This International Women’s Day
March 2025
This International Women’s Day, we’re celebrating the incredible women driving OMPA. From recruitment to finance, they bring passion and innovation to all they do. Join us in celebrating their achievements and meeting the powerhouse team behind OMPA!
This International Women’s Day, we’re celebrating the incredible women driving OMPA. From recruitment to finance, they bring passion and innovation to all they do. Join us in celebrating their achievements and meeting the powerhouse team behind OMPA!
Maximising LinkedIn: How to Get Noticed by Recruiters
February 2025
LinkedIn isn’t just an online CV —it’s your personal brand, your digital handshake, and your golden ticket to exciting career opportunities. But are you really making the most of it?
LinkedIn isn’t just an online CV —it’s your personal brand, your digital handshake, and your golden ticket to exciting career opportunities. But are you really making the most of it?
Top Interview Tips for Landing a Permanent Offshore Position
November 2024
As the offshore industry continues to evolve, we notice more companies investing in their internal teams by offering permanent positions. When securing a permanent position, an interview will be required—grounded upon the idea of testing your skills and experience, and how they relate to the wider team and business values. Our People Manager, Summer Edwards shares some simple but powerful tips on how you can boost your chances of success.
As the offshore industry continues to evolve, we notice more companies investing in their internal teams by offering permanent positions. When securing a permanent position, an interview will be required—grounded upon the idea of testing your skills and experience, and how they relate to the wider team and business values. Our People Manager, Summer Edwards shares some simple but powerful tips on how you can boost your chances of success.
Unlock Your Potential: The Power of CPD Training in the Offshore Industry
September 2024
In the fast paced world of offshore marine operations, staying ahead isn’t just a good idea - it’s
vital. To thrive, you need to be prepared for whatever comes your way. That’s where Continuing
Professional Development (CPD) plays a crucial role.
In the fast paced world of offshore marine operations, staying ahead isn’t just a good idea - it’s
vital. To thrive, you need to be prepared for whatever comes your way. That’s where Continuing
Professional Development (CPD) plays a crucial role.
10 Core Qualities of Effective Offshore Operational Personnel
July 2024
Success in the contracting world is not just about having the right technical skills or qualifications. It’s about having the right blend of personal attributes, professional ethics, and effective communication skills as well as how you interact with your team, how you manage crises, and how you maintain safety and productivity.
Success in the contracting world is not just about having the right technical skills or qualifications. It’s about having the right blend of personal attributes, professional ethics, and effective communication skills as well as how you interact with your team, how you manage crises, and how you maintain safety and productivity.