Highland subsea centre keeps head above water

A subsea training centre is said to have turned a corner after receiving industry support to secure its future.

Industry and public bodies including Oil & Gas UK, Subsea 7, Technipfmc, Premier Oil and Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) have collaborated to support The Underwater Centre, based on the shore of Loch Linnhe, and ensure its future success.

The company will now operate as a not-for-profit business limited by guarantee, which will be funded and supported by its members, comprising operators, service companies and industry.

David Mcghie, MD of The Underwater Centre, said: “The centre is of crucial importance to the North Sea industry as one of only two centres in Europe which provides closed bell diver training – a skill set which is vital to the North Sea sector.

“We are delighted that the industry and government have collaborated to ensure the future of the centre.”