We Visited for You

The Ernest N. Morial Convention Center in New Orleans, Louisiana, USA was the setting for the Underwater Intervention International Conference from 10th to 12th February 2003. The Association of Diving Contractors International, Inc. and the Marine Technology Society’s ROV committee sponsored the conference for the tenth consecutive year. More than 2,300 people, representing 31 countries and 43 of the United States, registered for the meeting. Approximately 150 people attended the lively Early Bird conference reception at the convention centre on Sunday evening 9th February. A jazz band provided the background to the conversations and networking opportunities.

Underwater Intervention has established itself as a premier venue for the presentation of the latest technology pertaining to commercial diving, ROVs and AUVs. Well-attended presentations and panels included those on the topics of:

• Safety and Training
  
• Autonomous Underwater Vehicles
  
• Commercial Diving
  
• Operations
  
• Remote Intervention
  
• ROVs and Submersibles
  
• Shipwrecks
  

NOAA had three panel sessions addressing, respectively, the ‘Use of ROVs for Science and Science Based Exploration’, ‘Advancements in Wet Diving for Science’ and ‘Military and Commercial Co-operation in the Underwater Industry: USS MONITOR Expedition 2002’. After the final NOAA session, which addressed regulatory issues, there was a reception for technical session attendees.
One hundred and fifty people enjoyed the UI Awards luncheon on Monday 10th February 2003. The Marine Technology Society / ROV Committee honoured the following people and entities with awards:

• Dynacon - Corporate Excellence
  
• Marine Advanced Technology Education Center (MATE) - Academic Excellence
  
• Carl-Magnus W. McLetche and Johanna L. Mathieu - Scholarship Recipients
  

The Association of Diving Contractors International honoured the following people with awards:

• R.H. ‘Duchy’ Holland Ð John Galletti Memorial Award
  
• Ruth Mistretta, Diver’s Supply Inc. – President’s Award
  
• Tom Maddox, Marvel Underwater Equipment Inc. – President’s Award
  
• Laura Ancelet and Danielle Hinte - International Scholarship Recipients
  

While the presentations kept everyone busy, there was ample time to view the latest in marine technology on the more than 250 exhibition stands. Exhibitors covered nearly every facet of the underwater industry and included survey and diving companies, equipment manufacturers, government agencies, publications and academic institutions.
While there were numerous exhibits that pertained to the field of hydrography, three specific exhibitors should be recognised for their support for growth of the field. Klein Associates, Reson Inc. and Kongsberg Simrad stepped forward to monetarily support the Hydrographic Society of America Student Outreach programme that is providing the opportunity for college juniors to attend the US Hydrographic Conference in Biloxi. These students will have the opportunity to learn about the field of hydrography and the educational opportunities provided by the Universities of Southern Mississippi and New Hampshire. Kudos to the companies who are willing to invest in the future of hydrography.
After the sessions and exhibition hall closed it was time to explore the city of New Orleans, which conjures up images of great food and revelry. On Tuesday evening, a Doubletree Hotel ballroom overlooking the city was the venue for a well-attended hospitality social sponsored by RDI Instruments. On Wednesday evening, Integra Technologies took the festivities out onto the street - Bourbon Street that is. They had rented the second floor at the Tropical Isle and a local band kept the attendees inside entertained while the outside crowd threw beads to the people passing below.
Overall, the conference was a great success. One hundred and forty-four exhibitors have already signed up for next year’s UI, which will again be held in New Orleans, from 17th to19th February 2004.