SUT
SUT London
AGM
9 December 2010 By Michaelagh Shea For the second year, a dinner was held aboard HQS Wellington following the AGM and awards ceremony. Following a drinks reception, dinner was attended by around 80 members and guests. The evening again proved to be very successful, with positive feedback from all the attendees. After the dinner, a game of ‘Heads and Tails’ was lead by Dr Bob Allwood, and was eventually won by Brian Green, who immediately contributed his winnings to the Educational Support Fund. The game raised a fantastic sum of £750 for the Fund, and all participants were thanked for their contributions. Preceding the dinner was the SUT awards ceremony, which featured various awards honouring those who have made exceptional contributions to underwater technology. The Houlder Cup was awarded to Dr Nic Flemming for his contribution to underwater operations. Of his many contributions, Dr Flemming was Chairman of the Natural Environment Research Council (NERC) Diving Officers Committee from 1978 to 1987 during which he was responsible for the Code of Practice which defined the safety procedures, standards of training, and medical standards for government research laboratories undertaking diving operations at that time.
Left to right: (front row) Dr Nic Flemming; (first row) Prof Gwyn Griffiths, Dr David Kaye; (second row) Alistair Birnie, Phil Roberts, Garry Momber; (third row) John Howes and Dr Ian Frazer
He has been the Honorary Secretary of the Scientific Committee of the World Federation of Underwater Activities (CMAS), the Chairman of the CMAS Committee (1975-87), and Vice President of CMAS since 1973. Dr Flemming was also a founder member, Council member and first Honorary Secretary of the Society for Underwater Technology.
profile research programmes. He is perhaps best known for his major involvement with the Autosub programme that was to define the UK’s activity in the field of underwater autonomous vehicle development for more than a decade.
After accepting his award, Dr Flemming entertained the audience with a story about his involvement many years ago in negotiating with the HSE to deliver safety regulations for scientific diving, which was enjoyed by all.
Gwyn is a prolific author of high quality scientific papers in his field and presenter at international conferences, and is rightly recognised for his achievements in all corners of the world.
It was announced that the The David Partridge Commemorative Award, was awarded to Gerhardt Rohlfing. The actual presentation will take place at a suitable event next year
The winners of the BP/SUT Under- and Postgraduate Awards for best thesis in offshore and subsea engineering and technology had yet to be identified and these awards will be presented at appropriate events next year. The same applies to the Fugro-GEOS award for best postgraduate thesis in applied and operational oceanography or meteorology.
The Ministry of Defence-sponsored Oceanography Award was made to John Hufnance. John was unable to attend the awards ceremony, so arrangements were made for him to receive his award at a later date. The President’s Award this year was presented to Prof Gwyn Griffiths in recognition of his long and distinguished career in underwater technology. During his career, Gwyn has initiated and led a number of high
UT2 April 2011
SUT Fellowships were awarded to Alistair Birnie, Dr Ian Frazer, John Howes, Dr David Kaye, Garry Momber and Phil Roberts. Others receiving Fellowship awards to be given locally are Ray Farrier and Dr Julie Morgan in Perth, Australia; Chris Lee in Melbourne, Australia; Neil Oakes in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia; and Paul Jukes in Houston, USA.
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