On 24 March, the IOGP Geomatics Committee will host a webinar briefing to introduce its newly released guideline, Survey and online positioning system recommendations for vessel downline operations within in-water assets, which provides practical recommendations to support safer offshore operations.
Vessel downline activities, such as the use of ROV tethers, dive bells, and crane wires, often take place in close proximity to surface facilities and subsea infrastructure. When not properly planned, monitored, and assured, these operations can present significant risk, including collision or entanglement with in-water assets such as mooring lines and risers. Such incidents can lead to equipment damage, safety events, and in some cases loss of primary containment.
The new guideline sets out industry-recommended practices designed to help reduce these risks. It covers key areas including survey and positioning operational procedures, charting and field database requirements, online positioning system configuration and display recommendations, and the provision of live position data to support real-time monitoring of adjacent mobile systems and in-water assets. The document also includes a newly developed Downline Operations Survey Checklist, providing a practical tool to support planning and execution.
The webinar will be led by two experienced industry practitioners:
Walter Jardine, Vice Chair of the IOGP Geomatics Committee, who brings over 35 years of experience across survey, positioning, and geospatial information management, including senior global roles at bp and long-standing involvement in IOGP’s geomatics work.
Matthew Paloian, Shell, and Co-Chair of the IOGP Surveying and Positioning Subcommittee, with more than 17 years of experience supporting offshore geomatics operations across exploration, development, and construction activities in the Americas.
The session is aimed at professionals involved in vessel downline operations and associated survey and positioning activities, including online surveyors, survey party chiefs, vessel crews, offshore installation and construction managers, ROV and dive superintendents, marine bridge teams, installation and subsea engineers, as well as onshore personnel who plan, manage, or support these activities.
Webinar details
Date: Tuesday, 24 March 2026
Time: 2:00 PM – 2:45 PM (GMT)
Register now
Participants will gain a clear overview of the new guideline and practical insights into how its recommendations can be applied to improve safety and operational assurance during downline activities.
