Team Insights: Navigating the High Seas of Offshore Surveying with Joanne Stirling

Joanne Stirling, an experienced Party Chief, has been a part of the Elevate Offshore team for three years. Her professional relationship with Andrew Blears, Elevate Offshore’s Managing Director, and other team members spans over 15 years, reflecting a deep and enduring commitment to the industry.

A Passion for the Sea

Joanne’s passion for the sea has been the driving force behind her chosen career. “I have always had a passion for the sea – I grew up sailing dinghies and yachts, learnt to scuba dive, and pursued other water sports, so naturally, I wanted to study the oceans,” she shares. Her academic journey in Marine Geography included a transformative year-long industrial placement with Fugro, which set the course for her future in offshore surveying.

After graduation, Joanne explored various roles across different companies before realising that freelance contracting best suited her lifestyle. This flexibility allowed her to choose projects and take time off to pursue her interests and hobbies. However, Joanne eventually found her way to a staff position at Elevate Offshore, where she continues to excel.

For Joanne, the most rewarding aspects of her work are the successful collaboration with her team and the satisfaction of overcoming challenges. “When a project is going well, the team works together, and the client is happy. I also get a thrill out of challenges, so when things get a bit sticky, as they inevitably do offshore, finding solutions to problems is very satisfying,” she explains.

A Day in the Life

A typical day for Joanne is anything but ordinary. While it starts with routine paperwork, DPRs, and meetings, the day quickly unfolds into problem-solving and managing the diverse challenges that arise offshore. Joanne emphasises the importance of diplomacy and client relations, ensuring her team works harmoniously to achieve their objectives. “One of the best things about the role is the variety. I get to work on projects that cover finding the best spot to build a wind farm, all the way through to actually constructing it and seeing it go into production. I get to see pretty pictures of the seabed made by black magic and also see it in real-time with an ROV camera!” she says.

The Future of Offshore Surveying

The field of offshore surveying is continuously evolving, and Joanne is both excited and apprehensive about the rise of autonomous survey vessels. “The growth of autonomous survey vessels is very exciting but also scary. Where will we be in 5-10 years? Will there be a place for us offshore?” she ponders. “As much as I love working offshore, this would be sad. Running everything from a control centre or someone’s living room doesn’t quite have the same thrill as being out there on the high seas.”

Memorable Experiences

Among her memorable experiences, Joanne recalls an incredible encounter during a pipelay survey in West Africa. “I remember the daily visits from a beautiful female whale shark who hung around waiting for the ROV to dive and followed the ROV to see what it was doing. Incredible. It was a real privilege to witness,” she reminisces.

Overcoming Challenges

Joanne highlights some of the biggest challenges in her line of work, which include technical equipment failures, unpredictable weather, and managing a diverse team. “Technical equipment failure or breakdown is usually the biggest challenge. We work with so much high-tech equipment that is often deployed into water. Water and sensitive equipment don’t always gel well together, so the equipment is usually the thing that throws up the challenges. Being offshore means there might not be the spares or tools available to fix equipment or problems, so the environment we work in poses a huge challenge,” she explains.

Weather, too, presents a significant challenge. “While we can predict the weather, we can’t control it, and it will always be a factor in the job,” she adds. “As party chief, you’re a people manager, and that is, without a doubt, the hardest thing. Dealing with a variety of characters all working together in close proximity can be tough. But it is also one of the best things because you get to meet people from all walks of life and from across the globe.”

Team Dynamics and Solutions

Joanne and her team typically overcome these challenges. “If we’re lucky, we have an experienced, knowledgeable team onboard who works well together to fix technical issues or find solutions to problems. Good surveyors and engineers need to be adaptable and think outside the box to overcome technical difficulties hundreds of miles from the nearest workshop or supply store,” she says.

Future Innovations and Skills

Looking ahead, Joanne sees advancements in communications technology and the increasing importance of engineering skills as critical to the future of offshore work. “AI is coming. But can AI fix broken kit?” she ponders. She emphasises the importance of communications technology, especially with the trend towards automation. “If we are to become more automated, we will rely heavily on internet communications. The recent increase in the use of Starlink has made a huge difference to surveys already. Still, we need it to be more widely available, reliable, and cheaper for us to really utilise autonomous technologies. Engineering and the ability to fix equipment will be increasingly important if we are paring down the offshore personnel.”

Advice for Aspiring Offshore Professionals

“My main advice would be to keep an open mind and broaden your skill set – don’t just get pigeonholed into one role. As you gain experience and move along the career path, it’s good to be able to do a variety of roles offshore – data processing, online, reporting, engineering; it all adds up to being a great party chief or offshore manager.”

She adds, “It offers worldwide travel, great money, lots of time off, the chance to escape the mundane world of corporate office politics. No day is ever the same; no project is ever the same. You’re working at the cutting edge of technology and get to see some of the coolest sights on a daily basis. I have worked in the industry for over 25 years, and I’ve tried to leave so many times, but the lure of the ocean always brings me back!”

What Sets Elevate Offshore Apart

Joanne highlights what sets Elevate Offshore apart in the industry. “Elevate Offshore stands out due to its excellent communication, comprehensive training, prompt payment, and reliable job offers. They provide solid offers rather than vague promises,” she explains. She also appreciates the company’s unique approach to employee relations and its special perks, noting, “Going to Rugby is a massive bonus!”

“Working with Elevate Offshore, I don’t just feel like an employee, but part of a team or family,” she says. “The stability of a salary and guaranteed days offshore provide peace of mind, and it’s refreshing to be part of a company without the usual corporate politics.”

“The communication from our account managers is excellent, and the merchandise is a nice bonus! Dealing with just one agency has relieved me from the hassle of random calls and emails from unknown sources. At Elevate Offshore, I’m not just a number; I’m treated with respect, appreciated, and valued for my contributions, which is a great feeling.”

One of the best things about working here is the longstanding relationship. “Knowing the team for years and being comfortable with everyone speaks volumes about Andrew’s leadership. It’s a testament to his dedication and integrity that so many of us have followed him and continue to work together at Elevate Offshore.”

Joanne’s journey reflects the adventurous and ever-evolving landscape of offshore work. Her commitment to the industry, coupled with the strong support from Elevate Offshore, underscores the opportunities available to those who embrace this career path.