What did you do before joining DOS?

After three years studying in the French Institute of Marine Sciences INTECHMER*, I joined Comex SA in Marseille for my first work experience. I spent two years working on various coastal survey operations and shipwreck research campaigns such as the UNESCO – related project ARCHEOMAR or the Ré d’Italia mission (battle of Lissa) in collaboration with the Croatian government.

 

How did you join DOS?

In 2005, I was affected by Comex to the Comex Deep Sea Salvage project (CDSS) in order to mobilise a brand new ultra-deep survey spread (developed in partnership with IXSea), turning the ice breaker John Lethbridge into a state of the art abyssal research vessel. John Kingsford then offered me the chance to permanently join the company.

Since then I have stayed with the same team through different projects: Indian Ocean Exploration (IOE) in 2009 for various survey operations in Madagascar, then with DOS since 2010, back on the SV John Lethbridge.

 

Why are you still working for DOS?

Facing the bows of a massive shipwreck lost in the middle of nowhere, 5km below the surface, flying over the abyssal plain around these forgotten relics of the past is a real opportunity and an unique experience.

To achieve their goals, DOS keeps on pushing equipment limits forward, designing new tools and procedures, multiplying partnerships and entering into special developments with subsea manufacturers. This permanent and challenging atmosphere is very motivating for all of us.

Unlike in the offshore oil and gas industry, DOS’s polyvalent organization allows each agent to move from his specialized task to another: sonar, ROV, navigation, post processing, deck maneuvers, IT, communications, electronics; breaking the routine at any time, keeping everyone aware, involved and concentrated in a comprehensive chain, never being blocked by a missing specialist!

Finally, DOS is an old team knowing each other so well, using common work methods and sharing experience in a friendly atmosphere over the last 10 years or more.

* INTECHMER: Institut National des Sciences et Techniques de la Mer (Cherbourg-France.)