Lewis Gerrie
Base Engineer

Oceanscan
Drawn to maths, physics and problem-solving from an early age, he discovered his passion for engineering through work experience in the electrical sector and quickly realised it was a career he could see himself pursuing long term. Today, as a Base Engineer at Oceanscan, that passion is channelled into ensuring critical offshore equipment is ready to perform when customers need it most.

Building quality from the ground up

Since joining Oceanscan in October 2024, Lewis has become an integral part of the team responsible for maintaining, testing and preparing equipment for deployment across a wide range of offshore projects. His role combines hands-on technical work with the meticulous attention to detail required to support a busy rental fleet.

“When equipment returns from a project, it’s our responsibility to make sure it’s fully tested, serviced and ready for the next customer,” he explains. “That could mean fault-finding, carrying out repairs, servicing equipment or preparing it for its next deployment. No two days are ever quite the same.”

That variety is one of the aspects Lewis enjoys most about the role. From investigating technical faults and calibrating equipment to supporting colleagues and helping troubleshoot customer issues, every day presents a different challenge.

A passion for NDT

Before joining Oceanscan, Lewis spent two years working with specialist NDT equipment, carrying out calibration, servicing and repairs. The experience provided a strong technical foundation and sparked an interest that remains with him today.

“NDT equipment has always been an area I’m particularly interested in because of my previous experience. It’s something that comes naturally to me.”

His enthusiasm for engineering extends beyond the workplace. In fact, he still has a retired Sea Node at home that was rescued before it could be scrapped, a reflection of someone who genuinely enjoys understanding how equipment works and finding solutions to technical challenges.

Opportunities for future growth within the business and industry

Since joining Oceanscan, Lewis has continued to build his expertise through manufacturer-led training programmes on a range of specialist technologies, including equipment supplied by Teledyne. The opportunity to learn directly from equipment manufacturers has enabled him to deepen his technical knowledge and develop his skills across the company’s expanding portfolio.

The opportunities available at Oceanscan have already taken Lewis beyond the UK. One of the standout moments in his career so far came when he was asked at short notice to travel to Houston to support the company’s operations there.

The trip involved helping train and mentor a colleague, sharing best practices from the UK operation and supporting the setup of workshop and warehouse processes. It was an experience that demonstrated both the global nature of the industry and the trust Oceanscan places in its people.

“It was a great opportunity. We were effectively starting with a blank sheet and building processes that would support the team going forward. Even after returning home, I’ve continued to provide support whenever it’s needed.”

That experience reinforced Lewis’s ambition to continue developing his career within the business. Looking ahead, he hopes to progress into a Senior Base Engineer role while taking advantage of further opportunities to support Oceanscan’s international operations.

Learning, mentoring and going further

The supportive culture within the company has been a key factor in his positive experience so far. In particular, he credits Operations Manager Rob Ross as an important mentor.

“Rob has been a huge influence. He doesn’t just give you the answer, he asks questions to help you reach a solution yourself, shares his experiences and helps you understand the bigger picture. He’s someone I’ve learned a lot from.”

The Oceanscan commitment to quality

While much of Lewis’s work takes place behind the scenes, he recognises the importance of the role it plays in customer success. Whether preparing equipment for mobilisation or providing remote technical support when challenges arise offshore, the focus is always on ensuring customers have confidence in the equipment and the team supporting it.

“We take a lot of pride in what we do. The quality of the equipment, the preparation that goes into it and the support we provide all matter. We always try to go the extra step for customers and make sure they have the support they need.”

That commitment to quality is something Lewis believes sets Oceanscan apart.

Beyond the technology, it is the wider industry that continues to inspire him. The opportunity to contribute to projects that support critical offshore infrastructure, while working in a sector with genuine global reach, is something he finds particularly rewarding.

“Most people don’t see what’s happening beneath the surface, but so much of the world relies on subsea infrastructure and offshore operations. Being involved in that and helping keep projects moving is something I’m proud of.”

The recent move to Oceanscan’s new facility has only strengthened his optimism about the future. The modern, purpose-built workspace provides an environment that reflects the company’s ambitions and creates a better experience for both employees and customers.

For Lewis, however, it is the people that make the biggest difference.

“The team here is incredibly supportive. Everyone wants to help each other succeed and there’s a real focus on development and growth. The company is expanding, creating new opportunities and always looking at ways to improve. It’s exciting to be part of that journey.”

With a growing technical skillset, international experience already under his belt and a clear passion for the industry, Lewis is helping ensure Oceanscan continues to deliver the quality, reliability and service that customers depend on every day.

Precision In Action

Meet More of the Team

PEOPLE

Other

Although our personnel division primarily concentrates on several key disciplines, we frequently recruit for additional roles not explicitly mentioned. 

In addition, out sister company HPR (UK) supports other disciplines not listed here

For a representation of current vacancies, please join OCEANSCAN VACANCIES

 

Technicians

The role of offshore technicians involved in lay operations is essential for the successful installation, maintenance, and operation of offshore energy infrastructure. These technicians are responsible for executing the intricate tasks involved in laying pipelines, cables, or other equipment beneath the seabed.

  • Electrical / Electronic Technician
  • Hydraulic / Mechanical Technician
  • Carousel Technician
  • Plough Technician
  • Trenching Technician

For a representation of current vacancies, please join OCEANSCAN VACANCIES

 

Survey

When offshore energy infrastructure needs to be designed, developed, maintained or decommissioned, the role of the survey team is to provide precise positioning, data acquisition and processing to measure and map underwater surfaces and study the morphology of the seabed.

  • Client Survey Representative
  • Project Manager
  • Party Chief
  • Reports Coordinator
  • Surveyor
  • Survey Engineer / Geophysical Engineer / Geotechnical Engineer
  • Data Processor
  • Cartographer
  • Geophysicist

For a representation of current vacancies, please join OCEANSCAN VACANCIES

 

Health & Safety

For Health & Safety roles and requirements please contact HPR (UK) website

For a representation of current vacancies, visit our linkedIn HPR (UK)

 

ROV, Plough & Trench

When offshore energy infrastructure needs to be installed, maintained, inspected or decommissioned, the role of the ROV team is to operate the ROV equipment and associated tooling. The ROV is the survey platform and is key to the operation carrying a payload of tools and or sensors that are required to fulfil the work scope.

  • Client ROV Representative
  • Project Manager
  • ROV Superintendent
  • ROV Supervisor
  • Sub Engineer
  • Senior ROV Pilot Technician
  • Tooling Technician
  • ROV Pilot Technician
  • Plough Superintendent
  • Plough Technician
  • Trenching Superintendent
  • Trenching Technician

For a representation of current vacancies, please join OCEANSCAN VACANCIES

 

Rigging & Lifting

For Rigging & Lifting roles and requirements please contact HPR (UK) website

For a representation of current vacancies, visit our linkedIn HPR (UK)

 

Offshore Management

Offshore Management encompasses various personnel engaged in Subsea & Renewables projects, including roles like OCM/OPM/OVM.

  • Offshore Manager
  • Client Representative

For other offshore management roles and requirements please contact HPR (UK) website

For a representation of current vacancies, please join OCEANSCAN VACANCIES or visit our linkedIn HPR (UK)

 

Marine

For Marine roles and requirements please contact HPR (UK) website

For a representation of current vacancies, visit our linkedIn HPR (UK)

 

Inspection

Certified 3.3U and 3.4U inspectors perform a range of tasks in the industry, including general visual inspections (GVO), close visual inspections (CVI), corrosion monitoring, pipeline inspection, and monitoring diver safety.

  • Client Inspection Representative
  • Inspection Engineer
  • Inspection Coordinator
  • Data Recorder
  • Data Coordinator
  • Reports Coordinator
  • Video Eventer/Reviewer

For other inspection roles and requirements please contact HPR (UK) website

For a representation of current vacancies, please join OCEANSCAN VACANCIES or visit our linkedIn HPR (UK)

Diving

Commercial diving work scopes are undertaken from multiple platforms and cover many different activities, such as installation, inspection, repair and maintenance of platforms and subsea structures.

The type of diving operation can be either surface supplied or saturation diving.

  • Saturation Supt / Supervisor
  • Life Support Supervisor
  • Life Support Technician
  • Air or Sat Dive Technician
  • Air Supt / Supervisor

For a representation of current vacancies, please join OCEANSCAN VACANCIES