Keeping the workshop moving
Over the last 13 years at Oceanscan, Chris Barber has progressed from Base Engineer to Senior Engineer, Workshop Supervisor and now Workshop Manager. His career is a great example of the opportunities available to develop and progress within the Oceanscan business.
Today, Chris is responsible for keeping the workshop running smoothly – planning and allocating jobs, prioritising repairs, calibrations and servicing, and making sure the team has everything it needs to meet customer requirements.
“It’s about planning the work around the team we have that week and matching that to what our customers need. Everything can be urgent, so it’s important we stay organised and make sure we deliver.”
From Base Engineer to Workshop Manager
Chris started his career as an alarm engineer apprentice, installing CCTV, door entry systems and alarm systems, before moving into the subsea industry as a cable technician. There, he worked on wiring, moulding and building cable assemblies – experience that has proved particularly useful throughout his career at Oceanscan.
After attending an electrical course at Altens College, Chris joined Oceanscan in 2013 and continued to build his technical knowledge through extensive internal training and manufacturer courses.
Over the years, he has trained across a wide range of the equipment Oceanscan rents, services and calibrates, giving him an in-depth understanding of the kit and how the different components work together.
“I’ve been on a whole range of manufacturer courses, covering the equipment we work with. Whether it’s training in-house, on site or with the manufacturer, it’s important to know the equipment inside out.”
Developing the next generation
One of Chris’s biggest priorities is continually developing and improving the workshop and, most importantly, developing the people within it.
With engineers naturally progressing into more senior positions within the business, moving offshore or pursuing opportunities elsewhere in the industry, Chris sees developing the next generation as an important part of his role.
“The group we have now are brilliant. I want to help develop them as engineers, including the two new trainees that joined us over the summer, giving them opportunities to progress and getting the best out of them. We’re always looking to increase standards and better ourselves.”
Precision in the workshop
While the workshop covers both NDT and survey equipment, Chris has always had a particular interest in the survey side.
He enjoys working with complex equipment such as sonars and multiplexers, particularly the challenge of bringing multiple components together and making sure everything works seamlessly as a complete system or suite for our customers.
His earlier experience with cables and connectors is also valuable when it comes to understanding how equipment interfaces and operates as a whole.
“There’s a real satisfaction in getting all the different parts of the equipment together, getting it working properly and then seeing it go back offshore ready to do its job.”
Going the extra mile
For Chris, one of the things that sets Oceanscan apart is the team’s willingness to go the extra mile for customers.
Whether it’s a last-minute request, troubleshooting an issue or finding a way to meet a tight deadline, Chris regularly works directly with customers to help find a solution.
“You’ll get the call saying, ‘Can I get this tomorrow?’ Everyone works together to make sure deadlines are met and things are done to the highest possible standard. It’s not just the engineers – it’s sales, the warehouse, the office team. We all work together to get it done.”
It’s this fast-paced environment that Chris enjoys most about the industry. No two days are the same, with different customers, projects, equipment and expectations constantly presenting new challenges.
A career that has taken him around the world
Chris’s progression through Oceanscan is one of his standout achievements, taking him from Base Engineer through to Workshop Manager.
His career has also given him the opportunity to travel extensively, including trips to Singapore, Houston, Denmark, Greece and Germany, as well as offshore mobilisations with vessels.
One of the aspects he particularly enjoys is seeing equipment put into operation offshore – from setting up equipment on an ROV to connecting everything back to the survey room.
“There’s something really enjoyable about getting offshore, setting everything up and seeing it all come together. You’re living on a boat, working with the equipment and seeing different parts of the world at the same time.”
A place to progress
After more than a decade at Oceanscan, Chris says the recent move to the new Dyce facility has been a significant upgrade.
The additional workshop space, dedicated areas for repairs and calibration, improved stores facilities and social spaces have all made a difference to the team and to what can be delivered to our clients.
And perhaps the best endorsement of all?
“I wouldn’t have stayed this long if I didn’t enjoy it here. There’s a great relationship between the workshop, office, sales and warehouse teams. We also get together outside work – the pool league, nights out, BBQs at the office. It’s a really great team.”
13 years in. One career. Plenty more to come.
