Dominion Diving News

Data Vault Technology: Dominion Diving Launches New Product Into The Market

2011-07-29T10:27:00.005-03:00

In this new age of fast advancing technology, the ability to acquire, store and transfer high quality digital data has progressed exponentially. However, as many have experienced, data retention is an ever present demon- particularly in harsh weather environments.

In the past, with classic VHS tapes, data retention was almost automatic. Subsequent to upgrading storage devices to DVD and hard drive formats, we instantly experienced data loss issues. As for most diving companies, lost data footage can be a very expensive mistake.

“The systems we were working with were simply not meeting our needs, and it was critical that a solution be established” says Shawn MacPhail, Operations Manager at Dominion Diving Limited. “Our main focus was immediately directed to 110V power loss or interruptions and superficial damages such as scratches, moisture, and temperature on the DVD’s.”

In conjunction with the Dalhousie University ID Lab, Dominion Diving developed a system which combined both old and new technology to produce a video system that was designed to offer a lifetime of unproblematic performance, functionality, and durability.

Beginning with the Alpha prototype and progressing to the final Beta Data Vault, Dominion Diving is proud to announce the launch of the DVT (Data Vault Technology) Underwater Video System.

Constructed from corrosion resistant materials, the DVT is set within a durable-waterproof Pelican case. The custom design integrates superior safety features which set it apart from similar products on the market. We have built-in a top of the line GFI (Ground Fault Indicator) to ensure additional safety for our system and divers. Additionally, the system has been outfitted with emergency overrides conforming to IMCA standards, USB and RCA video data ports, and thermal/luminous self resetting circuit protection switches.

Dominion Diving designed and manufactured the custom internal circuit board which accommodates a power supply system capable of operating a wide range of cameras. Our surface volume control system has been developed to allow for possible modifications under varying site conditions of the diver’s voice and topside tender, which is compatible with a visual LED meter that ensures captured audio. Data collected from the system is stored on mini DV tapes, minimizing the concern of scratching or deterioration over the years, and verifies a permanent record is kept.

Dominion Diving has completed assembly of four DVT systems. For any additional information, please contact Catherine Abbott at marketing@dominiondiving.com

Special thanks to Matt D’Entremont and his team at the Dalhousie ID Lab for their hard work for this project.

Deep Panuke Project Updates

2011-07-25T14:30:00.001-03:00

Dominion Diving recently mobilized on onboard the vessel “RollingStone”, to complete the remaining subsea work for the natural gas development–The Deep Panuke Project.

Over the next five weeks, Dominion Diving will be working with Tideway to provide free fly ROV services for the ‘Deep Panuke Rock Placement Project’. The scope of work will involve rock dumping along the export pipeline, the flow lines, spud cans, and the production platform itself.

The FFROV will be required to carry out pre and post rock dump inspections using a variety of specialized survey equipment

For additional information, please contact Matthew Lohnes at mlohnes@dominiondiving.com

Dominion Victory Conquers Offshore Nova Scotia

2011-07-15T12:27:00.003-03:00

Dominion Diving is pleased to announce the successful completion of Multi Beam and ROV Surveys for EnCana’s Deep Panuke PFC Placement Project.

The Dominion Victory, a 90 foot support vessel, was subcontracted by Fugro GeoSurveys Inc, to supply ROV and vessel charter services for SBM’s preliminary analysis of the Deep Panuke Project which extended over a two week period.

Prior to the commence of this project, the Dominion Victory had undergone both regulatory and industry assessments by the CSNOPB, to obtain approval to work in the offshore - oil field environment.

For this job, Dominion Diving supplied a full marine crew including ROV pilots and technicians, along with survey personnel from Fugro and a client representative from SBM.

The scope of work involved using the Seabat 8125 multi beam sonar in conjunction with Dominion’s compact ROV, the Interceptor DX to perform seabed surveys.

The Dominion Victory also deployed and retrieved tide gauges and deployed a “wave rider” buoy to assist in weather forecasting.

For additional details on this project, please contact Matthew Lohnes at mlohnes@dominiondiving.com.

Dominion Diving Goes Hollywood: Jesse Stone Production Filmed At Dartmouth Facilities.

2011-06-15T09:54:00.005-03:00

The eighth instalment of the made-for-television movie, Jesse Stone: Benefit of the Doubt, starring Tom Selleck began production on May 20 in Halifax Nova Scotia. The series has been filmed in and around Nova Scotia since 2004 with locations across Halifax and Mahone Bay as the fictional Paradise Massachusetts.

Dominion Diving’s Marine Operations Terminal in Dartmouth was used as a base location for various scenes in the latest movie. Dominion was able to offer some of their towing resources by transporting a large abandoned vessel from across the harbor which was used in filming, a number of their floating barges and lighting equipment, and an assortment of nautical props.

President of Dominion Diving, Matthew Lohnes also tried his hand at acting when he operated a Cigarette boat for an action scene with the evil villain. Actor, director Tom Selleck kept a fast pace with his guns a-blazing. Also on site, Bobby Carradine, known for his role in the Lizzie McGuire show and Return of The Nerds, kept everyone’s spirits alive with humor despite the poor weather during the crews visit.

Although Dominion Diving has worked with this film crew on previous movie shoots, including the removal of a sunken car driven off the cliff at the “Ovens”, they still take pleasure in the interesting challenges and opportunities which it presents. “This is a completely different kind of work for us”, says Shawn MacPhail, Operations Manager at Dominion Diving. “We welcome the opportunity to work within different natures of business, and provide our professional services to new and old clients alike.

Deep Panuke Tie-In Project Update

2011-05-24T14:38:00.004-03:00

In addition to their existing contract with Acergy/Subsea 7, for the supply of saturation divers and other DSV based personnel, Dominion Diving’s role for the Deep Panuke Tie-In Project has progressed to now provide Subsea Engineering Support Services.

Overseeing the details for this project will be Dominion’s own, Mr. Allan McDonald. Within this role, Mr. McDonald will be involved with local logistical support, QA / QC inspection of project equipment, participating in risk assessments, review of project installation procedures, mobilization support (initial and interim), offshore technical supervision and providing general engineering support where required.

The engineering support services will commence mid May and is expected to run until the completion of the field tie-in project, which is currently scheduled for October 2011.

If you would like any additional information or if you have any queries, please contact Allan McDonald: at amcdonald@dominiondiving.com or visit our website at www.dominiondiving.com.

Department of National Defence

2011-03-25T10:22:00.003-03:00

Dominion Diving has been award a contract by Worthington Products Inc. to upgrade the Floating Force Protection Boom surrounding the Navy Dockyard. Dominion Diving will be involved with the complete fabrication and installation of a subsea vessel entrance gate for the Floating Force Protection Boom. The gate which lay 15 ft below surface, has been specially designed to allow quick and efficient access to the Navy Dockyard. The work will require the removal of 5 boom segments, fabrication/installation of the gate and transporting the unit to the Dockyard. The project is set to be completed by March 2011.

Shelburne: Ships Cradle Railway Installation

2011-03-25T10:21:00.003-03:00

Dominion Diving has been awarded the contract by Dexter Construction to provide underwater diving services to install a new Marine Railway for Shelburne Shipyard. Dominion Diving will be involved with the methodology reviews, procurement and installation of the subsea assets for the project. The subsea section of the work scope involves the installation of 11 railway track segments on pre installed support caissons. The project is due to commence Q1 2011, and is expected to have a duration of 3 months.

Acergy Awards Contract for Diving Personnel

2011-01-06T14:45:00.003-04:00

Acergy Canada Inc. has awarded Dominion Diving Limited the contract to provide Canadian Saturation Divers and Support Personnel for the duration of a projected 90 day offshore diving program scheduled for spring 2011.

The diving program is a critical component of the construction phase for the Deep Panuke natural gas development offshore of Nova Scotia, Canada

Resumes, along with required certification may be submitted to cv@dominiondiving.com

Celebrating the Arrival of the Cougar XT

2011-01-05T09:33:00.012-04:00

With proven reliability and the capability to handle much more demanding work tasks, the new Cougar XT is here to stay!

The Cougar XT is a compact and extremely powerful electric ROV- ideal for survey work, drill support, IRM programs, light construction projects and salvage support operations. This environmentally friendly ROV comes fully containerized, making it easily transportable and dependable for rapid response and emergency situations.

Advanced customization and the use of the Cougar’s quick change tool skids has allowed Dominion Diving to take some of the more challenging tasks, but at much lower operating costs.

Operating as an FFROV, the Cougar was released on the survey mission for the sunken vessel “Shovel Master”, and was successful operating at a water depth of 550 ft with currents exceeding 2.5 knots.

For further details please contact Matthew Lohnes at Dominion Diving Ltd. mlohnes@dominiondiving.com

Welcoming the Interceptor DX

2011-01-05T09:13:00.010-04:00

Dominion Diving Ltd is pleased to announce they have recently expanded their fleet of offshore survey equipment.

The Interceptor DX is a compact ROV system that has been specifically configured to quickly and effectively perform a variety of subsea inspection tasks.

Portable, yet extremely powerful, the Interceptor DX has a small “footprint” making it ideal for quick mobilization to any situation, land based or from a small vessel.

The system houses a 2 function manipulator with over 90 lbs of holding force and has the capability to deploy to depths of 305m with an average speed of 4.2 knots.

Since its release, The Interceptor has built a solid reputation for consistently delivering exceptional results- even on some of the more demanding jobs. Notable accomplishments include debris clearance surveys: UXO (using USBL system, sonar, and low light cameras), and ROV Drill Rig Support.

For further details please contact Shawn MacPhail at Dominion Diving Ltd.

diving@dominiondiving.com

Dominion Diving names Allan McDonald as New Sub Sea Project Engineer.

2010-11-30T08:53:00.002-04:00

Dominion Diving Limited is proud to announce and welcome Mr. Allan McDonald as their new Project Engineer. Within this role, Allan will provide Subsea Project support in the day to day operations both inshore and offshore, creating new areas of opportunity and initiating relationships with clients in international markets.

“We are thrilled to have him with us”, says Matthew Lohnes- President of Dominion Diving Limited. “His confident disposition and broad industry experience will support our target for continuous growth moving forward”.

Allan’s Subsea Project Engineering experience in the industry will be of true benefit to his new role with Dominion Diving. He holds a degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Aberdeen and has previously played a key role in Technip’s DSVi project, and Subsea 7 CoPIRM department.

From everyone here at Dominion Diving Limited, Welcome Aboard Allan.

Long Term Contract Award From ExxonMobil

2006-09-01T16:36:00.001-03:00

Dominion Diving Ltd has been awarded a 5 year contract by ExxonMobil Canada. The contract covers the provision of ROV and Diving services on the SABLE Offshore Energy Project located 180 kms off the coast of Nova Scotia.

Successfull completion of offshore dive project for ExxonMobil

2006-04-03T15:41:00.001-03:00

Dominion Diving recently completed a dive project offshore Nova Scotia for ExxonMobil Canada.The work involved in-situ repair of the main MEG injection line as well as comprehensive NDT of existing risers and J tubes. Dominion Diving mobilized its extensive assets and personnel to the project which was completed ahead of schedule to the full satisfaction of ExxonMobil.

Founding Partner Retires

2006-02-15T16:05:00.001-04:00

Dominion Diving is pleased to announce the retirement of founding partner Mr Barry Lohnes. Since 1969 Barry has been instrumental in the success that Dominion Diving has enjoyed throughout its 37 year history and we are pleased to say this legacy will continue. Barry's sons, Robin and Matthew along with the continuing support of our dedicated management team and employees, will carry on the Dominion Diving tradition of quality service with the personal touch.

Contract Award From EnCana

2005-11-20T18:32:00.001-04:00

Dominion Diving has been awarded a contract for ROV and Subsea Services from EnCana Corporation.

The contract is in connection with EnCana's drilling program offshore Nova Scotia, which commenced on November 10th from the "Rowan Gorilla VI" harsh environment drilling rig.

Health and Safety Award

2005-06-08T16:06:00.001-03:00

Dominion Diving has recently been awarded a Health and Safety Workplace Achievement Award from the Workers Compensation Board of Nova Scotia. The award reads:

Occupational Health and Safety Wokplace Achievement Award

Presented to

Dominion Diving Limited

For achieving the best workers compensation experience rating merit in Halifax County for 2004.

Contract Award from Petro-Canada

2005-05-10T18:06:00.001-03:00

Dominion Diving Limited have been awarded a contract for Air Diving Services from Petro-Canada.
The contract scope covers all air diving services required in connection with the Terra Nova field off Newfoundland, including the FPSO and Spider Buoy.

Click on the link below for further details on Petro-Canada and the Terra Nova field.
http://www.petro-canada.ca/eng/about/11008.htm

Diving Right In - Shinei Maru Salvage

2003-09-03T17:39:00.001-03:00

Dominion Diving of Dartmouth was involved in a high profile salvage mission when the fishing vessel Shinei Maru 85 ran aground outside Halifax Harbour in early May 2003.

Dominion Diving’s emergency response and salvage team quickly answered a call for assistance and marine pollution control equipment from the ships agent in the early hours of May 4th. Upon arrival at the scene, Dominion conducted a preliminary diving survey to ascertain the extent of the damage and possible source of pollution.

As daylight broke, the salvage plan swung into operation. This involved deployment of oil boom and the pumping out of 140 tons of fuel oil to lighten the vessel for towing free. Another, more detailed bottom, survey was conducted to establish the correct path to pull the casualty free from the rocks.

The Shinei Maru 85 was towed free from its perch at high tide on May 5th and taken to a safe berth inside Halifax Harbour. Dominion then carried out remedial underwater welding repairs to the hull, under the watchful eye of the marine surveyors.

To view or save a PDF about the Shinei Maru Salvage, click here.

Salvage of the "Forrest Glen"

2003-01-14T18:11:00.001-04:00

In January of 2003, along side a wharf in Digby Nova Scotia, Dominion Diving Ltd commenced salvage operations on the 140-foot fishing vessel “Forrest Glen.” Dominion Diving was first called to the scene in December of 2002 to assist pollution control officers from the dept of Fisheries and Oceans. After securing oil boom around the vessel, oil-pumping operations commenced utilizing divers. The divers were able to recover 1600 gallons of diesel. One big challenge on this part of the job was keeping the oil boom intact in the 30-foot tidal range and associated current.Through a biding process, Dominion Diving was able to beat out the competition not only in pricing, but also in designing the best methodology to raise the vessel and minimize any undue stress to the giant piles supporting the wharf structure.

The Salvage Operation
Divers placed large diameter steel wire cables underneath the vessel at various locations. The divers also had to drag 6’ pump suctions into the fish hold and engine room in near zero visibility in preparation for the lift.

A 200-ton floating crane was brought in to conduct the lift. The weather was fair and the project was on schedule. The crane arrived on site and after a safety meeting the lifting operation commenced. After the vessel was lifted, several holes, some as large as 14” in diameter were sealed. Only after Dominion Diving’s salvage master had determined the Forrest Glen was seaworthy and able to float unaided was the crane and rigging removed.

Over the next few days, the remainder of the pollutants were removed. The vessel was towed to a pre-determined location and beached. The demolishing of the vessel and removal of contaminated debris was carried out using method developed by Dominion Diving and took place under the watchful eye of the Canadian Coast Guard, the Department of Environment and the Department of Fisheries and Oceans.

To view or save PDF about the Forrest Glen salvage, click here.

DDL completes work on world's largest drill rig

2002-11-03T18:48:00.001-04:00

Dominion Diving Ltd of Nova Scotia has successfully completed a major project on the world’s largest deepwater semi-submersible drilling rig “Eirik Raude.” The Eirik Raude, owned by Ocean Rig A/S, was in Halifax, NS, for completion and winterization to allow the rig to work in the harsh environments offshore Nova Scotia and Newfoundland.

Working on behalf of Irving-owned Halifax Shipyard Ltd and Ocean Rig A/S, Dominion Diving installed six massive 80 ton thruster units under the twin hulls of the Eirik Raude.

The work involved placing the thrusters on the seabed and then connecting lift wires to the thrusters so they could be lifted into position. The divers had to clear and prepare the seabed before the thrusters could be placed. Due to the water depths encountered, surface decompression techniques were employed in order to give the divers more productive time in the water.

Another part of Dominion’s work was to inspect and replace any damaged anodes belowe water on the rig’s hulls.

The project manager of Dominion Diving, Shawn MacPhail says “Considering the fact that this is the first time that thrusters have been installed using this method and the job was completed safely and on schedule, I know our clients were extremely pleased with the performance of Dominion Diving.” Dominion also supplied tusgs, crane barges, oil boom and environmental services at various times during the project.

The Eirik Raude is now on location offshore eastern Canada, drilling in water depths up to 3000 metres.

To view or save PDF about the Eirik Raude operation, click here.