Platform on civil engineering, underground infrastructure, energy, construction equipment & construction machinery
The Difference Between Chaos and Success
What appears from the outside to be a tightly organized operation is, in reality, a constantly shifting playing field. In the world of maritime services, schedules change frequently, yet projects must continue to run smoothly. It is precisely in this dynamic that the strength and the challenge of DISA International’s planning department lie.
DISA’s planners operate at the intersection of people, technology, and international regulations. They ensure that divers, technicians, and equipment are in the right place at the right time, worldwide. But as complexity increases, so do new opportunities. The emergence of innovative technologies such as drones and ROVs (Remotely Operated Vehicles) is also opening the door to new markets and specializations. As a result, the role of the planning department is shifting from purely organizational tasks to strategic forward thinking.
At its core, planning seems simple, but in reality, it’s a constant balancing act between availability, skills, and deadlines, says Joachim Torfs, who is responsible for planning at DISA. “We often manage dozens of projects at the same time, sometimes with as many as 150 people on the schedule. And the same principle applies to everything: getting the right person, with the right certifications, in the right place at the right time.” Working outside and even within different EU countries involves a maze of regulations. “Managers, supervisors, divers, riggers, and other technicians must have specific certifications, work permits, and visas. At the same time, practical matters such as housing, transportation, and insurance must be arranged down to the last detail.”
DISA International is fortunate to have a very large group of permanent employees spread across its various locations in Belgium, the Netherlands, Germany, Denmark, the UK, and Singapore, but it also relies on a flexible workforce through partnerships with other companies. “Working with various partners across the EU is also common practice for DISA,” says Thomas Hacker, a planner at DISA’s German division. “Team dynamics are crucial in this regard. A project requires not only the right qualifications but also the right chemistry among specialists such as project managers, supervisors, works managers, riggers, technicians, divers, and drone and ROV pilots.”
The market is constantly changing. “Brexit, for example, has made it considerably more difficult for our British colleagues to work in Europe,” says Torfs. “Whereas they used to be able to work freely, complex administrative procedures are now required.” At the same time, new opportunities and challenges are emerging, such as the growth of ROV and drone technology. “These systems are rapidly gaining ground and are currently operated from our headquarters whenever possible. But there remains a global shortage of qualified personnel. This is creating a ‘war for talent,’ in which companies must compete to attract specialists,” explains Tommy Paredes, who is responsible for planning in Denmark.
According to Paredes, in nearly all EU countries it is also necessary to arrange for specific country-specific documents and job classifications so that colleagues can perform their work in that country. “That, too, poses an additional challenge for us planners, quite apart from the day-to-day dynamics.” Torfs agrees and says, “Schedules can change completely within a week. It’s not uncommon to receive dozens of phone calls within an hour, some of which ultimately yield no results because the situation has changed. Decisions often have to be made at lightning speed, without losing sight of the big picture and while constantly considering all possible consequences.”
Yet that is precisely where the strength of a good planning department lies. “It’s commitment and trust that make the difference,” says Hacker. “By investing in relationships with our colleagues and partners, we create a sense of family. People know they’re well-prepared when they head out, that everything is taken care of, and that we’re actively thinking about their long-term employability.”
The planning department is therefore much more than just statically moving ‘figures’ and equipment around. It is a strategic and human link in a complex and international environment that makes the difference between chaos and success.
Neem dan rechtstreeks contact op met DISA International.
Contact opnemen
We provide safe, time efficient, cost-effective and comprehensive subsea solutions. YOUR SUBSEA SOLUTIONS SPECIALIST We are DISA International, your specialists in pioneering subsea solutions. Since 2003 we have been diving into different segments of the marine and underwater world where our inventive and comprehensive solutions are relied upon by our international client base. HOW WE [...]
Bekijk Bedrijfsprofiel
