The Netherlands: Delft to Host CEDA-IADC “Environmental Aspects of Dredging”

The Training Course “Environmental Aspects of Dredging” will next be presented in Delft, the Netherlands. Organised by the Postgraduate Academic Programme (PAO) of the Delft University of Technology, it will take place 19-20 April 2012. Advance educational credits are awarded to participants.

According to course leader Gerard van Raalte, “Understanding the ecosystem is essential. It not only helps mitigate potential negative impacts, but also improves and enhances the wider project environment – something that each dredging project should seek to achieve”.

The Training Course is based on the book Environmental Aspects of Dredging that was produced as a joint effort by the Central Dredging Association (CEDA) and the International Association of Dredging Companies (IADC) and published by Taylor and Francis in 2008. The lessons are enhanced by the up-to-date knowledge of the course leaders who are constantly revising the information to reflect the most current knowledge and thinking.

Two full days

The course is intensive, compacted into two very full days, composed of lectures and working group sessions. Topics covered include:

– an overview of the “players” who may become involved in dredging projects and their perspectives;

– main types of dredging equipment, their environmental effects and possible mitigation measures;

– pre-dredging site investigations, monitoring and dredged material management; and

– workshops where participants are split into small groups to find solutions for dredging projects closely resembling real-life dredging situations.

In addition to PAO educational credits, at the end of the two days, an IADC certificate of achievement is awarded to all participants who attended both days of the course.

Small classes, individualised attention

Most recently the course was offered in December 2011 in Abu Dhabi, initiated and sponsored by the National Marine Dredging Company, NMDC. It took place at the Higher Colleges of Technology (HCT) – where it attracted a record-breaking attendance. In fact, with 37 participants, it was definitely the biggest EAD course ever held. As a result, the organisers had to enlist some extra help: The two regular lecturers Gerard van Raalte (Boskalis/Hydronamic, the Netherlands) and Nick Bray (HR Wallingford, UK) were assisted by Mark van Koningsveld (Van Oord, the Netherlands), Michael Costaras (HR Wallingford, UK) and Lena Paipai (independent consultant, Dubai).

The uniqueness of the course is characterised by its small class size and individual attention. Remarking on the Abu Dhabi event, René Kolman, Secretary General of IADC, explains, “Even with this special arrangement, we were unable to accommodate all registrants. It was a hard decision to say no to a number of people who very much would have liked to join us. However, we needed to limit the class size in order to safeguard the quality of the working sessions, which are designed for hands-on attention in small groups”.

Anyone involved in a maritime infrastructure project, who is concerned and wants to know more about the interaction of dredging and the environment: (future) decision makers and their advisors in governments, port and harbour authorities, off-shore energy companies, employees at dredging companies and other related organisations.

Course leader Gerard van Raalte advises attendees:

“Make use of what you learn about dredging and the environment in these two days so that your next project can benefit from your knowledge. Get your information from wherever possible. Use the book, the basis for this course, and involve the stakeholders early on. Very often they are the ones who know the most. After all, it is their own environment”.

About IADC

IADC stands for “International Association of Dredging Companies” and is the global umbrella organisation for contractors in the private dredging industry. As such IADC is dedicated to not only promoting the skills, integrity and reliability of its members, but also the dredging industry in general. IADC has over one hundred main and associated members. Together they represent the forefront of the dredging industry.

About CEDA

The Central Dredging Association (CEDA) is an international professional membership organisation for all those involved in dredging related activities and who live or work in Europe, Africa, or the Middle East. CEDA provides an independent forum for the exchange of knowledge in fields related to dredging, maritime construction and dredged material management. Members are drawn from many fields and include consultants, research and educational institutes, port authorities, government agencies, dredging contractors, builders of dredging vessels, and suppliers of ancillary equipment. CEDA encompasses a wide range of disciplines and activities and does not represent the interests of any particular industry sector.

About PAO

PAO stands for PostAcademisch Onderwijs, meaning Post Graduate Education. The courses are organised by the Foundation for Post Graduate Education. Responsibility for the courses is borne by the Board of Directors, which consists of representatives of the organisations listed below:

– Dutch (technical) Universities;

– Representatives of the Royal Institute of Engineers (KIVI NIRIA);

– Various professional associations.

The cooperation of these organisations guarantees the scientific content and professional orientation of the courses. PAO is a foundation working on a non-profit basis, which allows the setting of relatively low course fees.

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Dredging Today Staff, January 11, 2012; Image: iadc-dredging