OCR – Post Lay Burial / Rock PLacement – CELTIC

Role Definition

Job Description – Offshore Client Representative (OCR)

Project: CELTIC Interconnector – Ireland–France HVDC Link Capacity: 700 MW – ±320 kV HVDC Scope: Submarine Cable Post-Lay Burial (PLB) & Rock Placement Project Duration: March → November 2026 Rotations: 4 weeks on / off (24/7 operations) Vessels: AETHRA*, ATHENA*, ARGO* (Mechanical & Jet Trenching) + Rock Placement vessels (TBC) Reporting to: CIDAC (Client) – Offshore Client Representative Coordinator (OCRC)

1. Project Overview

The CELTIC Interconnector is a 700 MW, 575 km HVDC link between East Cork (Ireland) and Brittany (France). The subsea section of approx. 500 km includes installation and protection of:

• Bipolar HVDC XLPE submarine cables (bundle configuration)

• Fibre optic cable with repeaters

• HDD landfalls in France (Kerradenec) and Ireland (Claycastle Beach)

• Pre-trenching, boulder removal, mechanical trenching, jet trenching and rock placement

Four installation campaigns are foreseen, followed by Post Lay Burial (PLB) and Rock Placement executed by several offshore vessels.

2. Role Purpose

The Offshore Client Representative (OCR) safeguards CIDAC’s interests during all offshore activities related to Post Lay Burial, Jet Trenching, Mechanical Trenching, and Rock Placement. The OCR ensures all works are executed safely, efficiently, in full compliance with contract requirements, project procedures, HSE standards, and industry best practices.

Each vessel will host 2 OCRs working 24/7 in rotating shifts.

3. Key Responsibilities

3.1 Operational Supervision

• Monitor and supervise day-to-day offshore operations (PLB, trenching, rock placement).

• Verify correct execution of contractor work in accordance with the approved procedures, RAMS, and project specifications.

• Monitor subsea operations:

  • Mechanical trenching performance

  • Jetting effectiveness

  • Burial depth achievement vs. design

  • ROV operations & live surveys

  • Rock placement accuracy and as-built quality

• Verify cable integrity and compliance with clearance and protection criteria.

3.2 HSE Compliance

• Ensure all activities comply with HSE plan and Marine Safety requirements.

• Participate in toolbox talks, risk assessments, and onboard HSE briefings.

• Stop work if unsafe conditions or deviations occur.

3.3 Contractual & Technical Assurance

• Check that installation activities align with:

  • Contractual obligations

  • Technical specifications

  • Method Statements & Installation Procedures

  • Nexans EPCI Scope of Work

• Provide technical support and clarification to CIDAC during operations.

• Monitor vessel performance, weather downtime, NPT and operational KPIs.

3.4 Reporting & Documentation

• Prepare daily OCR reports including:

  • Activity summary (last 24h & next 48h forecast)

  • Progress metrics

  • Burial depth data

  • Rock placement volumes

  • Operational deviations

  • Weather & downtime tracking

  • HSE observations

• Attend daily progress calls with CIDAC.

• Ensure correct and complete documentation from the contractor (as-builts, logs, video, survey data).

3.5 Coordination & Communication

• Act as primary CIDAC representative onboard.

• Ensure seamless communication between:

  • Vessel Master / Offshore Manager

  • Nexans site team

  • ROV, trenching & rock placement teams

  • Survey team

  • CIDAC OCRC

• Escalate technical or contractual issues in real-time.

• Represent the client in meetings, risk reviews, and daily planning sessions.

4. Required Technical Competencies

Mandatory

• Proven offshore experience as OCR or equivalent (Client Rep, Offshore Supervisor).

• Strong background in submarine cable installation, including:

  • Mechanical trenching

  • Jet trenching

  • PLB operations

  • Rock placement (fall pipe or TSHD methods)

  • Pre-trenching / boulder clearance

• Familiarity with ROV operations, survey methods, MBES/SSS data interpretation.

• Understanding of HVDC cable installation constraints & cable protection strategies.

• Ability to interpret installation drawings, route engineering, and burial requirements.

• Strong command of English (spoken & written).

Desirable

• Previous experience on Nexans projects or similar EPCI contracts

• Experience supervising HDD pull-ins or landfall operations

• Knowledge of HVDC cable design & optical fiber cable systems

• Experience in cable crossings and rock berm protection design

5. Qualifications & Certifications

• Valid offshore medical certificate

• BOSIET / FOET / STCW or equivalent (OPITO)

• GWO certificates an advantage

• Passport allowing travel within EU/UK

• Full COVID/health compliance as per vessel requirements

6. Work Conditions

• Offshore operations on multiple vessels (24/7)

• Rotations: 4 weeks on / off

• Accommodation provided on board

• Frequent coordination with OCRC and CIDAC onshore teams

• Kick-off and briefing meetings prior to mobilisation (remote or in-office)

7. Additional Requirements

• Contractor must provide:

  • Set of candidates with detailed CVs

  • Certificates (medical, BOSIET, training, visas/work rights)

  • Availability plan aligned with rotations

  • A designated OCR Coordinator (OCRC) as main point of contact

8. Key Personal Attributes

• Strong leadership in offshore environment

• Excellent communication with marine teams

• Proactive approach to risk mitigation

• High resilience and ability to handle complex operational situations

• Strong analytical and decision-making skills